Ok Here's the dilema...
Mobile food courts are awesome, but what do you do when 3 of your top 10 appear at the same time?
What do you do??????
Answer, Make a pig of yourself and spend the afternoon in an unproductive food coma.
We've all been there before, frequently happens at pot lucks and gatherings.
That's when after your appointment with gluttony you slump down on the couch, loosen any tight clothing and assume what Yoga refers to as the "Reclining Al Bundy" position.
OK, I made that part up but you get the picture.
This week my weekly visit to the Century lot included 3 of our top 15 list. Global Soul, Flying Pig and, India Jones. ALL AT THE SAME TIME!!!!!!!!
That's just not fair, The diet gods are mocking me!
Well, I can't pass up the duck taco and pork belly bun from the Pig and I can't pass up a Frankie from India Jones. Global Soul always has something on their board I want, after all they can't make anything bad. It's just not possible.
Hell, the trucks I passed on would make a great meal as well. What were they you ask? The Feast Truck, Lee's Philly, Gourmet Genie and, Me So Hungry!
So here I sit, slumped in my chair, almost asleep wondering how I'm going to get through the rest of the day.
If you see me in this state don't bother me, and don't tell me I'm snoring or that there's a little drool exiting my mouth, I DON'T CARE!
I just ate some of the best street eats money can buy!
I love L.A.!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The Mighty Sandwich
The ultimate street food, the consummate lunch food. A food with as many variations as there are people who make them. To try to list all my favorites would be impossible, so I'll narrow it down a bit to some of the more imaginative things we've found.
And of course, this will be an ongoing series because the innovation never stops. But through it it we have found several honorable mentions.
If flat out innovation in a standard 2slice of bread with something in between is what you crave give The Munchie Machine a try. This man has a novel approach. First pick your bread, then pick your filling from 6 regular options or a couple of daily specials using check marks on a menu card. I tried a chicken pesto creation and was not disappointed. And the face on the menu does look disturbingly like the owner of the truck. But don't let that stop you. This man knows his way around a couple of slices of bread!
Perhaps a good deli sandwich is more to your liking. The 80 year Los Angeles institution, Canters Deli. prowls the streets serving better than average deli sandwiches to those in search of deli bliss. Is Canters the best? Well that's arguable, especially in an environment that hosts the likes of Label's Table, Brent's, Art's and Nate 'n Al's. But they don't have a truck. And that make's it the best deli sandwich on wheels! I tried one of their Ruebens and it melted in my mouth like a good Rueben should.
For something a little different keep an eye out for Naan Stop. This truck takes Indian Naan bread and wraps it around heavily spiced indian fare such as lamb, tandoori chicken, Paneer (cheese), and spiced turkey kebab. Need I say more?
Perhaps you like your entire meal on a roll. Meet 'N Potatoes makes one sandwich with 7 different meat choices. Each sandwich contains cole slaw, tomatoes, french fries, and cheese. And they are very generous with the portions. An entire meal between the slices.
Taking that notion a step further is Jersey Grub.An idea born on the grounds of Rutgers university these sandwiches could best be describes as bar food on a roll. With ingredients such as mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, french fries, white sauce and anything else they can come up with, you're guaranteed a belly ache if you chow down an entire one.
Perhaps a Philly is more your style. There are a few of players in this arena. Bera's, South Philly Experience, Sandwich Brothers and Lee's Philly all have tossed their hat into the hoagie pool and in my opinion there's not a bad one among them. Granted I haven't yet tried them all but give me time.
Then there's the Banh Mi, a Vietnamese variation of a sub sandwich. Using a specially made french baguette and sporting marinated daikon, carrots and cilantro these are a surprisingly inexpensive and satisfying treat. The 3 biggest players here are The Nom Nom Truck, Eat Phamish and Mandoline Grill. My favorite among them is Mandoline Grill for taste but hands down, Nom Nom takes the prize for speed and price. Both Mandoline and Phamish offer more on their menu as well.
I suppose you can't talk sandwiches without mentioning Grilled Cheese, everybody's favorite. And indeed the Grilled Cheese truck has brought the elevated version of grilled cheese to the streets. But they're not the only game in town. Keep your eyes on the menus. You don't always have to wait in a 1/2 hour line for a good grilled fromage!
And least we not mention my personal favorite, BBQ! But since I've covered that in another blog.....
I won't even got into the burgers and hot dogs. Each of those in a blog within themselves.
There are a great many I haven't listed here, I know, but I will when time allows.
Till then... EAT A SANDWICH!
