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.