An SF Peninsula bucket list for foodies, produce lovers and bakery fans

The Peninsula’s bustling cities and Silicon Valley’s tech headquarters may be known as a globally-famous hot bed of innovative ideas. But nestled within this unique region lie diverse communities with traditions, heritage and food from around the world. From modest taquerias and KFC — that’s Korean fried chicken, not the white-suited colonel’s — to a swanky market hall, the obvious conclusion is: Lucky us.

1 Indulge in the delicious torta. The traditional Mexican sandwich reigns supreme at La Casita Chilanga. What this hole-in-the-wall hot spot lacks in the way of ambiance, it more than makes up for with its traditional Mexican sandwiches. La Milan, my favorite of the 11 offerings, combines thin slices of well-seasoned beef with — deep breath — pickled peppers, fresh tomato, queso fresco, refried beans, onions, avocado and a spicy mayo spread on toasted telera bread. At roughly the size of a dinner plate, this sandwich ($11) comfortably serves two and elevates lunch to a whole new plateau.

Details: Four locations, including 761 El Camino Real, Redwood City; https://lacasitachilanga.com

2 Go (baby) green at the farmers markets. Hydroponically grown baby arugula, beet tops, mizuna, mustard greens and tender lettuces have become my obsession — enabled by Magnolia Produce, which has stands at the Palo Alto farmers market on Saturdays and Menlo Park market on Sundays. (Get there early. They almost always sell out.) Magnolia founder Peter Bigsby has more than three decades of experience growing these exceptional greens. My whole family can taste the difference between these and the usual soil-grown varieties. Magnolia’s greens are sleeved with roots intact, so they stay fresh and crisp until ready to eat.

Details: Find information on the Palo Alto market at www.pafarmersmarket.org; and the Menlo Park market at www.localharvest.org.

3 Belly up to the breakfast bar. The newly opened Little Sky Bakery has a cultlike following, thanks to founder Tian Mayimin’s artisanal, naturally leavened breads. The offerings result from what the self-taught baker calls “micro-innovation” experimentation. But it’s a lesser-known menu item, simply called the Breakfast Bar ($14 for two), that’s so irresistible. This dense, seedy, bricklike bar looks intimidating — until you take a bite, that is. Oats, almond butter and teff are the backbone. Tart cherries, coconut, apricot and prunes add sweetness. And sesame, poppy and sunflower seeds provide satisfying texture. The result is indulgent, healthy and totally delicious.

Details: Find Little Sky at Bay Area farmers markets and its new brick-and-mortar at 506 Santa Cruz Ave. in Menlo Park; https://littleskybakery.com.

4 Explore the new(ish) State Street Market, a fun, upscale, community-focused food hall with ample outdoor seating and a diverse mix of tasty bites and sips. Order food at your table via a QR-code based menu and have it delivered moments later by the roving wait staff, with offerings that range from Bao Bei’s soft-shell crab baos ($11) with kimchi to Little Blue Door’s Cal-Indian favorites, such as rotisserie cauliflower with curry ($18). Got a young vegetarian? Banks & Braes does an Impossible chicken nugget kids’ meal ($10). Resident bar Murdoch’s shakes up craft cocktails and grazing boards. (And Traci Des Jardins’ sit-down restaurant, el Alto, is next door.)

Details: 170 State St., Los Altos; http://statestreetmarket.com