And of course, this will be an ongoing series because the innovation never stops. But through it it we have found several honorable mentions.
If flat out innovation in a standard 2slice of bread with something in between is what you crave give The Munchie Machine a try. This man has a novel approach. First pick your bread, then pick your filling from 6 regular options or a couple of daily specials using check marks on a menu card. I tried a chicken pesto creation and was not disappointed. And the face on the menu does look disturbingly like the owner of the truck. But don't let that stop you. This man knows his way around a couple of slices of bread!
Perhaps a good deli sandwich is more to your liking. The 80 year Los Angeles institution, Canters Deli. prowls the streets serving better than average deli sandwiches to those in search of deli bliss. Is Canters the best? Well that's arguable, especially in an environment that hosts the likes of Label's Table, Brent's, Art's and Nate 'n Al's. But they don't have a truck. And that make's it the best deli sandwich on wheels! I tried one of their Ruebens and it melted in my mouth like a good Rueben should.
For something a little different keep an eye out for Naan Stop. This truck takes Indian Naan bread and wraps it around heavily spiced indian fare such as lamb, tandoori chicken, Paneer (cheese), and spiced turkey kebab. Need I say more?
Perhaps you like your entire meal on a roll. Meet 'N Potatoes makes one sandwich with 7 different meat choices. Each sandwich contains cole slaw, tomatoes, french fries, and cheese. And they are very generous with the portions. An entire meal between the slices.
Taking that notion a step further is Jersey Grub.An idea born on the grounds of Rutgers university these sandwiches could best be describes as bar food on a roll. With ingredients such as mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, french fries, white sauce and anything else they can come up with, you're guaranteed a belly ache if you chow down an entire one.
Perhaps a Philly is more your style. There are a few of players in this arena. Bera's, South Philly Experience, Sandwich Brothers and Lee's Philly all have tossed their hat into the hoagie pool and in my opinion there's not a bad one among them. Granted I haven't yet tried them all but give me time.
Then there's the Banh Mi, a Vietnamese variation of a sub sandwich. Using a specially made french baguette and sporting marinated daikon, carrots and cilantro these are a surprisingly inexpensive and satisfying treat. The 3 biggest players here are The Nom Nom Truck, Eat Phamish and Mandoline Grill. My favorite among them is Mandoline Grill for taste but hands down, Nom Nom takes the prize for speed and price. Both Mandoline and Phamish offer more on their menu as well.
I suppose you can't talk sandwiches without mentioning Grilled Cheese, everybody's favorite. And indeed the Grilled Cheese truck has brought the elevated version of grilled cheese to the streets. But they're not the only game in town. Keep your eyes on the menus. You don't always have to wait in a 1/2 hour line for a good grilled fromage!
And least we not mention my personal favorite, BBQ! But since I've covered that in another blog.....
I won't even got into the burgers and hot dogs. Each of those in a blog within themselves.
There are a great many I haven't listed here, I know, but I will when time allows.
Till then... EAT A SANDWICH!
Monday, April 25, 2011
What's your favorite??
What's your favorite truck?
We frequently get asked that question. And in the world of L.A. Food Trucks it's downright impossible to pick one. But we do have our top 10- 15 favorites so we thought we'd share this list with you.
Bear in mind of course that as we sample new ones, this list is subject to change! SO here they are in no particular order.
The Border Grill. Being a Too Hot Tamales fan from way back this was a truck I had to track down. And was I ever glad we did. Of the 8-10 menu items we've tried from here we haven't found one that disappoints. We both agree that this one is worth going out of your way for. The ceviche cone and tamal cones are standouts.
Papa's Tapas. Another one where no matter what we try it's always good. This is a family owned truck and the people running this truck are awesome. Another one we're always glad to see and won't pass up when given the opportunity. Try the croquettes and the Paella if they're available.
India Jones Chow Truck. The Frankie is what initially got our attention here then I started trying other items on this menu. All good. The Mango spareribs are a sloppy good time. Definitely Stalker approved!
Global Soul. This is the truck that first caused us to ask the question "Is it even possible for them to make something bad?" The Shrimp Toastie is not just a home run, it knocks it out of the park! Other items I've tried here are equally off the hook!
Barbie's Q, Smokin Willie's and Willoughby Road. Ok, so we're fans of great Q. See our previous blog on this trio. I think if I ever found a mobile food court that had more than one of these at the same time my head would explode!
Komodo. This one grew on us over time. We found that anytime this one appeared at Century a Komodo 2.0 was in order. Anything we've tried here has been good. So they get a place on our Stalker Approved list.
