I'll be the first to admit that eating from a restaurant on wheels has always been a little daunting to me. The history of 'roach coaches' isn't one that is steeped in Michelin Stars and James Beard awards. I've seen more of my fair share of scarey-mobiles.
All that changed when I moved to Tucson this year. I'm not just impressed but, at times, speechless at what culinary delights are being prepared in these mobile kitchens. Working downtown, I get a chance to sample the wares because the trucks park right across from the Pioneer Building, outside the downtown library.
One of the coolest and most innovative that I've seen is "Planet of the Crepes". First, I love the name. Secondly, I *love* the concept! They don't just serve up typical fare, either. For example, today's menu is butternut squash with grana padano and smoked duck with apple chutney and Frech gruyere.
They aren't always downtown - only Wednesdays and Thursdays. They also go to farmer's markets around Tucson.
Find them on Facebook or Twitter for menu details and locations
What do you get when to take an Olympian and 'home grown girl'? An incredible food 'truck' concept and yummy ice cream.
First of all, here's their food truck
How cool is that? (Pun intended!) They are 100% electric - meaning zero emissions! The panelling was made from recycled basketball flooring - they say from the U of A McKale Center. All of their supplies - spoons, containers and even soda bottles are from recycled materials as well. The ingredients they use are natural - no fillers or preservatives!!
You can find Isabelle's during 2nd Saturdays and through-out Pima County. Check their website, Facebook and Twitter for updates. They've even got a YouTube channel!
Ok - I'll step away from the sweet stuff for now.
The Rolling Chef is owned by Carlos Aponte, a former chef at the award winning Anthony's in the Catalina's.
I love to see them across the street because I know I'm in for a treat. We're talking delicious street tacos, pulled pork and BBQ sandwiches that will knock your socks off. They have a range of sauces from sweet to "Oh Please Don't Hurt Me".
You can catch them on Twitter sometimes. You don't know where they're going to show up but when you see that truck, your mouth will start watering. Guaranteed.
Probably the biggest news in Food Trucks this year was when Eat-A-Burger went from a truck to a regular brick and mortar store. You could find them at all the festivals including 2nd Saturdays downtown and you could always count on a line waiting for those amazing burgers and hand cut fries.
They made the right choice when picking out restaurant space - downstairs from my office. Trust me when I say it's hard to walk through the lobby during the day when all you can smell are burgers and fries. It's hard to ignore sometimes!!
Their website hasn't been updated recently and neither has their Twitter account but that's probably due to the fact that they aren't moving around too much anymore!
This is just the extreme tip of the iceburg when it comes to the food trucks in town. You name it - we have it: sonoran hot dog trucks, coffee trucks, burger trucks, dessert trucks, greek trucks...a person could gain 100 pounds! But they are so good and, best of all, they are LOCAL!!!!!
So - how are the food trucks in your neck of the woods? I bet we could beat yours - wheels down!!
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