Long Beach Street Food Festival

We to the Long Beach Street Food Festival today and had tons of stuff.  Not going to do a review of each truck, but will touch on the ones we did try.  We stood in line for about 30 mins for the grilled cheese truck before giving up.  We heard that some people were in line for over 90 mins.  Though they are deserving of the gigantic line that they had, we can catch them when they are around town.

We also stood in line twice for The Buttermilk Truck and their Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Pancakes.  But to no avail.  For a truck that had only three items on their sampler menu, they seem to have two speeds. Slow and backwards.  A total shame, since I had been looking forward to trying their buttermilk biscuit sandwiches for a while.  I guess another venture around town for them as well.

Now on to the ones who got tried.  First up, Ahn Joo.  Another Korean Food truck, but this one is not like the bazillion others.  We were told that the truck was the vision of Food Network personality Debbie Lee.  We tried the Spicy Chilled Buckwheat Noodles, Kimbap with Beef and Fuji Apple Egg Rolls.

The Buckwheat Noodles was a perfect warm weather salad.  It had Fuji Apples, Korean Veggies and the noodles.  It also came with a great dressing that tasted a little like a Kimchi Vinaigrette.  The Kimbap was ok, it was pre-made and a bit dry.  However, the Fuji Apple Egg Rolls were "DA BOMB".  Perfectly sweet, and tender apples.  Like egg roll skin.  It came with a Ginger Marscarpone but it wasn't even opened up.  Not even close to being needed.  

www.ahnjoo.com
www.facebook.com/ahnjoola
twitter.com/ahnjoola

Next up was The Knock Out Taco Truck.  We had seen this truck at a few different places before.  And thought "It's just another taco truck."  Boy were we wrong.  First off, their taco selection is right out of the most trendy of fusion restaurants.  And the fusions are like a lot of other trucks where it is Asian / Mexican.  These items are taken from everywhere.  We ordered the Jalapeño Teriyaki Chicken, Hawaiian Tuna Poke and Blackened Shrimp Tacos.

The Jalapeño Teriyaki Chicken tacos are great if you like spicy, but not overwhelming.  The Jalapenos are roasted, so that takes a lot of the heat from them (at least I think so).  It also had marinated cucumbers inside, to add some crush and cooling from the jalapeno heat.  The Hawaiian Tuna Poke, was sushi quality Tuna with  a salsa of cucumbers and onions and a slice of avocado on top.  It was served cold and was perfect on a warm sunny day.  The Blacked Shrimp was a bit heavy on the blackening seasoning.  And the cheese grits were a bit odd in texture for a taco.  But very tasty.

http://www.kotacotruck.com/KOTacos/home.html
http://twitter.com/KOTACOTRUCK

Next we headed to Lomo Arigato.  Hadn't heard of this truck, and the name made me think it was just another Asian Fusion inspiration.  But we were totally wrong.  We checking the sample menu, we found it was actually Peruvian inspired dishes.  We had a fried rice with chicken dish.  Really do wish I could remember the name.  It was great.  Huge portions and made fresh while we waited.  The wait was a bit long, but well worth it.  And if you want a beverage, INCA KOLA.  Tastes like the best creme soda you can get in a deli.

http://www.lomoarigato.com/
http://twitter.com/LOMOARIGATO

Our final stop was Uncle Lau's BBQ.  Their menu was sliders and sides.  So of course, I had to try all three of the slider options.  The had a BBQ Brisket, Pulled Pork and Galbi Short Rib.  The Galbi was good, but was a bit heavy on kimchi.  The pulled pork had no flavor, and the cole slaw that topped it had less.  The BBQ Brisket was the exception.  Full of flavor and very tender.  By far the best of their selections.  Also, the featured freshly purred Watermelon Juice.  It was very tasty, and killed the flavor of the not so great sandwiches.  

http://www.unclelausbbq.com/
http://www.facebook.com/unclelausbbq

http://www.twitter.com/unclelausbbq

All and all, a great day at the trucks.  Trying new ones, and realizing that your favorites are everyone's favorites now too.

Barbie's Q

And our final stop, again a "stubble upon" situation.  I had been following Barbie's Q for awhile, but just could be where they were.  Finally, our two worlds collided.

Though they have a "Sample Q" platter, I couldn't stomach that much food after three other trucks.  So I went with an ol' faithful, Pulled Pork Sandwich.  They serve it with your choice of Potato Salad, Cole Slaw or Baked Beans.  I chose the beans, and was not disappointed.

The sandwich itself is rather large.  On a grinder roll, rather then a hamburger type bun.  They sauce is good, and not over powering of the meat.  Definitely a compliment.

Unfortunately, I couldn't finish it.  My Partner In Crime was supposed to be splitting everything with me, but she got full at the Cheese Steak.

Barbie, I promise to make a return visit with a fuller stomach.

http://www.barbiesq.com/
http://twitter.com/BarbiesQ

Pyongyang Express

Next up, stop #3, Pyongyang Express.  This one was found while we were walking down Abbott Kinney, on the way to the car.  Great concept.  Not only Korean BBQ, like the other 20 now on the road, not just KBBQ but North Korean BBQ.  They have someone walking around with "Propaganda" (flyers and buttons), they play "Tokyo Rose" type radio broadcasts, and have pictures of the "Glorious Leader" Kim Jong-Il.