Rajin Cajun. Steve is a real character. Anyone who watched him on "The Great Food Truck Race" knows that. But he can cook some food. Southern Creole food in a favorite of ours to begin with, and he's found ways to create new things within that realm. Try his Gumbolaya, a fusion between Gumbo and Jambalaya. It's stupid good!
White Rabbit. There are several Philippino trucks on the scene. What sets this one apart is the Pork Sisig, a wonderful concoction made from deep fried pork belly. I'm fortunate enough to live near their brick and mortar establishment which has the same menu as the truck. It's irresistable. And don't forget the Lumpia!
Slap Yo Mama. OK, I really wanted to say that. But beyond the funny name is a woman who makes some of the best Po Boy sandwiches I've ever tasted. Try the fried catfish with a side of Mac and Cheese. And really nice people as well!
Flying Pig. We struggled with this one. Not everything on this truck is a home run but two things are so good that they are superstars in the food truck world. This truck makes what I think is the best slider I've tasted. It's their Pork Belly Bun. A chunk of Pork Belly on a Bao bun with marinated onions. Incredible. The other item is their Tamarind Duck taco. Duck meat, tamarind sauce and a piece of a clementine. Kudos! Their somoked chicken and regular pork sliders are also worth mentioning. Just don't bother with the burritos.
Louk's To Go. Who doesn't love good Greek food. Of the few things We've tried here we've been blown away every time. They make a sausage pita wrap with hummus that has a little bit of honey in it. Spectacular and try the Dolmas on a stick!
Lomo Arigato. Peruvian, Japanese fusion. Sounds great, but not exactly a new thing if you know your history. The result is a cuisine that has the heartiness of the South American cuisines tempered with the refinement of Japanese cuisine. The Saltado and Tallarin you get here are incredible. And he's got the grates hood ornament I've ever seen!
We have more recommendations but we'll stop here at 11, well 13 really. If there are a few here you haven't tried, track them down. You'll be glad you did!
We frequently get asked that question. And in the world of L.A. Food Trucks it's downright impossible to pick one. But we do have our top 10- 15 favorites so we thought we'd share this list with you.
Bear in mind of course that as we sample new ones, this list is subject to change! SO here they are in no particular order.
The Border Grill. Being a Too Hot Tamales fan from way back this was a truck I had to track down. And was I ever glad we did. Of the 8-10 menu items we've tried from here we haven't found one that disappoints. We both agree that this one is worth going out of your way for. The ceviche cone and tamal cones are standouts.
Papa's Tapas. Another one where no matter what we try it's always good. This is a family owned truck and the people running this truck are awesome. Another one we're always glad to see and won't pass up when given the opportunity. Try the croquettes and the Paella if they're available.
India Jones Chow Truck. The Frankie is what initially got our attention here then I started trying other items on this menu. All good. The Mango spareribs are a sloppy good time. Definitely Stalker approved!
Global Soul. This is the truck that first caused us to ask the question "Is it even possible for them to make something bad?" The Shrimp Toastie is not just a home run, it knocks it out of the park! Other items I've tried here are equally off the hook!
Barbie's Q, Smokin Willie's and Willoughby Road. Ok, so we're fans of great Q. See our previous blog on this trio. I think if I ever found a mobile food court that had more than one of these at the same time my head would explode!
Komodo. This one grew on us over time. We found that anytime this one appeared at Century a Komodo 2.0 was in order. Anything we've tried here has been good. So they get a place on our Stalker Approved list.
Rajin Cajun. Steve is a real character. Anyone who watched him on "The Great Food Truck Race" knows that. But he can cook some food. Southern Creole food in a favorite of ours to begin with, and he's found ways to create new things within that realm. Try his Gumbolaya, a fusion between Gumbo and Jambalaya. It's stupid good!
White Rabbit. There are several Philippino trucks on the scene. What sets this one apart is the Pork Sisig, a wonderful concoction made from deep fried pork belly. I'm fortunate enough to live near their brick and mortar establishment which has the same menu as the truck. It's irresistable. And don't forget the Lumpia!
Slap Yo Mama. OK, I really wanted to say that. But beyond the funny name is a woman who makes some of the best Po Boy sandwiches I've ever tasted. Try the fried catfish with a side of Mac and Cheese. And really nice people as well!
