The Cinnamon Snail @ 2011 Gourmet Food Truck Festival

At last, a few quick thoughts on the final food truck I sampled at the 2011 Gourmet Food Truck Festival on Sunday, 4/10. Because I had already overloaded on Rickshaw Dumplings and Schnitzel & Things, my third and final stop had to be something short 'n' sweet. With a name like The Cinnamon Snail, this seemed like the perfect place for that.

The Cinnamon Snail, 2011 Gourmet Food Truck Festival (Photo credit: Truckspotter)

Although there was no more time or stomach muscle left to try a full meal here, I wish I'd known sooner about the interesting sandwiches and other entrees this truck's seasonal menu offers (Korean BBQ Seitan sandwich sounded just weird and yummy enough for instance). In fact, they have a menu even more extensive than Schnitzel & Things, including a full breakfast and pastries menu in addition to the sandwiches and entrees. I haven't heard of this organic, vegan food truck but the website indicates that it is actually based out of Hoboken, NJ. This is NJ Truckspotter's turf, so perhaps she'll be able to sample more of the menu someday and give us a more complete review.

Out of an array of vegan donuts and pastries, I chose the Chocolate Cake Donut and Coconut Milk Creme Brulee (they were out of the Raw Chocolate Pudding). The donut really didn't do much for me. I'm not sure if it had just been out too long, or if the vegan ingredients gave some what of a dry texture and not-so-yummy nuttiness. Overall, not my cup of tea and wouldn't go very well with one either.

The Brulee, on the other hand, was fun, different, and springy. Mostly because the sugar on top was just a little burnt the way I like it. And while I don't usually opt for coconut-flavored anything, this had a natural but mild coconut taste that helped polish and seal up my appetite for the day.

The side of the truck says: Food to help you transform into a being of pure light who can serve all living creatures simultaneously and eternally. That's great! Usually not on my mind when I'm stalking a food truck and trying to satisfy my appetite on the go, but it's wonderful that a more mindful food truck-eating experience exists. I'd give them a "grade" but since I just had dessert, that wouldn't be entirely fair. The website says that these guys are working on getting a permit to park in Brooklyn, so look out for them soon!

The Krave Truck - Jersey City, NJ

I'm pleased to introduce you to NJ Truckspotter, a great friend of mine and fellow foodie. Her 'hood in Jersey City is the first place I caught sight of a Korean-Mexican food truck. Although there has been tremendous hype surrounding Kimchi Taco Truck, this one may just have been the Tri-State Area's first. Here are NJ Truckspotter's thoughts on The Krave Truck in Jersey City:

The food truck phenomenon is not confined to New York City – they’ve spread to my side of the river, in Jersey too!

The Krave Truck is a mobile peddler of the iconic truck food from LA – the Korean taco. Similar to the Kogi Truck, and brethren to the Kimchi Taco Truck that Truckspotter just reviewed, the Krave Truck offers a blissfully brief menu of Korean-inflected Mexican food. Or maybe it’s the other way around. Given my love for Korean, and my penchant for food from a foam container, I went to go check it out.

The Krave Truck travels to different locations in Jersey City throughout the week, and I found them at their usual dinnertime spot, the corner of Columbus and Marin Blvd right outside the Grove St. PATH station. The truck is a bright pea green, and hard to miss. I picked an unseasonably warm day in the spring for my visit, and I was able to eat on the steps of the PATH station, while people-watching – a glorious way to enjoy my food.

I had luckily familiarized myself with the menu beforehand, because the photos in the window of the truck were a bit haphazard and difficult to understand. Based on Truckspotter's soggy taco experience, I decided to order the BBQ Rice Platter, which comes with the option of two out of three meats – galbi short rib, tangy pork, or sesame chicken. I opted for just one meat – the galbi short rib – and I ordered a regular size for $6. The Krave Truck also offers a large option for $10, but I figured that was probably more than I could (or should) eat.

BBQ Rice Platter @ The Krave Truck (Photo credit: NJ Truckspotter)

As I suspected, the regular was a more than generous portion of barbequed Korean short rib, steamed white rice, and kimchi. There was a bit of sriracha and some sesame seeds sprinkled over the beef as garnish. All in all, a lovely sight in a styrofoam box. When I ordered, they also gave me the option of something that was described as yogurt sauce. While I love yogurt, the idea of it on my Korean food was less-than-appetizing, so I decided to skip it. I would later find out while perusing Yelp reviews that it’s more of a sour cream sauce. No matter though, I didn’t miss it.

