The entire parking lot at the northwest corner of 5th and Race has been turned into what the City of Cincinnati is calling MarketGarden during the World Choir Games. It includes the largest number of Cincinnati food trucks I've seen permitted to congregate in one place so far, plus other food booths, some non-food vendors (some selling World Choir Games memorabilia), and beverages - you can even get beer here.
If you were up for that sort of thing rather than making a quick walk to pick up lunch and return to your office, as I did today. Here are just a few of the booths/trucks I spotted today.
EAT!, Taco Azul, Chilly Willy's
Queen City Cookies, Kona Ice
Mecklenberg's and Eddie's BBQ
Taste of Julia's and Ruby's
Mr. Gene's Doghouse and the Queen City Cookies Schnecken Shack Truck
Choir Games Memorabilia and non-food vendors
Sugar Plum Cupcakery and Cafe de Wheels
Some of these I'm familiar with, some I'm looking forward to checking out on future visits during World Choir Games. The City hasn't published a comprehensive list of vendors, even on their facebook page for MarketGarden, although a good source for Cincy food truck updates in one place is here. Today I did not spot any of the anticipated produce vendors.
The Sugar Plum Cupcakery is also selling Madisono's sorbets and gelati! Sadly, the Queen City Cookies Schneckenmobile will not be offering their award-winning bacon schnecken here during the World Choir Games, although they will have their regular schnecken and many fabulous cookies.
MarketGarden has not been well publicized by the City, and the weather has been brutal. It is my understanding the cost is being borne by vendor fees, so I hope you'll check out what they have to offer and support. The booths are under tents, and there is also a large tented area on the north side of 5th Street for diners at MarketGarden. Plus one of these giant misters that are also on Fountain Square.
My lunch choice today was the glazed shrimp basket from New Orleans to Go. Partly because I wanted to check up on Mr. Randy. Thankfully he is out of the hospital after his weekend episode (he drove his food truck directly to the ER after feeling chest pains).
It was too hot inside the truck for Toya and Randy to turn on the oven for their famous Po-Boy's. But this shrimp basket with a refreshing Strawberry Jazz Lemonade was just what the doctor ordered today for me (now that I can finally walk the block from my office to 5th and Race after my unfortunate "frozen food meets foot" incident).
Sing, dance, eat, and explore the wonders of Cincinnati as we welcome our international guests for World Choir Games! Feel free to share more in the comments here about what's going on at MarketGarden and all around town for these festivities!
Sorry about yesterday's posting glitch. Here's my full report.
The new EAT! food truck has been out and about in various locations for a month or so now. I finally had a chance to see what they're up to when they appeared on Fountain Square last week. What's better than a warm early spring day and a nice line of interested customers!
Here's the menu EAT! posted the day I stopped by (sorry about the shadows cast by the downtown office buildings). Based on my previous experience as a supporter of Cincinnati food trucks, I would suggest you not be surprised if they pare it down or alter it once they get their feet under them and see what their customers want in various locations.
EAT! is offering mix-and-match combinations of proteins you can add to pasta and salads or find in sandwiches, including shrimp, scallops, turkey, Amish chicken, and paneer.
I went with the Indian cheese called paneer because, well, I could. Here's a look inside at the grilled paneer and accompanying tamarind chutney, on a great multi-grain bread with fresh greens.
I also tried one of EAT's soup specials that day, pureed lentil soup, another unique offering among Cincy food trucks, with their own croutons.
I'm happy to see EAT! join the Cincinnati Food Truck scene with fresh alternatives, and I will be staying tuned to see how our food trucks jockey for position in the limited space on Fifth St. adjacent to Fountain Square now that that space has been opened up by City Council and as warmer weather unfolds.
Owner George Betas tells me he is hoping to open his third It's Greek to Me - Prassino location on Court Street later this week on Court Street (depending on how inspections go). Once the shop is up and running, he plans to be open Mon.-Fri.10-6 and Sat.11-3, and this link should take you straight to the anticipated menu (the player on website's home page is, er, problematic). I'm looking forward to trying this Middle Eastern restaurant with an emphasis on fresh preparations and organic ingredients. It's in the same block as Tom + Chee.
Turophilia, purveyor of inventive, cheesy quesadillas, usually from its tiny retro Airstream trailer at Eighth and Vine, reports on facebook it will be teaming up with Japp's (of Molly Wellman fame), to bring 'dillas and drinks during happy hour Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at Nada (Sixth and Walnut) starting tomorrow. ETA: Sorry I misunderstood. Fallon Horstmeyer's original message said, "What could be better than Turophilia and Japp's? Nada" - as in nothing could better. The locations is actually Japp's.
Turophilia's Black Keyes quesadilla
WVXU reported on Tuesday's City Council committee meeting about expanding the mobile food vendor program in the wake of 3CDC's decision to oust food tents from Fountain Square. This was a committee meeting, and a recommendation to Council was tabled for the time being. According to WVXU, "City administrators will be preparing a report on the Fountain Square vending spots. . . . It could be discussed next week. But the full City Council won't meet again after Wednesday until November 16th." I keep hoping the City and/or 3CDC finds a way to embrace these entrepreneurs who are putting out some outstanding food and contributing to the vibrancy of the downtown core.
