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Food Truck Week on NBC

May 6, 2013 Blog One comment

Today kicks off food truck week on NBC. Kicking off this morning was a story about Giordano’s  and their new truck. Here’s what the schedule looks like, so if you’re interested in tuning in they’ll be doing these segments during the morning news!

Schedule provided by NBC. 

Monday: at 5:45 Andy Avalos gets a first look at the brand new Giordano’s Food Truck @giardanospizza which also happens to have @drose pictured right on the back. The truck will hit the streets in the coming weeks.

Tuesday: Daniella Guzman takes a turn in @thesalsatruck to learn how to make a tacos on the go.

Wednesday: Kye Martin gets the love story behind @thefatshallot a brand new food truck hitting the road soon.

Thursday: Stefan Holt spends time with one of the hottest food trucks on the road - @5411empanadas.

Friday: We take a look at how the explosion of these new meals on wheels has created a whole Food Truck culture in Chicago which will include interviews with the city and yours truly.

Fancy a Pierogi? Kickstart a Chicago Pierogi Food Truck

April 28, 2013 Blog No comments

Not sure about you, but this food truck freak has been a *long* time lover of dumplings (particularly Asian ones). Even as a picky anklebiter, dunking these little snacks in soy sauce was always a favorite. Then I discovered empanadas. I may lose some cred for admitting this, but I’ve never had a pierogi (dumplings of the Polish variety). Well, if a couple Chicago kickstarters get their way, pierogis may soon be served in our favorite way: on wheels.

Pierogis!

Pierogis!

196 backers have got these guys 42% of the way to their $15,000 goal to get their truck up and running. Here’s what they’ve got in store for their truck’s forever-menu:

  • Beef Pierogi
  • Potato & Cheese Pierogi
  • Mushroom & Kraut Pierogi

Preliminary dipping sauces include:

  • Applewood Smoked Bacon Sour Cream
  • Caramelized Onion Aioli
  • Jalapeño Ranch

Yes, uhm, one of everything please. We dig any truck that offers as many dips as entrees. Also, we like that this is a very realistic menu for a brand new truck (assuming they could get the city to loosen their white-knuckle grip on cooking licenses). The beef pierogi with caramelized onion aoili sounds like a safely awesome combination. We would either wrangle a couple friends to try out bites from the whole menu, or defer to fellow food truck freaks with more knowledge of the cuisine to help us choose.

Feel free to watch the video below and donate to these guys if you want to back their truck! Anyone work for a company looking to tap into the food truck biz but either finds it too difficult or impossible due to industry restrictions (like those of us who work for alcohol companies)? $10k and your logo is on the back of their truck! We thought that was a wise offering.

Good luck, Jessica and Damian (and baby Izzy)!

 

Food Truck for Sale (with Wood Burning Oven) – $90,000

April 22, 2013 Blog No comments

We were contacted by the owner of a food truck with a truck to sell, so we’re passing the information along to you. Note: This truck is not compliant with current Chicago food truck laws. Below is information from the truck owner:

 

NOTE: All inquiries about this truck should go to Danny at danieljaytokar@gmail.com

Built on the chassis of a 1998 Orion Model 2 public transportation bus, the Firewall food truck was engineered and hand fabricated to be the most unique vehicle on the street. No expense was spare in its construction, from the all aluminum interior, to LED lighting, to a the custom engineered and fabricated wood burning oven which was built in pieces then assembled into the truck at a cost of more than $20,000.00.

We began this adventure as a fun to build type of project, running the truck on weekends only, we quickly gained a following among the South Florida foodie scene and gained a reputation for absolute quality Pizzas, Foccacia Sandwiches, Lasagna, and other special items. The truck its self is a huge draw as it was designed to look both industrial and rustic at the same time. We even went as far as to cut the signage out of Stainless steel then cut the Logo and Name out of plain steel so that it would rust and look like an old building. The truck was operated mainly at night and had attended and successfully profited at some of the most interesting events around SFL such as; Art Basil, SoBe Food and Wine Festival, Wynwood Art walk, and nearly all of the local food truck gatherings.

