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.

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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
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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
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