(credit: NYSF)

Things are never quiet on the NY food truck scene.  We were contacted by several vendors last week who were not only chased away from their spots in the Flatiron District, but they received summonses as well.

The Cinnamon Snail, Mexico Blvd and Kelvin Slush were all part of the action, and there were likely more trucks involved.  Adam from The Cinnamon Snail heard a rumor that someone who didn’t have their ID got thrown into a police car, but he was not sure which truck it was, and stresses that it was an unconfirmed rumor.

The Flatiron District was the main beneficiary when food trucks were chased from midtown.  Although the foot traffic wasn’t as heavy as midtown and business dropped off, at least it was a fairly safe haven.  We’re not sure if that’s even true any more.

Adam said he was worried this would happen when the block they used to park on with no one else around started having 3-4 trucks a day on it.  That’s a recipe for disaster.

If any food trucks are reading this, please spread out.  If you see a food truck parked somewhere, try to park at least 2 blocks away.  It’s a lot harder for a business to say it’s being affected by one food truck than 3 or 4 within a 2 block radius.

(credit: NYSF)

We received a nice surprise on Sunday when Food Freaks Grilled Cheese tweeted they were going to be in Central Park on Monday & Tuesday for lunch.  Food Freaks were one of our favorite new vendors at the Taste of the Parks event last June, but we haven’t gotten out to their regular spot by Ft. Greene Park in Brooklyn.

Even though it was raining cats & dogs, we caught a lull in the storm and headed over to 5th Ave & 60th St, right by the entrance to Central Park.  The Food Freaks, Stephen Cusato and John Coppola, were grilling up a storm inside their cart.

After asking for their recommendation, we agreed and ordered the Arthur Avenue sandwich for $7.25.  For those of you not familiar with Arthur Avenue, it’s a section of the Bronx known as the “real Little Italy”.

(credit: NYSF)

It was raining too hard by the time I got lunch to eat outside, so I brought the sandwich back to my office.  It cooled down a little, but was still somewhat gooey.

Inside the sandwich was fresh mozzarella (which you can tell by the taste and texture), creamy ricotta, pieces of meaty sopressata and a wonderful red pepper jam.  The jam added some sweetness to the cheese and meat, but it wasn’t too sweet by any means.

The sandwich was served on a country white bread that grilled up nicely.  This may sound strange, but the Food Freaks told me they add some mayo to the butter before grilling.  They say it allows for an increase in temperature before the butter burns, so the sandwich can cook a little longer.  Based on the results, they obviously know what they’re talking about.

(credit: NYSF)

As I was waiting for the sandwich, John gave me an order of deep-fried brussells sprouts.  I don’t usually like brussels sprouts, but I tried their version at the Taste of the Parks event last year, and was blown away.  It was actually the first time I ever enjoyed brussells sprouts, and I was eager for more.

I also wanted to find out how they are made so my wife, who loves brussells sprouts and is a great cook, can try it at home.  John told me they deep-fry the sprouts, then simply add agave syrup, salt and pepper.  Sounds easy enough, but we’ll have to see how the execution at home goes.

The Food Freaks will be at this spot (60th St & 5th Ave) only for this Monday & Tuesday and next Monday & Tuesday.  They may be able to try a spot near Columbus Circle, but that wasn’t confirmed as of yesterday.

They will be by Ft. Greene Park in Brooklyn the rest of the time.  To be sure, check their twitter here, their website here, or our Mobile Munchies twitter feed.  You’ll be glad you did!

(credit: NYSF)

(credit: NYSF)

Another dark and gloomy day. What did we say yesterday? They call it Stormy Monday, but Tuesday’s just as bad!

One way to brighten your day is with lots of New York Street Food from the vendors on the right and the trucks below.

The Hudson Square Food Truck Lot is back today, but the debut of the new Taco Truck Kiosk at the High Line is postponed due to electrical issues.

As always, check the Mobile Munchies twitter feed before heading out, in case anyone had to move at the last minute.

FF Grilled Cheese ‏Running a bit late this morning, should be open @ 60th & 5th closer to 11:45…I’ll let you know

Urban Lobster Shack ‏We have rolled onto 51st and 7th Ave for today’s lunch. It’s the perfect day for chowda and lobsta!

