In Southern California, old-fashioned sandwich trucks are turning into mobile restaurants with menus as varied as the culture. Faced with chain restaurants and high operating costs, many small, locally owned food businesses have disappeared, and the catering truck industry is filling the void.
The speed of growth of this new development in the restaurant industry has, at times, created conflict within some communities. The Southern California Mobile Food Vendors Association was formed to try to create a set of “best practices” for operating within the changing industry. While the rules and regulations are still being developed, the popularity of the movement among the general public is unquestionable.
One of the many ways the industry is changing is in the use of websites and Twitter to let customers know the hours and locations of their favorite gourmet restaurant. The various truck owners post hours and menus so their “followers” can easily make plans to meet up for their favorite meal. The possibilities are seemingly endless. From a simple grilled cheese to Japanese noodles, there is something for almost every taste.
The grilled cheese truck – Whether you’re looking for that simple grilled cheese or something more exotic, this menu has an answer to your search. The cheese offerings start with the American grind and extend to a creamy Brie (on cranberry pecan bread) or Gruyere with plenty of tasty additions and interesting sides.
Q for Barbie – Whether St. Louis-style ribs or pulled pork sandwiches are your preference, Barbie’s can provide them along with traditional sides. They even have a veggie burger for those who love BBQ but don’t eat meat. Like many other gourmet food trucks, they also cater.
Skewers on wheels – A non-traditional food option for many Americans, skewered food lends itself to a wide variety of textures and flavors. From shiitake mushrooms or tofu to Hawaiian pineapple, kabobs can be paired with a salad to create a complete meal for any flavor preference.
TastyMeat – Meat lovers can choose between beef, lamb or chicken in a savory sauce; add lettuce, tomato, and onion, then wrap it in a fresh flatbread for a delicious quick meal.
kogi – Combine Korean BBQ with Mexican style and you get Spicy Pork Tacos or Short Rib Burritos and they haven’t forgotten about vegetarians either, tofu comes in a taco or burrito.
Asian soul cuisine – For a more traditional Asian meal, try Japanese soul food. Try Yakisoba, a combination of noodles, vegetables and a savory sauce, or for a heartier meal, order Nijukaga, a hearty stew of beef, potatoes and noodles in a Bonita broth.
Even old-fashioned ice cream trucks are jumping on the gourmet, gurgling bandwagon.
coolhouse – Make an ice cream sandwich to order with your favorite cookie and ice cream. Choose from six cookie flavors and fill them with your choice of over twenty sundaes. From the traditional vanilla bean to the white chocolate macadamia nut, they make an ice cream sandwich new.
Shave – Crushed ice may sound like another version of a “snow cone,” but the resemblance ends with the basic ingredient. These low-calorie (60-70 calories per 8-ounce serving) come in a variety of flavors, from banana to watermelon.
There are trucks that serve at most any time of the day, from breakfast to dinner. Whether you’re looking for a Southwestern omelet or a slice of pizza, there’s a truck out there for business. Twitter is the easiest way to keep track, but many are also on Facebook or have their own websites.