The best gimmick with them, half the price of the other trucks.  $1 tacos (chicken or beef) $2 Quesadilla and 50 cent waters.  They even taste better then most of the other trucks.

http://www.pyongyangexpress.com/
http://twitter.com/PyongyangBBQ
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pyongyang-Express/132366173445659?ref=search

South Philly Experience

Stop #2 for First Friday, South Philly Experience.  Just as you would think, a Cheesesteak truck.  We ordered Chicken Cheesesteaks Wiz Wit.  Easily explained.  Chicken Cheesesteak with Cheese Wiz and with Onions.  First off, the onions were AMAZING.  So sweet and soft, and picking up all of the favors of the grilled they were cooked on.  The chicken is chopped all white meat and full of flavor.  They seasoned the meat perfectly.  It's so simple, yet so perfect.  You have the choice of American, Provolone or Cheese Wiz.  But why would you choose anything but the Wiz.  Nothing beats The Wiz.

And in good east coast fashion, they also have Tastycakes.  If you've never had these, you are missing out.  Though they only have one flavor, they are so worth it.

Also, they serve Mexican Coke in the old fashioned glass bottles.  They taste different from American Coke, a bit sweeter.

All in all, a great sandwich and well worth searching them out.

http://southphillyexperience.com/wordpress/
http://twitter.com/southphillyexp

The Dim Sum Truck

Tonight the misses and I headed to Venice for First Friday.  There were 24 trucks in one location.  Our first stop The Dim Sum Truck.  Not being able to decide on what to order, we went with the "Everything in the middle window".  After a good chuckle, we took two very large trays of Dim Sum.

First up, Pork & Shrimp Shu Mai.  Perfect from start to finish.  The wrapping was not too soft or too chew.  Next, Shrimp Har Gow.  Full pieces of shrimp, perfectly cooked with full flavor.

We also had Chicken and Mushroom Buns, which were a little too "bunny".  The filling was great, but the first couple of bites were all Bun. Also, BBQ Pork Buns.  I like these a lot, because they were baked into sweet buttery dinner rolls.  A favorite of mine at any time.

They also come with a great spicy sauce to dip everything in.

Overall, a great truck to eat from.  My one and only complaint, they sometimes run a Shark's Fin special.  While I am not one to push my beliefs on others, I will express myself at times.  Being a huge shark lover, I can't condone the use of this product.  It has in the past stopped me from going to this truck, and may in the future, as long as they are serving Fin.

http://thedimsumtruck.com/Index/Home.html
http://twitter.com/dimsumtruck
http://www.facebook.com/dimsumtruck

India Jones Chow Truck

Last Saturday for the annual LACMA Art Walk, when all of the museums on Wilshire Blvd are opened to the public for free, a few of the cities food trucks showed.  The one that stood out wast India Jones Chow Truck.  I'd been wanting to try it, from all of the other reviews I've read.  Not being a huge Indian Food fan made me hesitant in the past.

Not being a huge fan of curry, automatically cut the menu in half.  They offer a variety of curry dishes over rice each day.  I instead when for the Frankie.  A Roti Roll with a Cilantro / Tamarind Chutney, Chopped Onions and Egg, with a choice of meats.  They offer a choice of Chicken, Beef, Shrimp, Lamb, or Mushroom and Cheese.  I went the Lamb, just because I don't get to eat it often.  It was a very tasty mini burrito.  Full with flavor.

I also tried the Samosa Spring Rolls.  They had a potato like filling, with a great dipping sauce.  A bit of spicy, but not too over powering.

Finally, I had the Mango Pork Short Ribs.  I though it was odd that an eatery such as this would offer something that isn't too portable.  Most trucks do their offerings a burritos or tacos, maybe sandwiches, because of this very reason.  The two ribs were quite large, each the length of the plate they came on.  The Mango glaze was very delicious.  And worked great dripped all over the Nan that was underneath.  The Nan and glaze along would have been great by itself.

All in all, it was very tasty.  I only wish I liked Indian food more, to truly enjoy it.

http://indiajoneschowtruck.blogspot.com/
TWITTER.COM/INDIAJONESCT

The Munchie Machine

When I started getting tweets about The Munchie Machine prepping to launch, I was intrigued.  Not only by the connection to the old Scooby Doo Mystery Machine, but the fact that they were launching on 4/20 (no explanation needed I hope).  It was a simple idea, sandwiches and desserts.  But then I tried it.

I ordered The Don.  A mixture of Italian meats on a Ciabatta Roll with Provalone cheese.  It was just like any other sandwich you can get in the supermarket or stand with grilled sandwiches.  I also split a PB2J (Peanut Butter, Banana and Jelly) with a friend at work.  Very simple, but that's about it.  It was ok, but nothing special, which is what I've come to expect from the specialty trucks.  Take a food, and put your own spin on it to make it original.  On this point, The Machine failed.