The beef was in lovely bite-sized pieces, and was fantastically soft and chewy. It was simultaneously spicy, tangy, and a little bit sweet with that great Korean bbq flavor. The rice was a bit clumpy, and probably came out of a rice cooker, but it was the perfect accompaniment to the beef. And there was a small portion of kimchi on the side to set everything off. The kimchi wasn’t quite as fermentalicious as the stuff you can get in a proper Korean restaurant, but it did hit the right notes and tasted good mixed in with everything else.

And it was a perfect amount of food. I was full, but not too full. The meal made me so transcendentally happy that I actually had a pleasant conversation with a friend who called during my dinner – who, as it were, I was mad at. And yet after my BBQ Rice Platter, I was happy to hear from him! Go figure. I hopped and skipped my way to my subsequent grocery shopping engagement.

I went back a few days later because I had too much work to do to be bothered to make dinner. Having fallen hard for the galbi, I decided to get it in tacos this time – in the name of science, of course. I really wanted the rice platter.

Galbi Tacos @ The Krave Truck (Photo credit: NJ Truckspotter)

I ordered 2 galbi tacos ($2.50) each. They were also available in the tangy pork and sesame chicken, but you know... galbi. The tacos are described as being ‘served on a flour tortilla, kimchi puree, onion-cilantro relish, our special pink sauce, and a dash of roasted sesame seeds.’ They did indeed include all of these components.

The tortillas were a bit thick for my liking (not a huge fan of tortillas to begin with) but the wonderful beef was the same as in the platter. I do wish it had been served a bit warmer though; I feel like more of the taste would be evident that way. The kimchi was indeed pureed, and I honestly have no idea what the special pink sauce is. I’m going to guess it’s a mix of sriracha and mayo. Or maybe sour cream. Or yogurt, like the guy tipped me off to in our first exchange. The meat is better suited to rice, in my opinion, but the tacos are good.

Two tacos is not quite enough food for dinner, but it was satisfying. The BBQ platter is the better deal, though.. and when I return, that’s what I shall get. But it might be a while, because in the name of foodtrucking everywhere, there’s plenty more to try!

Schnitzel and Things @ 2011 Gourmet Food Truck Bazaar

If you read the post below, you'll know that in addition to this truck, I also ate at the Rickshaw Dumpling Truck. Did I mention that there is a third truck I tried? Um, yeah. Basically, I ate 3 semi-meals after Sunday brunch - at the Rickshaw Dumpling Truck, Schnitzel & Things, and The Cinnamon Snail. Told you I was a bottomless pit. Here is what went on at Schnitzel & Things:

Schnitzel & Things, 2011 Gourmet Food Truck Festival (Photo credit: Truckspotter)

This was a *very* popular truck. Even more so than the Rickshaw Dumpling Truck. This has much to do with Schnitzel's rather extensive and very unique menu, and the fact that that the prep time is necessarily longer than that of dumplings. Their menu is amazing - 3 types of schnitzels (pork, chicken, and cod) plus 2 other options (bratwurst and schnitzel burger), all available as either sandwiches ($8) or platters ($10), as well as 7 different types of sides ($3 each), 6 condiments, and even a dessert. Many options and combinations possible here, including an awesome Sides Sampler (4 sides for $8). I wasn't sure where to start but the platter option (schnitzel of choice, 2 sides, and 1 condiment) looked like a great deal and the popular choice. I went with the Pork Schnitzel with Austrian Potato Salad, Braised Sauerkraut, and Chipotle Mayo.

An admission here - I didn't realize what a schnitzel was until I opened my box. Seriously, I don't know how I went through life thinking a schnitzel was some variation on a sausage/hot dog, but it definitely is not. It is actually a thin cutlet. Oops. You live, you learn.

Once I got past the cutlet thing, I really enjoyed this meal. It is not only a fantastic value, but a complete, pretty wholesome meal that stands apart from the standard chicken-and-rice combo. My schnitzel was thin, lightly breaded, tender, and not greasy in the least. I haven't had sauerkraut in years, and I have vague memories of a soggy, vinegar-y mess. The slightly tart Braised Sauerkraut was certainly not a mess, so I'm glad I tried this classic side. The Potato Salad was also refreshing - more like an un-burnt home fries with no heavy mayo or dressing. Best of all, everything tasted great with the Chipotle Mayo (which I have to either hunt down and purchase or make myself - I can see myself ingesting unhealthy amounts of this).

Sometimes, I come across a great meal that I know my father, who writes his own food rules and has a very interesting appetite, would love - this is one of them. For that accomplishment alone, and for being uncomplicated, street soul/home food, it deserves an A.

