If you are anything like me and you just don't "get" Twitter you'll be excited to put your account to use. The food truck concept is something I think is really exciting. A glance at your Twitter account or your trucks website in the morning and you'll know if a truck will be parked somewhere near you just in time for lunch. Not only does it provide a break from the tired food court options but its also gives the regular Joe Shmoe a shot at a successful business. Talent in the kitchen, a streamlined concept, a truck and a full tank of gas and you're in off!
So far I have only indulged in 5411 Empanadas, The Southern Mac & Cheese & The Meaty Balls Truck, which led to a day of office puns that never got old. They all landed near the AON (Columbus and Wacker), prime parking to spot a truck.
BBQ Chicken, Spinach and Cheese and Beef ($1.99/ea) were my choices washed down with a Mexican Coke (.99). Yum! I can see why the line was down the street as they are truly like no empanada I have tasted. The crust is not your traditional flaky crust but rather soft and thin and doughy. They manage to keep them warm and bursting with flavor. I'm partial to the Latin cuisine but so far my favorite truck.
Downside: They charge tax and accept credit cards while although nice, makes for a slow line.
At $9 each and packed full of calories I could only try one for the day. I decided on Mexican Chorizo, Pepper jack and Cojita. I also got a few forks full of a co-workers Bacon, Blue Cheese and Mushroom which was equally if not more amazing then my selection and blue cheese is not my thing. The portions are delicious, huge and guaranteed to put you in a food coma.
If this is your first time out I recommend sampling the grenades ($3), a bite size version of what they have to offer rather than the torpedo ($7-$9) their larger sandwich. I went for the BBQ, Buff and Schweddy Balls. The Buff was underwhelming not tasting much like buffalo sauce and lacking flavor. The Schweddy, spicy lamb, eggplant and tomato was tasty with lots of flavor and a little kick if you like heat. The BBQ was the BOMB. Pulled pork goodness with apples, red cabbage and a cola-bourbon sauce. A great pick for a torpedo if you're not in the trial by fire mood. Don't forget to finish your meal with a bag of Salty Balls a delectable dessert treat in chocolate or vanilla, they don't discriminate.
*Shout out to Meatyball for being a sponsor at this years MS Walk.
Next up Gastro Wagon, SweetRide and the Tamale Space Ship if they every land in my work hood.
Restaurants wanting to throw their hat in the ring seem to be waiting to see if the city will pass an ordinance to allow food to be cooked on the trucks. If this happens you can be sure to see more trucks popping up. I know Big Star is waiting for just that! In this economy dare I say its the food wave of the future?
Helpful Hints:
- I follow all my trucks individually on Twitter but I found think link to be great! http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/Chicago-Food-Trucks-on-Twitter/
- Get there early the good stuff goes fast, the line can get long and they don't stick around. You snooze you loose.
- Bring Cash. Many are starting to accept cards but it slows the process down
Keep your eyes peeled for a truck in your hood and check back for updates as I keep on eating! Enjoy!