This hobby took a back seat when my company started growing and soon we found the truck sitting more than running and decided it was time to let someone else enjoy this business and give it the attention it needs in order to be a huge success, which we know it could be.

The truck its self is a tank, built of heavy steel and virtually bulletproof it has 125k miles and will run for 500k before needing engine or transmission work, according to the manufacturer, We have built in redundant systems to keep the truck running such as;

Way more refrigeration than necessary (1 Prep cooler / 1 Dough Cooler / 1 freezer). A standby home generator on the back of the truck provides more than enough power to run everything at once, a trickle charger and quick charger to keep the batteries fully cranking, and every piece of cooking equipment needed to run this high capacity kitchen on wheels.
From conception, the truck was designed to be a commercial kitchen first, with attention to work flow gained over our 20+ years of combined restaurant experience, the orders come in one window and pizza, sandwiches, and specials come out the other. We maximized the length of time the truck could be on the road by installing a HUGE water tank, which supplies enough water to run for 3 days straight without refilling (60gallons). We even installed a soda fountain which dispenses soda water for our use of Italian Sodas, which comprised 25% of profit and were very well received.

 

In addition to the truck, all of the components of the business are included; Website www.FirewallFoodTruck.com, Facebook & Twitter pages

FULLY EQUIPPED PREP KITCHEN with every piece of equipment you could ask for (see details below)
Given the right attention to marketing and full time operation, this would make a great business and the truck alone draws customers to your window as it is by far the best looking food truck we have seen.
T

his business is a steal at 90k and will go fast. If moved to a permanent location, you have the ability to plug the truck in a not need the generator as we installed a bypass connection that uses the same type of plug an RV uses.

Get your ideas rolling as this truck can cook anything that comes from an oven and the smell of the wood burning draws people from far and wide.

You could cook: Pizza, Fresh Baked Breads, Sandwiches, Lasagna, Baked Goods, Paninis, Salad in fresh baked bread bowls, soups, anything that needs heat and can fit in the huge 48”X48” cooking surface of the oven.
Full Equipment List shows nothing but the best was used:
Custom Built Menu Board with Printed pics and description of items. Brand new signage to attract people to the truck.

CONTACT INFORMATION: All inquiries about this truck should go to Danny at danieljaytokar@gmail.com

Disclaimer: Food Truck Freak is not selling this truck nor are we in any way affiliated with the truck.

#Recipe4Success: Starting & Growing a Food Business in Chicago

April 15, 2013 Blog No comments
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We get a lot of requests from entrepreneurs looking for information about starting a food truck in Chicago. The Institute for Justice is one of the best, most accurate and informative resources we can think of. They have put together so many resources over many years to help educate the public and clarify often difficult to understand legislation.

This Saturday, they’re hosting a summit to kickstart a career in Chicago in the food business. Though it does not look like it’s focused on food trucks, this will likely give you a great foundation and there will certainly be people who can help answer questions you may have about the food truck business.

Who: The Institute for Justice
What: Learn about legal and business strategies that can help you realize your dream in Chicago’s culinary world
When: Saturday, April 27
Where: University of Chicago Law School, 1111 E. 60th Street

Schedule
9:30-10:00 Registration and breakfast
10:00-10:15 Welcome
10:15-11:00 Breaking Into the Food Business
11:00-12:15 Chicago Food Business Licensing 101
12:15-1:15 Lunch
1:15-2:05 Breakout sessions (choose one)
-Hiring Food Service Employees
-Finding a Space
2:05-2:15 Break
2:15-3:15 Marketing Your Food Business
3:15-3:30 Closing remarks

 

Registration is free, but you have to sign up for tickets here: http://ij.org/recipeforsuccess. Will we see you there? Tweet us @foodtruckfreak!

UPDATE (5/21): When we inquired about information that will be given specifically regarding mobile food vending, IJ said: “Our licensing session will cover mobile food licensing, and shared kitchen user/operator licensing, among other things.  Our other sessions will cover topics that should apply to any business in the food industry, including breaking into the food business, marketing your business, and hiring workers.” Also, we will be available during lunch at a designated table if you want to ask any questions of us!