Mike n Willie’s ‏Lunch today in #fidi front and Wall street 11-3pm #tacos #sliders#Yummy #lunch

Chinese Mirch ‏Good morning midtown! See us at 47th & Vanderbilt for hot piping momos. Ready at 11. Bring us a screen shot of you liking our food truck page on Facebook to get one free rasmalai!

RedHookLobsterTruck ‏Good morning, lobstars! Get your truck on at 50th & 6th. Or picnic with us at #MadSqEats at Broadway & 5th. Or… both!

bobjoTruck ‏On water st and coentis slip.

WFC Food Trucks ‏Tue 5/22: Looks like weather will hold thru lunch so come get@bongobros @rickshawtruck @eddiespizzany @PhilsSteaks &@cupcakecrewnyc 11-3

FF Grilled Cheese ‏Running a bit late this morning, should be open closer to 11:45…I’ll let you know

Gorilla Cheese NYC ‏Good morning ….We are back by popular demand …47&Park for lunch today…. Smoked Salmon Melt : w/ Muenster, tomato & caramelized onions.

Wafels & Dinges ‏Not-TOO-rainy Tuesday! Momma Truck is at Canal & Broadway until 4:32pm, Kastaar is at Front & Washington in DUMBO until 4:37pm. Vedette is at 60th & 5th ave til 8:02pm, Goesting is @ Flatiron Building til 7:58pm, Bierbeek will be @ Columbus circle til 10:03pm. For one free dinges: Which U.S. Olympic speed skater has won 8 medals and has their birthday today?

Cupcake Crew ‏Just rolled into WFC food truck lot(N.end ave & Vesey st)Don’t let the rainy blues get to you.Come by enjoy a cupcake and smile:)

LukesLobsterNY Lunch today is on 17th at 5th ave. My Lobster Kingdom for anyone who makes the sun come out today.

Domo Taco ‏38th and broadway today! Ready at 11:30.

Sweetery ‏Well the dam seems to be holding & people are returning from higher ground, & so has Sweetery, Hudson/King St till 3p.

Mexicue ‏Cloudy…but it ain’t rain’n! The truck is on 12th and 26th street, Madison eats all day as well. No need to bring your sunscreen!

Kimchi Taco ‏Good Morning Flatiron! Lunch 5th Ave. & 25th St. 11:30-2:30pm. See you soon.

Coolhaus NY ‏Today’s #HausPWRD = ART NOUVEAU for $1 off 2 sammies @ 46th/Vanderbilt 11-5!

BigDs Grub ‏G’morning #FiDi, join us for lunch at Old Slip and Water Street from 11:15am to 2:45pm today!!

Bistro Truck ‏Good day #carnivoresnation we are on Hudson & King today from 11-3p.

Hudson Sq Food Truck ‏Today @LMCC in @HudsonSquareNYC! @KELVINSLUSH@MexicoBlvd @milktrucknyc @RickshawTruck @schnitznthings@Valduccis 11a-3p. Varick & Grand.

Valduccis ‏11-3pm we will be at the lot on Varick/Grand/6thAve/Canal! Come , eat enjoy!

Mexico Blvd. These clouds are looking rather fierce… Heading over to Grand & Canal #LentSpace

The Cinnamon Snail ‏PLEASE RT: On Park ave. between 47th and 46th until 3:00. We have roasted mushroom seitan meatball subs, s’mores donuts & all your favies!

feedyourhole We’re out here despite the rain. Come visit us on 46th between 5th an 6th Ave today. We will bring the sunshine to your holes tho’ with PORKYS DOGS and SLOPPY WIENERS!!!! We’re accepting credit cards today so you guys don’t have to walk around looking for cash or an ATM if you don’t want too.