Rickshaw Dumpling Truck @ 2011 Gourmet Food Truck Bazaar

The Rickshaw Dumpling Truck, 2011 Gourmet Food Truck Festival (Photo credit: Truckspotter)

What did I decide to do after a very filling brunch this past Sunday afternoon? And why did I have such a filling brunch to begin with on Gourmet Food Truck Bazaar-day? Who knows. In any case, not too long after Sunday brunch, I made way over to the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market to sample what I could. First up, the Rickshaw Dumpling Truck:

This was a major treat! I've seen this truck elsewhere but never had the chance to try it. I've also never been to it's mother, the Rickshaw Dumpling Bar, so I was ready to dive in. Sadly, the truck was so popular that they were out of several items, including the Pork & Chinese Chive Dumplings, a few sides, and the spicy peanut sauce. I ordered the Chicken & Thai Basil Dumplings ($6) which were supposed to be accompanied by the spicy peanut sauce, but instead, I had to settle for the Soy Sesame Dip (usually served with the Pork & Chinese Chive Dumplings). The sides cover a range of salads, soup, and edamame, but I didn't want to complicate things and decided to stick to a purely dumpling-situation.

But let's put the dumplings aside for a second and talk about the wonderful way in which they are served. The hardest part of eating truck food is the how/where. Sometimes the packaging/serving is quite bulky and standing just won't do. But Rickshaw Dumplings takes care of this problem by serving 6 delicious dumplings in a large, clear, plastic cup with a lid (sauce inside) and chopsticks. It makes me want to start a food truck for the sole purpose of serving food in a cup. This made things so much easier, especially since I had a few more trucks to try, and made carrying the leftovers in my bag a cinch.

Ok, now the dumplings - delightful! The only dumplings I've ever been impressed by and am somewhat committed to are the Joe's Shanghai soup dumplings (and a few momos on the streets of New Delhi). The Rickshaw dumplings have joined this elite crowd. They were thin, light, and slightly chewy, with a Thai-inspired filling of chicken and veggies that was equally light and flavorful. Instead of just a salty soy sauce concoction, this dip included small bits of green chili mixed in along with sesame seeds. I didn't miss the Spicy Peanut Dip at all (ok, maybe just a little). This light, steamy snack was perfect for the chilly day - filling, but not overwhelmingly so - and gets a perfect "A" grade.

If you don't have the time to chase it, then definitely check out this truck's parent restaurant. My taste of the truck menu has me convinced that it will be worth it.

Wafel & Dinges - 86th St. and Lexington Ave.

You wouldn't think it, but plenty of food trucks make their way up to my part of town. 86th Street and Lexington Avenue is an awesome spot to food-truck hop, especially during the summer. When I spotted Wafels and Dinges there last Sunday, I decided to welcome the new season (when and if it actually arrives) with a tasty waffle + even yummier spread. A couple of days earlier, my friend had told me about the famous Spekuloos spread, which sounded like some divine combination of peanut butter, cookies, and Nutella that my sorry tongue needed immediately. So I couldn't resist a mini-Wafelini with Spekuloos ($3). This was the perfect snack. A crisp wafel (soft on the inside) with a perfectly warm and gooey spread. If I had been feeling better, I could have tried a more complicated waffle combo, but this was simplicity at its best. I used a fork, but I imagine this would also be awesome finger food depending on the size of your wafel. But the Spekuloos? Well, you know how I said it sounded like a divine combination of cookies, peanut butter, and Nutella? Let's adjust that to a combination of Le Pain Quotidien's Praline spread and Nutella, jars of which I already keep at home. If, however, I had neither, I definitely would have a bought a jar of Spekuloos (yes, the truck sells it - it can also be found at Arcadia NYC).

Wafel and Dinges is a great alternative to the coffee & muffin/cupcake/brownie/cookie/whatnot combo, and there are some interesting savory items to try as well (de bacon-syrup wafel, anybody?) Try it if you spot it!

Official 2011 Gourmet Food Truck Bazaar - 4/10/11

How fortuitous that this blog launched today - 2 short days before the Official 2011 Gourmet Food Truck Bazaar at the West 25th St. Hell's Kitchen Flea Market this Sunday, April 10th. Music to my ears - this must be a sign and some validation of why I have been in NYC for so long. I'm destined to stalk food trucks and get a taste of each and everyone of them! It just so happens that the Kimchi Taco Truck will be at the Bazaar, along with the Rickshaw Dumpling Truck (which I've been meaning to try) and the Schnitzel & Things Truck (a new one to my ears and so a must!). Definitely worth checking out for anyone who loves a good food truck meal.