Disclaimer: The City of Chicago contacted us about promoting their food truck informational courses. We do not feel comfortable promoting those events since we have noticed discrepancies in their communications and actions in the past and have heard the same from individuals who have attended these seminars. If you’re still interested in them, feel free to contact the city or your local alderman for more information about them.

Support Small Business Saturday in Chicago

November 23, 2012 Blog One comment
Filbert's Root Beer bottles

It’s no secret that food truck freaks love to support local businesses. So, we thought we’d ask you guys what your favorite local businesses are and share them with everyone else! Here’s a roundup of some great places fellow food truck aficionados have suggested to hit up for your holiday gifts.

 

Foodie Things

Green Grocer

Address: 1402 West Grand Avenue  Chicago, IL 60642

Phone: (312) 624-9508

Hood: Wicker Park

Transit: Grand & Noble

Possible gifts: Local/organic food stuffs, wine, gift certificates,

More info

Filbert’s Root Beer

Address: 3430 South Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60608

Phone: (773) 847-1520

Hood: McKinley Park

Transit: Ashland & 34th Street

Possible gifts: Old school sodas. This place has been around for 85+ years, so you could even pick up sodas as a unique host(ess) gift for someone who loves all things Chicago

More info

 

Polo Cafe

Address: 3322 South Morgan Street  Chicago, IL 60608

Phone: (773) 927-7656

Hood: McKinley Park

Transit: Google Map it, but reviews say parking is easy so drive if you can.

Possible gifts: From what we read, this is a breakfast lover’s heaven. So, pick them up a gift certificate and note on your card that their crème brulee and brunch get rave reviews.

More info

 

Olympic Meats

Address: 3322 South Morgan Street  Chicago, IL 60608

Phone: (773) 927-7656

Hood: McKinley Park

Transit: Google Map it, but reviews say parking is easy so drive if you can.

Possible gifts: When Food Truck Freak fan Kristina MC recommended this place, we scratched our heads a bit thinking of this as a holiday shopping place. Then, we remembered there are some men in our lives whose biggest smiles only come when they’re behind the BBQ, pampering a sexy cut of meat. (For us, these also happen to be very difficult people to buy presents for.) After seeing that you can purchase gift certificates online, we can definitely see giving a GC to dude who is in his element at the BBQ. This gift definitely rivals the myriad of barbeque gadgets you might otherwise consider for the same gift recipient.

More info

 

Northwestern Cutlery

Address: 810 West Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60607

Phone: (312) 421-3666

Hood: West Loop

Transit: Halsted & Lake

Possible gifts: Knives! The good ones can get pricey, so this is a great gift for someone who would appreciate solid kitchen tools but might not splurge on them for themselves.

More info

 

Printer’s Row Wine Shop

Address: 719 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60605

Phone: (312) 663-9314

Hood: Printer’s Row

Transit: Harrison

Possible gifts: Wine Club membership, beer and wine

More info

 

 

Books, Music & Toys

The Book Cellar

Address: 4736 North Lincoln Avenue #1, Chicago, IL 60625

Phone: (773) 293-2665

Hood: Lincoln Square

Transit: Western-Brown

Possible gifts: Books, books and more books!

More info

 

Sandmeyer’s Book Store

Sandmeyer’s Bookstore

Address: 714 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60605

Phone: (312) 922-2104

Hood: Printer’s Row

Transit: Harrison

Possible gifts: Books, books and more books!

More info

 

Timeless Toys

Address: 4749 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625

Phone: (773) 334-4445

Hood: Lincoln Square

Transit: Western-Brown

Possible gifts: Toys and other fun stuff for kids

More info

Gramaphone

Address: 2843 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60657

Phone: (773) 472-3683

Hood:  Lincoln Park/Boystown

Transit: Diversey

Possible gifts: Vinyl records, sweet tees, music posters and of course gift certificates

More info

 

Quimby’s

Address: 1854 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622

Phone: (773) 342-0910

Hood: Wicker Park

Transit: North Ave & Wolcott

Possible gifts: When Barnes & Noble just doesn’t cut it, this is the place to go. One review says, “categories include ‘Conspiracy,’ ‘Politics & Revolution,’ and ‘Lowbrow Art.’”