Flying Pig. We struggled with this one. Not everything on this truck is a home run but two things are so good that they are superstars in the food truck world. This truck makes what I think is the best slider I've tasted. It's their Pork Belly Bun. A chunk of Pork Belly on a Bao bun with marinated onions. Incredible. The other item is their Tamarind Duck taco. Duck meat, tamarind sauce and a piece of a clementine. Kudos! Their somoked chicken and regular pork sliders are also worth mentioning. Just don't bother with the burritos.
Louk's To Go. Who doesn't love good Greek food. Of the few things We've tried here we've been blown away every time. They make a sausage pita wrap with hummus that has a little bit of honey in it. Spectacular and try the Dolmas on a stick!
Lomo Arigato. Peruvian, Japanese fusion. Sounds great, but not exactly a new thing if you know your history. The result is a cuisine that has the heartiness of the South American cuisines tempered with the refinement of Japanese cuisine. The Saltado and Tallarin you get here are incredible. And he's got the grates hood ornament I've ever seen!
We have more recommendations but we'll stop here at 11, well 13 really. If there are a few here you haven't tried, track them down. You'll be glad you did!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Mobile Q
Ahhh Barbeque. Who doesn't like good barbeque!
Personally I think a great piece of smoked meat is one of those little pleasures that makes life worth living. In the food truck world bbq has 2 meanings. It can be the ribs, chicken and beef that we Americans have perfected or it can refer to the Korean variety found in the tacos and burritos of many of the "fusion" trucks out there.
Here I'm discussing the former variety, the good old American back yard developed, slow cooked, hard to control, mess up your clothes goodness that some people have spent their lives perfecting.
There are 3 trucks in particular that I've tried that serve up this variety. They are, Barbie's Q, Smokin Willie's and Willoughby Road. If you asked me to pick a favorite here I'd simply answer yes. All of the above. But each has their own little hidden gems that set them apart.
Barbie's Q was the first one I tried. To say that this man understands meat is an understatement. Mr. Bowler, the pit boss, personally smokes his meats each day and has got it down. His tacos and sliders are top notch. But the real hidde gem on his menu is his St. Louis style spareribs. You can buy the one at a time for 2 bucks each and they will send you to bbq heaven.
Willoughby Road came next. I've only had the pleasure once but that's all it took. I tried his smoked and deep fried spareribs. Eating this in my car was probably a mistake in retrospect but I totally didn't notice until I had finished and found that much of the sauce was on me rather than in me. I didn't care, I was in a food coma and bbq heaven at the same time.
Lastly came Smokin Willie's, This trucks best feature is the sauce which you can buy at Whole Foods separately. It's worth it. The regular and the spicy chipotle can make anything taste better. I tried them on sliders and was not disappointed.
All 3 of these trucks are stalker approved. As a side note, I had Barbie's Q cater a party I had a while back and that could not have gone better. It was a musicians party and what goes better with rock and blues than good Q???
Nothing, that's what!
Personally I think a great piece of smoked meat is one of those little pleasures that makes life worth living. In the food truck world bbq has 2 meanings. It can be the ribs, chicken and beef that we Americans have perfected or it can refer to the Korean variety found in the tacos and burritos of many of the "fusion" trucks out there.
Here I'm discussing the former variety, the good old American back yard developed, slow cooked, hard to control, mess up your clothes goodness that some people have spent their lives perfecting.
There are 3 trucks in particular that I've tried that serve up this variety. They are, Barbie's Q, Smokin Willie's and Willoughby Road. If you asked me to pick a favorite here I'd simply answer yes. All of the above. But each has their own little hidden gems that set them apart.
Barbie's Q was the first one I tried. To say that this man understands meat is an understatement. Mr. Bowler, the pit boss, personally smokes his meats each day and has got it down. His tacos and sliders are top notch. But the real hidde gem on his menu is his St. Louis style spareribs. You can buy the one at a time for 2 bucks each and they will send you to bbq heaven.
Willoughby Road came next. I've only had the pleasure once but that's all it took. I tried his smoked and deep fried spareribs. Eating this in my car was probably a mistake in retrospect but I totally didn't notice until I had finished and found that much of the sauce was on me rather than in me. I didn't care, I was in a food coma and bbq heaven at the same time.
Lastly came Smokin Willie's, This trucks best feature is the sauce which you can buy at Whole Foods separately. It's worth it. The regular and the spicy chipotle can make anything taste better. I tried them on sliders and was not disappointed.
All 3 of these trucks are stalker approved. As a side note, I had Barbie's Q cater a party I had a while back and that could not have gone better. It was a musicians party and what goes better with rock and blues than good Q???
Nothing, that's what!