Kimchi Taco Truck - Midtown East

1/24/11
"Hello - I just wanted to know if the Kimchi Taco Truck would be opening soon, and where it's primary location will likely be. Thanks."

1/25/11
"Hi,
We are still working hard to be on the road as soon as we can. The best way to stay updated on our movement and location is by following us on Twitter or Facebook @Kimchitruck.
See you soon on the street!
Thank you
Kimchi Taco"

What's today's date? That's right, it is April 8, 2011. I've been stalking the Kimchi Taco Truck for a while now, evidenced by my desperate email exchange with "Kimchi Taco" back in January. I first read about Korean-Mexican trucks in California last year, and was sold. Why hadn't anyone thought of this before? And why haven't already spoiled New Yorkers been spoiled by yet more culinary brilliance? So when I read about the opening of Kimchi Taco in a January NYT article, I was prepared to make the trek necessary from my Uptown perch.

After weeks of delay, the Kimchi Taco Truck is up and running and on a regular schedule throughout Manhattan. I chose the Friday Midtown East location for this special pilgrimage and have some mixed results to report.

A couple of things before we talk about the food. Leaving my Uptown office to get lunch ANYWHERE else usually involves about an extra hour for travel time. This is why, after about a half an hour wait for my food, I was compelled to take it back with me to work instead of eating it on the spot (hard to do) or taking it somewhere nearby (not many options in that area). After all, a girl's gotta work to feed a food truck habit, right? For this reason (and the obnoxious weather which just isn't warming up and contributed to the demise of my lunch situation), my food cooled down quite a bit and was a tad soggy on the first bite. Also, I'll admit that although I love all things Mexican and Tex-Mex, tacos aren't my first love. My longing for these in particular was due mostly to the Korean BBQ and kimchi infusion and I figured that the truck's namesake was the way to go on the first try.

Here is how Kimchi Taco @ my desk went:

I ordered 3 tacos (1 order = 3 for $7) - pulled chicken, braised pork, and BBQ beef. I also ordered a side of Chips & Beans, which is described as "kimchi-infused refried beans over crispy wontons." Drool-worthy, no? Deciding between the BBQ Nachos and Chips & Beans was a particularly tough call. I'm very much a sides-and-condiments person, and also a bottomless pit, so I really had to be careful. Since the Nachos sounded too good to be true and too perfect for the 3 tacos I was already having, Chips & Beans($3) it was.

The tacos: The BBQ beef taco was definitely the most flavorful and spicy. The pulled chicken and pork were a bit bland and could definitely have used more seasoning. I'm not quite sure I could taste the red wine reduction in the pork taco, or the kimchi the pork was simmered in. But what I actually found disappointing was the rest of the filling - Asian pico de gallo, fresh kimchi, and green onions. So...there wasn't actually any kimchi in my tacos. At all (although my coworker insisted she detected the "rotting" smell of kimchi). I was expecting a taco bursting with spiced-cabbage goodness, but it must have gotten lost somewhere in the Asian pico de gallo of diced onions, tomatoes, and I think a few radishes. Some bite, but not enough for someone who can practically drink kimchi.

The Chips & Beans: I thought this would be more interesting but sadly, it wasn't. The refried beans pretty much looked and tasted like refried beans - as in, brown stuff straight out of a yellow Old El Paso can. Again, not much kimchi action going on there. They were poured over those crispy wontons/chips - the kind you used to get in Chinese restaurants to dip in sweet duck sauce. Admittedly, their soggified state after the trek Uptown didn't help matters much. I'm a bit torn on this one - they probably would have tasted better if eaten on the spot. I'm convinced though, that the nachos wouldn't have had this problem since they sounded more packed with flavor.

So is there a verdict? As you will learn, the Truckspotter isn't a discriminating foodie. I'll drool over it and talk about it and maybe even not be so impressed with it, but at the end of the day, I will eat it and likely find something to enjoy about it. But in the interest of informing everyone about my food experiences and helping you figure out food trucks, I'll give this one a B. Mostly, I think my order may have been a little off and maybe the travel time factor has a special affect on kimchi tacos versus, say, chicken and rice. Still, the whole meal still kind of hit the spot and was strangely satisfying in that typical food-truck sort of way. A second trip is definitely in order for the kimchi bowls (which seemed to be very popular) and nachos.

Checkout Kimchi Taco's locations & menu