Sorry guys, I was hoping for more.  Oh, and since you did give my order and had to remake it, I do appreciate the refund.  However, yelling at the order taker about the miscommunication, sort of made of the people waiting uncomfortable.  I know you are the new kids on the block, but common business sense needs to take over.

http://www.themunchiemachine.com
http://www.facebook.com/themunchiemachine
http://twitter.com/munchiemachine1

The Grilled Cheese Truck

So after many, many weeks of chasing this truck all over the city, I finally got a chance to sample the wonders of the The Grilled Cheese Truck.  We caught them in Canoga Park, at a farmers market.  First off, the guys who work the truck are some of the coolest guys you can find.  Like in a restaurant, that can go a long way.

Now the important part, THE FOOD.  The first round consisted of "The Better Half" having The Cheesy Mac.  Very simple, Mac & Cheese on French Bread.  It may sound odd, but it was quite possibly the greatest idea for a simple Grilled Cheese Sandwich.  The textures and flavors were great.  And Grilled French Bread is wonderful on it's own.

I had the daily Special, The Farmer's Harvest.  It was Roasted Chicken, Tomatoes and an artichoke pesto on Rosemary Potato Bread.  There were a few other ingredients, but they slip my mind at the moment.  As many ingredients that were on the sandwich, you could taste every one of them.

Along with these, there were TATER TOTS.  Now, I know everyone says "Everything is better with bacon" but the same can be said for TOTS.  With your choice of dipping sauces, there is never a need for any other sides.

After a quick walk around the small Farmer's Market, it was time for Round 2.  We decided to split the next item, The Harvest Melt.  As the website describes it as "Roasted Butternut Squash with sauteed leeks, balsamic and agave syrups", just doesn't do it justice.  When they ask "Would you like bacon on that?", you must say yes.  As tasty as it is, it is very savory and needs the salty, smoke bacon crumbles to balance it.


I'm so glad that I finally got to experience The Grilled Cheese Truck.  I believe I have a new favorite truck.

http://www.thegrilledcheesetruck.com/default.aspx
http://www.facebook.com/grilledcheesetruck?ref=ts
http://twitter.com/grlldcheesetruk

Tabom Truck - Brazilian Food

After much confusion as to which mobile cuisine I would try, I had the pleasure of trying Tabom Truck today, for the first time.  I ordered the Grilled Chicken Burrito, the Brazilian Chorizo Taco and Chicken Pastel (I know it's a lot, but I'm a growing boy).

The burrito had beans and rice, and FRENCH FRIES.  They actually added so much to the flavor and texture of the burrito.  Totally shocked, but loved it.

The taco was one bite size (for me), but was 100% meat.  Very tasty, just wish it was larger.

The pastel was by far the best part of the lunch.  A lite puff pasty filled with chicken and your choice of cheese.  I chose Pepper Jack.  Nothing like having speecy spicy food.

All in all, I'm having this again.  And maybe even asking the wife if she  wants to try it.  Though it would be pretty cool to have it as my own adventure.

Tabom Truck - Brazilian Food
http://www.tabomtruck.com/menu.html
www.facebook.com/ta-bom-truck
www.twitter.com/@ta_bom

Nom Nom Truck

Nom Nom Truck is different the other trucks we've been to.  First, no burritos, which seems to be a staple of almost all of the new trucks.  They are serving Bahn Mi, Vietnamese sandwiches, with any of their three meats or tofu.  They also do tacos with these same meats.  The Bahn Mi are amazing.  12" and full of flavor.  If you are not into spicy foods, they will take the jalapeños off the sandwich.  I wouldn't recommend it.  It adds great flavor and a bit of a bite at the end of the meal.

The tacos are great, and you can get a Bahn Mi and tacos combo with a drink.  The taste of the cucumbers in the tacos couldn't be better.  I recommend the Lemongrass Chicken Bahn Mi and BBQ Pork for the tacos.  Full Menu and schedule of locations are here.

www.nomnomtruck.com

Kogi BBQ

KOGI BBQWhat more can be said about KOGI BBQ, that hasn't been said already.  They seem to be EVERYWHERE, four trucks will help with that.  But the food is what they are known for.  Taking a simple idea, burritos and tacos, and putting a great twist on it... Korean BBQ.

The Burritos are amazing, you can taste each of the ingredients with every bite.  The tacos, though smallish, are to die for.  We had the Short Rib Taco this past week, could not ask for a better flavored meat.  That is until we hit the "Black Jack Quesadilla"  Not only does it have their Spicy Pork (yes it is speecy spicy) but the Pepper Jack Cheese isn't too over powering.  Then the pesto on top, with sesame oil and seeds.  By the way if you order too much, which isn't hard to do, the burritos reheat in the microwave to perfection in 45 seconds.

So if you can get to them, KOGI BBQ is a winner.  They post new weekly schedules each Sunday at http://www.kogibbq.com/

Grand Opening

Someone thought it would be a fun idea to start a blog about my travels to find the best of the food trucks around LA.  So here goes.