Crisp on Wheels ‏Located on 49th, between 6th and 7th

Taïm Mobile ‏Varick and King for lunch. Starting next tues we will be in the Hudson Sq truck lot on varick at grand 11-3

BIAN DANG ‏Corner of 24th and park from 1130-2pm

Phil’s Steaks  @WFCFoodTrucks today rain or shine. Serving up tasty #Cheesesteaks from 11-230! Come get your Phil #NYC

Cupcake Crew ‏Today’s menu:Van Creme Brûlée,Choc Dulce de Leche,Tequilla Lime,Samoa,Red Velvet & Choc Van Swirl #BakedFreshDaily

Uncle Gussy’s ‏Good morning twitter nation Today’s specials KEFTEDES Home made by mom served with rice & Greek salad. Dessert baklava by aunt Georgia

NYC Healthy Bites ‏Day 2 of Gloomy day! Boo! Let’s cheer yup with our healthy bites! Back @Union Square on17th St. We’ll prob be here for the rest of the week.

funbunsnyc ‏Front and Adams st !!! @DUMBOFoodTrucks get your buns here!!!

Rocco DiSpirito ‏@NowEatThisTruck Were setting up for lunch today on 52nd btw 5th & 6th.

Milk Truck ‏@HdsnSqFoodTruck Lot at Grand & Varick 11a-3p w/ @kelvinslush@MexicoBlvd @milktrucknyc @rickshawtruck @Schnitznthings@Valduccis

Our Heros Food Truck ‏Water&wall today chicken noodle soup and hot pastrami melted Swiss on toasted hero

Eddie’s Pizza NY ‏the truck is parked at the world financial center truck lot. please call ahead your order before noon 917-439-7522

Calexico ‏Prince & Wooster is out and blazin! Especial del dia is our delicious homemade chorizo topped w fresh salsa verde, raw onion & cilantro! Mad Sq Eats is still crankin rain or shine! Come on out to Worth Sq and check us out at the festival!

Mexico Blvd. ‏At the #LentSpace @HdsnSqFoodTruck (Varick & Grand) from 11-3 with @milktrucknyc @Valduccis @RickshawTruck @KELVINSLUSH@schnitznthings !!

New Jersey

The Taco Truck ‏#JerseyCity: We are looking for parking around #ExchangePlace and#Harborside. Unfortunately we have been forced out of our regular spots;(

Melissa and Andrew (credit: Melissa Rodriguez)

A few months ago, we got tickets for the Great Googa Mooga, then found out we had to be in MA for a family event.  We had a contest to give away the tickets, and Melissa Rodriguez won our NYSF contest for 2 tickets.  Melissa agreed to take some photos and write up her experience at Googa Mooga for us.

The initial reports on Saturday were terrible, with huge lines and lots of vendors running out of food.  Would Sunday be better?   Click through for Melissa’s write-up, and some photos of her experience at the event.

Colicchio & Sons (credit: Melissa Rodriguez)

I was lucky enough to win Sunday tickets to Googa Mooga through New York Street Food’s giveaway contest – based upon a simple fact; I am a petite girl who loves to eat! (A lot)

The first day of the Googa Mooga food festival, I had read multiple angry tweets and articles regarding Saturday’s events. Many of the complaints were stemmed from losing cellphone service while in the park (The horror! Now you had to actually talk to the people you were with!), long lines, and the original ticket system for buying drinks (Which I thank the food gods I was lucky enough to avoid on Sunday).

Sunday really was the perfect day for a food festival, thanks to the gorgeous weather. Our first stop was the beer tent. I ordered a Magic Hat Elder Betty, which I really enjoyed – it was not too heavy and not overly fruity.

The Eat Me Sweetly booth immediately caught my attention – they were offering hot & sour pickles (yum) with a free pickle shot. Which after a few moments hesitation, I happily took. Why not, right? I picked the sour pickle shot and my boyfriend bravely chose the hot. Weird, but pretty yummy!

Our next stop was Do or Dine, I had full intentions of trying the Foie Gras doughnut only to be met with a “Sold Out” sign – it seems everyone at the festival had the same idea. Side note: I fully plan on visiting their Bed-Stuy location and soon. I also made note to stop by Joe’s pizza – as their line was over an hour long.

People's Pops (credit: Melissa Rodriguez)

We then journeyed over to Collicchio & Sons where they were serving pork belly tacos. I never had pork belly before, so I was excited to try. It was definitely different and pretty good once you get past the texture, and I enjoyed the slaw that came with the tacos. People’s Pops had great raspberry basil pops, with fresh raspberry chunks perfect for a hot day.