More info

Home, Art, Jewelry & More

 

Hazel

Address: 1902 west Montrose chicago, il 60613

Phone: 773.769.2227

Hood: Ravenswood

Transit: Damen & Division

Possible gifts: Artisan-crafted artwork, jewelry, and home goods

More info

Embellish Boutique

Address: 4161 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Phone: (773) 525-4400

Hood: Ravenswood

Transit: Lincoln & Berteau

Possible gifts: Jewelry!

More info

 

The Haymaker Shop

Address: 5507 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60640

Phone: (773) 681-0798

Hood: Andersonville

Transit: Clark & Catalpa

Possible gifts: Housewares, art, furniture

More info

 

Cattails Inc.

Address: 1935 West Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622

Phone: (773) 486-1621

Hood: Wicker Park/East Village

Transit: Damen & Division

Possible gifts: Who doesn’t love a bouquet of flowers arranged by a neighborhood florist? You often get a lot more variety and originality when you choose a place like Cattails over an big, chain internet florist.

More info

 

Gethsemane Gardens & More

Address: 5739 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60660

Phone: ((773) 878-5915

Hood: Edgewater

Transit: Edgewater & Clark

Possible gifts: Artwork, ornaments, tree toppers, candles, potpourri, Bavarian pewter collectibles, and more.

More info

 

Lilliana’s European Salon

Address: 1517 West Foster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640

Phone: (773) 334-5240

Hood: Andersonville

Transit: Foster & Ashland

More info

 

Architectural Artifacts

Address: 4325 North Ravenswood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Phone:  (773) 348-0622

Hood: Lincoln Aquare

Transit: Montrose-Brown

Possible gifts: You’ll find little (and ginormous) bits of Chicago and architectural history here. It’s a giant warehouse full of antiques big and small.

More info

 

Scout

Address: 5221 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640

Phone:  (773) 275-5700

Hood: Andersonville

Transit: Foster & Clark

Possible gifts: Sweet antiques

More info

 

White Nest

Jewelry from White Nest

Address: Shop on their website or on Etsy

Possible gifts: Super cool artisan jewelry, home accessories, and artwork

More info

 

 

Note: Don’t forget about wrapping your gift! Here’s a nifty guide with ideas of how to wrap your gifts so their wrapping is as awesome as their contents.

 

Chicago Sued for Redonk Food Truck Legislation

November 14, 2012 Blog, Chicago No comments
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The city of Chicago is being sued by the Institute for Justice. This includes Sir Burt Gall, also known as the “Patron Saint to Food Trucks.” To anyone who has been reading this blog for a hot minute, that’s not a huge shocker but it’s likely hope-inspiring news; finally, someone will challenge the old Chicago politics that have been the shackles of our city’s food truck industry.

For any n00bs to this blog, though, we welcome you with open arms as much as we welcome the opportunity to provide some context to this sitch for you.

To start, here is the video released by the Institute for Justice:

 

Download the documents from the Institute for Justice:
Background information
Press Release
Media Advisory

Quick Background

Chicago has a “200 foot buffer” law, meaning food trucks must be 200+ feet away from anywhere that sells prepared food and drink (yes, that includes convenience stores and gas stations that have Slurpee machines and hot dog rollers). FYI: The fine for disobeying this law was hiked up to $2000 by the aldermen back in July; the month before the same aldermen voted for the fine to be $250 if you’re caught with a little weed.  Amy Le, founder of Duck N Roll food truck & the Illinois Food Truck Association,”It’s far less expensive to have a health code citation — $250 to $500 — than it is to park next to a restaurant. The fine structures illustrate that protecting the interests of a restaurant is more valuable to the city than the public’s health and safety.”

This buffer has been deemed unconstitutional, such as when the California Supreme Court deemed it unconstitutional in the 1970s. Why? The government is not allowed to “arbitrarily interfere” with business unless it relates to public health and safety. Note: that means it’s out of the role of the government to protect one business model (e.g. restaurants) from another business model (e.g. food trucks).