Monday, April 11, 2011
OK, I get it now..
There are some trucks out there that just get long lines everywhere they go. And in some cases it's not because they're the best around. Sometimes it's a matter of popularity, sometimes it's the people on the trucks.
That was the case with The Nom Nom Truck for me. Probably one of the best known trucks out there and it always has long lines. Now I get that a big part of their popularity is due to their appearance in The Great Food Truck Race. But it seems like that only affected them and Grill 'em" All. The other trucks that appeared on that show don't get any more business than the other trucks do, in other words they're not a "draw".
So I asked myself, "Why then?"
It's certainly not the people. I once tried to buy a large quantity of sandwiches and tacos from them for a party I was having and just flat out got turned down. Why?, It wasn't a large enough order. I was told flat out "$1500.00 minimum order for special events". And that was even if I came to them to pick them up.
So why then does a business that treats people that way so wildly successful.
The other night they were parked literally 3 blocks from my house so being the true truck stalker that I am, I decided on a Bahn Mi for dinner.
I got there early and was actually the first person in a long line. I ordered my sandwich and before I was even done paying for it the sandwich was done. I do have to say that's the fastest service I've ever received
from a truck. The sandwich was reasonably good and although not the best Banh Mi I've ever had, I'd get it again. And it was cheap! All the other trucks charge 8 for a sandwich, Nom Nom's is still only 5 bucks. 8 bucks here gets you a sandwich, taco and drink combo. So as far as street food goes, they got the formula right. Limited menu, low prices and very fast friendly service (as long as your not dealing with the owners).
Would I recommend this truck?, sure. They know what they're doing.
Now if only they could be a little more likeable....
That was the case with The Nom Nom Truck for me. Probably one of the best known trucks out there and it always has long lines. Now I get that a big part of their popularity is due to their appearance in The Great Food Truck Race. But it seems like that only affected them and Grill 'em" All. The other trucks that appeared on that show don't get any more business than the other trucks do, in other words they're not a "draw".
So I asked myself, "Why then?"
It's certainly not the people. I once tried to buy a large quantity of sandwiches and tacos from them for a party I was having and just flat out got turned down. Why?, It wasn't a large enough order. I was told flat out "$1500.00 minimum order for special events". And that was even if I came to them to pick them up.
So why then does a business that treats people that way so wildly successful.
The other night they were parked literally 3 blocks from my house so being the true truck stalker that I am, I decided on a Bahn Mi for dinner.
I got there early and was actually the first person in a long line. I ordered my sandwich and before I was even done paying for it the sandwich was done. I do have to say that's the fastest service I've ever received
from a truck. The sandwich was reasonably good and although not the best Banh Mi I've ever had, I'd get it again. And it was cheap! All the other trucks charge 8 for a sandwich, Nom Nom's is still only 5 bucks. 8 bucks here gets you a sandwich, taco and drink combo. So as far as street food goes, they got the formula right. Limited menu, low prices and very fast friendly service (as long as your not dealing with the owners).
Would I recommend this truck?, sure. They know what they're doing.
Now if only they could be a little more likeable....
Monday, April 4, 2011
Hello L.A. Food Truck Foodies
If you're looking at this I probably don't have to explain what we're talking about. The food truck phenomenon has taken off here in Los Angeles and it's anybody's guess how long this will last. As far as I can see, it still seems to be gaining popularity.
A fellow foodie and myself are lucky enough to work in an area the tucks like to frequent which is near L.A. Airport. We'll share our thoughts, tell you about our favorites, try to let you all know about new trucks on the scene and tell you about our "must try's" when we find them. Between us we've been able to try over 70 of them and neither of us ever hits the dessert or drink trucks although that may change.
We welcome your comments, suggestions and if you have a request we'll try. The only caveat is that since we are L.A. County based, the O.C. food trucks are a bit beyond our reach. We'll try one when we can but I don't expect that will happen often. There are a couple in our list though so it's not impossible.
A fellow foodie and myself are lucky enough to work in an area the tucks like to frequent which is near L.A. Airport. We'll share our thoughts, tell you about our favorites, try to let you all know about new trucks on the scene and tell you about our "must try's" when we find them. Between us we've been able to try over 70 of them and neither of us ever hits the dessert or drink trucks although that may change.
We welcome your comments, suggestions and if you have a request we'll try. The only caveat is that since we are L.A. County based, the O.C. food trucks are a bit beyond our reach. We'll try one when we can but I don't expect that will happen often. There are a couple in our list though so it's not impossible.
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