By far my favorite stop at Googa Moogs was Num Pang. To sum it up in one word, AMAZING. The best thing I ate all day and the best deal I got all day. Their pulled duroc pork – is too perfect to even begin describe. It combines a mix of savory with the pork and chili mayo and light, with cucumber and pickled carrots. For 7 dollars, it also came with a corn on the cob using the same chili mayo and sprinkles of coconut?! Perfection. I thank Num Pang for expanding my flavor palette for the better.

Num Pang (credit: Melissa Rodriguez)

We also stopped by a local hot sauce throw down and got to sample a few of the contestants’ hot sauce recipes.

When Hall & Oates finally took to the stage, I was in a happy place. Everyone around me was dancing and laughing and more importantly I had a happy tum. Long lines aside, the Googa Mooga festival introduced me to a variety of foods I would’ve normally never have tried in a typical restaurant setting. I will definitely look forward to attending next year!

Thank you Melissa for telling us about your fun time at Googa Mooga.  Looks like they learned enough from Saturday’s mistakes to make Sunday much better.  That should give everyone hope for next year’s event.

(credit: NYSF)

Being the ever-vigilant food truck diners that we are, there was a tweet late last week from The Taco Truck about them coming to the High Line.

We contacted our friends at the Vendy-Award Winning food truck and got the scoop for you.

The Taco Truck is launching a kiosk tomorrow at the Chelsea Market Underpass at 15th St & 10th Ave, which they anticipate being open through October.

The hours will be Sun-Tues from 11am-9pm, and Wed-Sat from 11am-10pm.  Now you can enjoy The Taco Truck for lunch or dinner (or both).

You can see The Taco Truck’s High Line Kiosk menu here.  It looks pretty damn good!  We’ll have to stop by and try it out.

(credit: NYSF)

(credit: NYSF)

Last weekend I went out for some street food, and ended up in Union Square.  One vendor that caught my eye was a new food cart called Morocho.  They were parked on the sidewalk on Union Square West between 14-15 St, and the sign said Peruvian Fusion.

I spoke with the chef, Miguel Samanez, who told me this was their first month on the street.  Miguel was born in Brazil to Brazilian and Peruvian parents, but actually grew up in the Midwest from age 9.  Someone must have taught this guy how to cook Peruvian food though, because it was delicious.

As I usually do at a new place, I asked for the chef’s recommendation.  He suggested Aji de Gallina, a chicken, egg and potato dish that cost $7.  The menu looked really interesting and I wanted to try a 2nd item, so he then suggested a lomo saltado taco, which cost $5.

Aji de Gallina (credit: NYSF)

I started with the lomo saltado taco, which had strips of rib-eye steak, red onions, tomatoes, cilantro, scallions, soy sauce, garlic and a touch of oyster sauce.

The lomo saltado came on two soft corn tortillas in a container.  I’m glad it was in a container because I had to eat some of it with a fork before I could pick up the taco.  Not only was it too hot to pick up, but there was a bunch of sauce on the bottom, and too much food to lift it without making a mess.  The fork helped get things down to a manageable level.

Wow, this was an excellent taco!  The strips of beef were thick, marinated and tender, and each item could be tasted in the mix, especially the red onions and sauce.  Even the tortilla had a pronounced corn taste.  It wasn’t just a vehicle for the fillings.

(credit: NYSF)

With the soy sauce, oyster sauce and garlic, I can see where the “fusion” comes from.  There was definitely an Asian influence in this dish, but it was nothing at all like the Korean tacos we’ve had.  It was more of a Japanese influence, which isn’t surprising considering Peru has a large Japanese population.  Peru even had a president of Japanese descent (Alberto Fujimori) for most of the 1990′s.

When I first ordered, I thought $5 for a taco was kind of pricey, but this was a substantial dish…and I still had the aji de gallina to eat!

Opening up the 2nd container, which was significantly heavier than the first, there were two quarters of a hard-boiled egg and slices of olives over a shredded chicken dish in a bright yellow sauce.

I’m not familiar with Peruvian cuisine, but the sauce was aji amarillo, a creamy (sweet) yellow pepper sauce with parmesan cheese in it.  A large amount of saucy pulled chicken was served over a bed of sliced potatoes and lettuce, which gave the dish some heft.

I know it’s spring heading into summer, but this dish would have kept you warm during a cold winter.  Did I mention it tasted amazing too?  Eggy, cheesy, saucy chicken served over potatoes – what’s not to love?  The olives even added some tang to a few bites.