Where We Are Now

The legislation that was approved in July 2011 by all aldermen but one, Ald. John Arena, technically interferes with the aforementioned limits of governmental power. Mayor Emanuel as well as many an aldermen have said (time and time again) that they want to uphold the 200 foot buffer to “protect restaurants.” That is unconstitutional (read on).

Chicago trucks are supposed to be able to cook on board thanks to the new ordinance, but that has yet to come to fruition.

Why is Chicago being sued?

Chicago is being sued for protecting one business model over another. The U.S. government is not granted the control to protect one business model over another (why should they?), yet Chicago is doing so anyway. Robert Frommer, lead counsel for the Institute for Justice, said, “Thankfully, the Illinois Constitution protects the right to earn an honest living, and it acts as a check against cities trying to stack the deck in favor of industry insiders.”

Who are the industry insiders he speaks of? Our Alderman Tunney owns the restaurant chain Ann Sathers, and many of Alderman Rielly’s long-time campaign contributors (e.g. Lettuce Entertain You) have testified in front of city council to maintain the 200 foot buffer. These two aldermen have been the squeakiest of all the wheels throughout this whole controversy. In fact a lot of the people who testified in support of the $2000 fines and 200-foot buffer preservation felt that the city wasn’t doing enough to control food trucks. Ew. Just….ew.

There are many other restaurant heavyweights who fear food trucks will extinguish their businesses, restaurants that have been long-time pillars in the Chicago restaurant scene (e.g. Harry Caray’s). Do these fears have merit? No. They are totally baseless; there is no history of a city’s food truck scene endangering thriving brick and mortars.

Why do restaurants object to food trucks?

They say food trucks are “unfair competition.” What makes “competition” between food trucks and restaurants unfair? After all, if Burger King wants to move in immediately next door to McDonalds, there is no law that exists to prohibit that due to “unfair constitution.”

If you ask the restaurants, they said it’s because they spend oodles in property taxes. Here’s what they don’t mention: Property taxes afford them the luxuries of, well, having that property. That includes a fixed address, fixed hours of business, seating and tables for your customers, ability to have waitstaff to serve your customers, shelter from the elements for your patrons, a much larger kitchen than would never fit a food truck and thus the ability to bring in sales proportionate to the taxes being paid. So, in reality, the property taxes that restaurant entrepreneurs choose to pay for come with substantial (relative) advantages over their mobile counterparts.

What happens if the 200ft buffer is repealed? Will it endanger our restaurants?

No, it won’t endanger restaurants. New York City, for example, doesn’t have a 200 foot buffer but they do maintain an ever-thriving restaurant scene. There are so many people seeking quick food options that there is plenty of business for all to vendors to profit.

At the end of the day, we have the right as consumers to choose where we spend out money; the 200ft buffer is a very strategic way for the city to tell you that, if you choose to dine out, you will spend your money with the vendors they approve of (because they push food trucks away from where you are thus remove them from your consideration set with the 200ft rule).

If the 200ft buffer is repealed, you will finally be allowed to spend your meal money where you want to. The poll we did a back in July showed that most people would dine out more often if food trucks were available to them. This is called “incremental sales,” meaning you’d continue to patron brick and mortars as you always have and also make purchases at food trucks (without taking any of your dollars away from brick and mortars), thus infusing more money into our local economy.

The city’s proposal to install “food truck stands” (earmarked food truck parking spots) was their intended workaround for the 200ft buffer. The problems here are twofold: first, it is an attempt to rectify the problems caused by the still unconstitutional 200ft ban. Second, food trucks were not involved in the plotting of these spots, yet any individual brick and mortar was essentially given unconditional veto power if they felt a proposed encroached upon their territory. You can likely guess how profitable the majority of the spots are that were chosen for food trucks to conduct business. It was a good idea in theory, but the execution was less then splediforous (and still just lipstick on a pig).

What can you do?

