San Diego Event: Gourmet Food Truck Festival

 

When: Saturday, August 20th, 2011

Time: 12pm – 6pm

Where: Del Mar(fair grounds)

Pack your appetite on Saturday, August 20, as Del Mar hosts the largest Food Truck Festival that San Diego has ever seen! It’s the first annual Del Mar Gourmet Food Truck Festival. You’ll have an opportunity to sample a treasure trove of delicious and eclectic foods from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. served up by Southern California’s top food truck chefs.

For a list of food trucks, visit www.delmarscene.com

Why Sky’s Tacos Is The Smartest Food Truck In The City

This summer the city of Los Angeles has seen a plethora of events geared toward the new food truck frenzy. From food fests to outdoor cinema and music events, the people in the food truck industry are making money hand over fist, and giving local, non-mobile food businesses a run for their money. But certain areas of the city have seen no love from the food truck craze; their streets remain devoid of the colorful trucks offering up a variety of delectables to choose from. These same areas, like Leimert Park, have a scant selection of food offerings to begin with and a variety of options would be a welcome change to the locals in the area.

Enter in Sky’s Gourmet Tacos. Sky’s, a staple in the Picfair Village area of Los Angeles, has been located at the corner of Pico and Hauser Boulevards for the last 18 years, and hit the streets in June with their first mobile truck. And though you will find Sky’s on Museum Row amid dozens of other trucks at lunch, they have a monopoly on the Crenshaw District weeknights, setting up on the corner of Crenshaw and Coliseum from 4 – 8 pm. No other trucks, no other competition, and plenty of customers. So many customers, in fact, that they rarely make that 8pm deadline.

Now, I don’t know anybody that doesn’t love food, me included. But why run across town chasing different trucks when there is one right here in my own neighborhood? It seems that many of the food truck owners simply follow where other trucks go in hopes of making a name for themselves and haven’t considered the economic power this area has. The Crenshaw District is centrally located with easy access to Leimert Park, View Park, Windsor Hills, and Ladera Heights. These neighborhoods are filled with hard-working (and many affluent), hungry people with limited food options, especially when it comes to take-out. Thank goodness Sky’s is enough of a visionary to think outside the box, and bring a bit of diversity to our neighborhood.

Sky’s, (which happens to be a black-owned and operated business – but when it comes to good food, who cares?), offers up their regular menu and their gourmet tacos, that come in chicken, turkey, steak (filet mignon even), shrimp and lobster varieties, will have you coming back for more. They offer a smaller version than what the restaurant offers on the truck for a mere $2, but if you have a large appetite, ask for the regular size for an extra buck.

Support Sky’s as they are supporting us: they are on the corner of Crenshaw Blvd. and Coliseum St., Monday – Friday from 4 – 8 pm. This upcoming Friday, August 13th, they will not be there due to a private event. Oh yeah – book them for your next party as well. Thanks Sky’s!

LA EVENTS: Outdoor Cinema Food Fest

If you have to miss the LA Street Food Festival, don’t fret because LA food trucks have yet another event coming to you this summer. Check out the Outdoor Cinema Food Fest, where  good films and good food come together. This event will take place every Saturday from July 10th -August 28th at different parks around the city. I’ll see you there on August 7th for a viewing of  The Hangover and August 21st for The Princess Bride and some good eats!

LA EVENTS: LA Street Food Fest

I love food, and lately, my city has exploded into food truck frenzy. There have always been taco and hamburger trucks around this city since I was a kid, but in the last year gourmet food truck businesses have taken the city by storm. From Korean BBQ tacos to homemade ice cream sandwiches, these trucks offer a lot more than you’ll find in any shopping center or mall food court. Furthermore, food truck owners are building relationships and setting up shop in groups to give local restaurants a run for their money.

If you don’t have the time to chase these trucks down to sample their wares, you are in luck! On Saturday, July 24th be in attendance to the LA Street Food Fest. This event will take place at the Pasadena Rose Bowl from 5:30 -9pm. There are over 60 vendors participating; feel free to purchase items from vendors individually or pay $45 and sample something from every vendor. Did I mention there’s a tequila truck too? Epic score!

While there, check out the Comfort Truck owned and operated by Chef Brian Hill, celebrity chef to the stars. Support this brotha in his new business endeavor.

See you there!