The menu is pretty meaty, but there are at least two dishes for vegetarians that looked good too.  I wasn’t familiar with Peruvian dishes or sauces, and if you’re not, you can check out the menu below and the various sauces here.

You can follow Morocho on twitter here or on our Mobile Munchies twitter feed, although they park on Union Square West between 14-15 St for lunch and dinner.  No website yet, but their facebook is here.

I must say Morocho was one of my favorite new street food vendors of the year.  I will definitely be going back to try the rest of the menu over time, although I’m not sure about the veal heart anticuchos.

(credit: NYSF)

Kim's Aunt Kitchen - 46th & 6th (credit: NYSF)

Yeah, they call it Stormy Monday, but Tuesday’s just as bad.  At least that’s what T-Bone Walker wrote, and the Allman Brothers knocked out of the park.

On this Stormy Monday, some food trucks are taking the day off, and some are working.  Below we have only included the trucks that we know are out today, but check the Mobile Munchies twitter feed before heading out, in case anyone reported in late, or had to move at the last minute.

Chinese Mirch ‏It’s raining it’s pouring ! But we are out there serving fidi at front & governeur, pls come and show your love!

Uncle Gussy’s ‏Dressing balsamic #olive oil #oregano #greeksalad #NYC 51st and park ave http://instagr.am/p/K5DjujkAJO/

Wafels & Dinges ‏Monster Storm Monday! Momma Truck is at Columbia – 113th & Broadway until 10:01pm; Kastaar Truck is at Madison & 34th until 4:32pm. Vedette is at 60th & 5th ave until 7:58pm; Bierbeek is at Columbus Circle until 10:02pm, Goesting is at the Flatiron Building until 8:01pm. Sing your favorite rainy day song for one free dinges!

Mexicue ‏@WFCFoodTrucks on this slightly less than perfect day.

BIAN DANG ‏We’re planning to open for lunch in this ridiculous rain! 50th btwn 6/7 Ave from 11:30-2pm!

RedHookLobsterTruck ‏It’s raining cats & dogs! Share a pet photo & take $1 off at#MadSqEats. No truck today. Big Red only *thinks* she’s a lobster boat

Frites’n'Meats ‏Lunch 2day @ church & walker. Burger of the week THE MARITAL BLISS. Peeps we also got the MAKER’S MARK BOURBON KOBE BURGER on the menu 2day:) preorders r available all day until 3pm 9172929226

BigDs Grub ‏G’morning #Midtown East! Afraid of a little rain? Call your lunch orders in 646-543-BIGD or place your order on http://foodtoeat.com

Gorilla Cheese NYC ‏Gorilla @ WFC today …N. End & Vesey…. Todays Melt: Nova Melt: Smoked Salmon, Muenster, Tomato, Caramelized Onions on French..#tasty

Calexico ‏No Prince & Wooster today guys but We’re slingin in the rain up at Worth Sq!

Mexico Blvd. ‏Heading over to 47th & Lexington for lunch! Give us a call or text us to pre-order at (646)-460-1661!

WFC Food Trucks ‏Mon 5/21: Rain = No Lines. Grab your umbrella and get your food *fast*. @redhooklobster @gcnyc1 @taimmobile@mexicue 11a-3p

Sweetery ‏Good soggy morning. Sweetery is on Hudson/King St until 3p today until 3p.

Eddie’s Pizza NY ‏We will be on 26th and 12th with the truck but 66th/Broadway cart is closed.

NowEatThisTruck We’re setting up for lunch on this rainy Monday on Lexington & 52nd.

eggstravaganza : Rainy day lunch special # burrito supremo only$6.00 *cajun chicken, carne asada or chorizo fresco *

Comme Ci, Comme Ça ‏is on Old Slip @ Water St today! Don’t wait in line!!!! Place your order over the phone and pick it up! Tel. 347 935 9807

LukesLobsterNY This rain is THE WORST. Open on 46th and Vanderbilt until. Help us, Noah!