Instagram pics of your food truck noms and attach the hashtag #freethefoodtrucks

Tweet using the hashtag “#freethefoodtrucks”. Here are some suggested tweets to make it easy: 

You Voted Food Truck Freak #1 Food Truck Blog

November 12, 2012 Blog 4 comments
thank-you-BEACH

First and foremost, thank you. You came out to vote for us in droves, winning us the title of top food truck blog (technically, the top one in North America). We also want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued support throughout the year and a half we’ve been blogging. On the day we launched back in July of 2011, we didn’t know if there were other people out there as passionate as we are about food trucks. Today, you answered that question quite definitively. 

Because of you, we exist. Because of us all, food trucks exist. They do what they do because they thoroughly enjoy cooking up nom after nom for us (and we’re preetttty sure they love seeing our messy faces as we chow down). We all know about the tremendous hurdles Chicago food trucks go through to reach our demand for them, especially when compared to other major cities in the United States. They couldn’t continue trucking if we didn’t come out in droves for them. Rain, sleet, or shine, we chase them down.

Last Friday, we spoke to 6 (marketing and business) classes at Naperville Central High School. We mentioned that, with their votes, we could reach #3. At the time, that was mathematically accurate. However, one kid piped up and said “Why aren’t you shooting for #1?” We underestimated your support, food truck freak. We continue to echo our thanks for each vote, each tweet, each word of encouragement. Well played high school kid; well played indeed.

To pay forward your support for us, we’ve made a donation in your collective names to a group of food trucks in New York and New Jersey that’s serving meals to people affected by Hurricane Sandy. 

NY Food Trucks Help Hurricane Victims

November 7, 2012 Blog 3 comments
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In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, kindhearted people are pitching in their skills and resources to help those affected by the superstorm. One of those people is food truck owner Nicolas Karaiorgos, owner of Uncle Gussy’s food truck in New York City. He is participating in a relief program called “Farm2Me Vendors & Food Trucks Sandy Outreach,” which provides food to those who need a hot meal. 

“In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Farm2Me worked with Smorgasburg vendors and Blood Bank to recruit volunteers in Williamsburg to help those in NY and NJ without power,” says the Indiegogo page. “We are determined to bring 20 of our vendors together and get 20,000 meals to our neighbors in NY and NJ.”

Like other participating food trucks and food carts, Karaiorgos is donating time, money, employees, his food truck, and other resources to feed those who are hungry. We’ve seen news stories about a brick and mortar business providing meals to support hurricane relief efforts and interviews of the people they feed, who say the warm meal is very needed, and that it warms their hearts and spirits as much as it does their tummies. Surely the Farm2Me vendors’ services are also providing relief of various kinds residents in these areas. We also heard reports on WGN News that it can often be tough for people without power to receive proper nutrition as they are sustaining on the few canned goods and non-perishables that they happened to have when disaster struck.

“I’ve been through a lot. I ain’t never seen nothing like this. The situation is very tragic,”  said Karaiorgos, “I felt like I needed to do something to help out since New York City is a place that is very dear to my heart.”

You can help fuel their altruism and contribute to the hurricane relief efforts by donating on their IndieGoGo page. They said that the money is going directly towards feeding those in need, so contribute what you can; you can comp a meal for someone who needs it for a mere $7. Let’s band together and show the Sandy victims we’re here for them, while also supporting our sister food truck communities!

Catering from Chicago Food Trucks for Winter

November 5, 2012 Blog No comments
holiday buffet tips

Ah, holidays. If you’re like us, this is our favorite time of the year. Yes, that includes the fickle Chicago weather. This year they’re predicting a brutal winter (truth be told it’s a 50/50 bet, but still). For our food trucks, that means a big threat to sales. 

The best thing food truck freaks can do to help sustain our trucks through tumultuous times is by ordering catering from them. Many of us host family and friends for the holidays or perhaps organize office shin digs. All your favorite food trucks cater; we can’t think of a single one that doesn’t. So, consider giving any of our food trucks a ring instead of restaurants or your mom (don’t pretend you don’t put the old lady to work rolling pinwheels and turning your kitchen into a cupcakery).