Our Heros Food Truck ‏Water & wall in the rain !! Yeah chick & veg soup buffalo chicken toasted hero w/ blue cheese crispy greens

Phil’s Steaks ‏What makes a rainy Monday better? #Cheesesteaks!!! We are on 45 n Madison serving from 11-2. Come get your Phil #NYC

king of falafel ‏Its a rainy day but we are open and ready

FF Grilled Cheese ‏We’re open…IN CENTRAL PARK!!!! Come by, don’t let a little rain scare you! 60th and 5th by Apple Store, next to @waffletruck

bobjoTruck ‏On 46th St between 5th and 6th Avenues.

New Jersey

TwoPitasInAPod Newark. Targeting Mulberry. We’ll post when we materialize through the cloudy skies of Newark

(credit: NYSF)

We heard about jobs openings at 3 different food truck related companies, although not all are in food trucks.

The Cinnamon Snail is looking for licensed VEGETARIAN cooks and window people to work on their twice-Vendy nominated food truck in NYC.  If you are qualified and would like to apply for one of these jobs, please email Adam at thecinnamonsnail@gmail.com

Coolhaus is looking for NY food truck managers and a corporate finance/admin officer. If you would like to apply for these jobs, please email freya@eatcoolhaus.com

Lastly, Yassir from Bistro Truck is hiring a sous chef and line cooks for his new restaurant, Rustic, on the Lower East Side.  Additional details can be found here: http://eater.com/marketplace/jobs/2670.

Good luck to all who apply.

(credit: NYSF)

We were contacted by a new food truck that will be hitting the NYC streets very soon called Hibachi Heaven.  If you enjoy Japanese-style hibachi cooking, this should be right up your alley.

Click through for details of what they will be serving, when they expect to be on the street, and how to find them.

We spoke with Nick Russo, one of the owners of Hibachi Heaven.  Nick told us they will have steak, shrimp, chicken and tofu cooked on a giant hibachi grill in the truck.  They will also have white, brown and fried rice to choose from.

Menu prices have not been finalized yet, but Nick tells us he wants lunch to be in the $8-10 range.

Since this is street food, Nick wanted people to be able to walk around with their meal.  To solve this problem, Hibachi Heaven will offer wraps as well as platters.

Nick said their anticipated street date is June 1st, but inspection is scheduled for a few days before that, and we’ve heard about several truck inspections recently getting postponed by a few weeks.

Hopefully this won’t happen to Hibachi Heaven, but it’s the rare food truck that gets out on the street without any delays.

Below is a mock-up of the truck.  You can follow their progress on twitter here or on our Mobile Munchies twitter feed.  If this isn’t enough to find Hibachi Heaven, you can always look for their customized license plates.

(credit: NYSF)

We first ran across the Chinese Mirch truck at the Choice Streets event a few weeks ago.  At that event, trucks only gave out a sample of their food, and we were looking forward to seeing what else they served.  The truck’s slogan is “chinese food. indian flavors”, which sounded promising.

Since I tried their momos at Choice Streets, on this visit I ordered duck sliders (bao), which cost $8 for an order of 3.

(credit: NYSF)

As I found out after Choice Streets, Chinese Mirch is a small brick-and-mortar chain with one restaurant in NYC at 120 Lexington Ave (26th  St) and a few more locations around New Jersey and New England.  This food truck is their first foray into the mobile eats arena.

The Chinese buns were similar to ones I’ve had before at the new Fun Buns cart and Asian restaurants.  The buns were filled with slices of roast duck, shredded carrots, scallions and a tamarind sauce, which was a bit spicy.

The duck  meat was chilled and it wasn’t fatty at all, although there was a little skin on each slice.  The dark flavor of duck went particularly well with the sauce, although calling it a tamarind sauce was a little misleading to me.

In my opinion, the sauce tasted more like a spicy hoisin sauce, with a little bbq flavor to it.  It wasn’t like other tamarind sauces I’ve had, which usually have a sweeter, more cloy taste.

The carrots gave the sandwich some crunch, and the scallions added an oniony flavor.  The buns were ok, but they were not as soft as Chinese buns I’ve had at other places.

Three duck buns was a nice meal for $8, and a decent value as well.  I’m not an expert, but I wonder where the “Indian flavors” come into the picture.  I felt like this was pretty much a Chinese meal, but as long as it tastes good, who cares?

You can find the Chinese Mirch truck on twitter here or on our Mobile Munchies twitter feed.

(credit: NYSF)