What are some dishes that would be excellent catered? Out of fairness to our fleet of 60+ trucks, we looked at the most recent trucks to tweet while we’re writing this article and list our picks for which of their menu items would be great served at a party.

APPS

  • Taquero Fusion: Definitely Guacamole & Fusion Chips (tortilla chip & super delicious plantain chips that we scarf up at a rate that we prefer to not disclose)
  •  Brown Bag Lunch Truck: For the holidays Brown Bag has some classics ready to go: gourmet mac and cheese and scalloped potatoes! Garlic rice & elotes are our go-tos from BBLT.
  • Getta Polpetta: We’re not 100% sure if they do meatballs alone, but if they do they would make great apps! If not, slide this suggestion down the to Main Dish category and get the Polpetta Panino. Also, they do polpetta sliders for a hefty app that’s good for those parties happening around happy hour.
  • Duck N Roll: We die for the Mango Lychee Salse & Wonton Chips.

MAIN DISHES

  • ChiTown Tamales: Tamales, obvi.
  • Brown Bag Lunch Truck: Brisket’s a crowd-pleaser and the Cherrywood Pulled Pork is one of our faves.
  • The Slide Ride: When they catered an office lunch for us, the Baby Bacon Burgers were the first to go! A new menu add that we love is the Sriracha Chicken slider.
  • La Adelita Truck: Tortas, tortas and more tortas. Choriqueso is one of our faves, and the Chicken Tinga is a solid choice too. Their enchiladas are great and a little easier to manage if people will be standing.
  • Samich Box: If you’re looking for a lighter option, The Green Goat Samich is a great choice (Crisp Granny Smith Apples layered on Top of Goat Cheese, Sliced Dates, Chopped Walnuts and Garnished w/ Baby Arugula Drizzled with Pomegranate Balsamic Glaze served on an Onion Roll).

BRUNCH

  • Babycakes: Having a holiday brunch? Gourmet pancakes are in order. Maple Bacon would be our safe choice for a crowd-pleaser, while the Spicy Sausage Apple is a foodie-friendly, unexpected choice.
  • Samich Box: The Chicken & Waffle Samich seems like a good fit for more casual brunchy gatherings.
  • Sugarpie Cafe: If you’ve got a little southern bell/gent in ya, pick up some lemon pound cake and serve with coffee and tea. Cinnamon rolls are also a tempting option.

SWEETS

  • Flirty Cupcakes: Nubes to Flirty often get a kick out of cheeky names and often times pick based on that (you really can’t go wrong), so in that case the Curious George and McDreamy would be solid choices especially if you’ll be serving buffet-style and labeling your food.
  • Cupcakes for Courage: Salted caramel cake balls are a crack-like, festive choice. If you’ve got more traditional eaters, the Vanilla on Vanilla Bean is great. Kids in tow? Sprinkled cake balls. Fo sho.

 

HOW TO ORDER

  • Twitter: Shoot the truck a tweet to initiate the convo, and they’ll get in touch with you or give you the best number to reach them at
  • Google them & go to their website: Many trucks offer convenient catering forms on their websites
  • Phone: Most trucks have their phone number listed on their Facebook page and/or their website

Vote for Us for Top Food Truck Blog in the Nation

November 5, 2012 Blog No comments
vote for food truck freak

We were honored to see that we made Mobile Cuisine Magazine’s list of nominees for Top Food Truck Blog in the U.S.! At the time of writing this blog, we are currently in 4th place behind cities with much larger food truck populations. We’re proud to be in their ranks and we’re asking for YOUR help to get us to #1! 

Here’s how to vote:

1) Click here to go to the voting page:

2) Click “Food Truck Freak – Chicago, IL”

3) Click “VOTE” at the bottom

4) Share this link with fellow food truck freaks & supporters: bit.ly/ValI3Q

Only 1 total vote is allowed per IP address That means all computers on the same wifi network (or school or office networks) count as 1 vote. So, vote on your phone (with the wifi off) and your home and work computers ;)

Voting ends Friday November 9 at 11:59 p.m. CST If you love us, please vote before then!

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