Le Bon Vivant had a limited time opportunity to get in on some fresh truffles from Italy and France today. My wallet may be breathing a sigh of relief, but I am not. Stop in this lovely Walnut Hills shop to sign up for their contact list or friend them on facebook to keep up with the surprises they have in store. I am still dreaming of these apple and pear tarts made by owner Catherine Meguire for last week's wine and cheese soirée.
Le Bon Vivant's Third Friday wine and cheese tastings spotlight a different region of France each month (Burgundy in November). If last week's event is any indication, the crowd will be convivial, wine guy extraordinaire TJ will bring unique wines to sample, and there may be more food in store, like this Choucroute-Garnie at our evening in Alsace.
Get your own intense street-food lovin' T-shirt from Look At Me Shirts here.
Wow, this story I broke a week ago Sunday sure ended up getting some attention, didn’t it? It was picked up by Channel 5, Channel 9, Channel 12, and Fox 19 at various points as it developed, and the Enquirer ran a follow-up here. Plus a whole lot of social media going on.
I did finally receive a response from 3CDC Friday (while I was at work and before I headed out of town for the weekend), pretty much the same one you may have already read elsewhere. I’ll include it at the bottom of this post since I promised to share 3CDC’s side of the story.
Food vendors will still be permitted on Fountain Square for specific events, says 3CDC, but apparently not on the regular lunchtime basis we have seen. 3CDC’s response states: “We have also been working with the City Administration on allowing Food Truck venders around the Square on both Fifth and Vine Street.”
Food tents seem to be the target – specifically the large one on the east edge of the Square with Skyline Chili branding – which housed Skyline Chili, Tom + Chee, and Eli’s BBQ for weekday lunches this summer, and sometimes other food vendors for evening events. Utilization of space on the Square is cited by 3CDC as being part of its rationale: “To allow us to continue to program larger events while also maintaining the ample space for lunch crowds, the decision has been made to remove the food tent from the Square.”
3CDC executive vice president Chad Munitz is quoted in the Enquirer’s follow-up piece as saying “the tent will be coming down a few weeks early to free up room to repair damaged granite and trees.” The large Skyline tent is usually taken down in the fall to make way for the installation of the U.S. Bank-sponsored ice skating rink. But Tom + Chee has been told they will not be able to offer up their hot chocolate and noshes this ice-skating season.
The press release states that the Tuesday summer lunchtime Market on the Square sponsored by law firm Strauss + Troy will be back in 2012. This summer it included a handful of vendors offering Tuesday-only take-away lunch options from vendors like Cooking With Caitlin (which has participated for several seasons), but fewer than in previous years. This summer Market on the Square included one produce vendor, a couple of bread/dessert vendors, a spice vendor, a pet food vendor, and a majority of vendors of non-food-related wares, all in covered booths.
Those same covered booths are used by a variety of organizations, including many non-profits, for a plethora of events on the Square. And the Square puts up umbrellas over many of the tables on the Square provided for the public’s comfort and on-Square dining (wherever their food may come from).
So, how exactly will all this shake out among “the tent(s),” “the booths,” and “the umbrellas”? What roles do aesthetics vs. space vs. other factors play a part in the new Fountain Square plan? I'm waiting to see.
Tom + Chee, which got its start on a shoestring on Fountain Square last year and has now expanded to two storefront businesses (one on Court Street and one at Newport on the Levee), says: “We would totally get a smaller pretty tent if that's what's needed. We could take it down every day and keep things pretty!”
The owner of Eli’s BBQ, who also started with limited funds, told Fox 19 he attracted customers one day at a time serving home-cooked food on the Square with affordable weekday lunches that helped him build his business. “It's been a great incubator and it's a shame to see it go."
And what are the chances the city’s food trucks – another arm of Cincinnati’s entrepreneurial street food movement – will actually be allowed to park on Fountain Square or on the street at Fifth and Vine, particularly during events/times when they can get enough foot traffic yet remain safe? A lot remains to be seen, and you know I’ll be following it.
Meanwhile, I’m a fan of a lot of local brick-and-mortar food businesses as well. And I have the Culinary Smackdown: Battle Oktoberfest to prep for (hosted this month by Small Girl Adventures). Details here.
Stop back later in the week for fresh content.
The response I received from 3CDC:
This is not a complete elimination of food on the square – We will still have events such as the Tuesday Strauss & Troy Market. While there will not be a permanent food tent, food will be back at some events, just not all events. We have also been working with the City Administration on allowing Food Truck venders around the Square on both Fifth and Vine Street.
Through an agreement with the City of Cincinnati, 3CDC has actively programmed Fountain Square for the past five years. Over these years, we have seen an exponential growth in Cincinnati’s downtown core and specifically, in event participation on Fountain Square. While actively programming the Square it is our main goal to provide quality, clean, safe, fun, and diverse options downtown.
To allow us to continue to program larger events while also maintaining the ample space for lunch crowds, the decision has been made to remove the food tent from the Square. It will be removed at the end of September and will not return. 3CDC is currently looking into other avenues for food service during future 3CDC programmed events.
3CDC would like to thank Skyline Chili for their generous sponsorship of the food tent over the last three years. We are proud of this partnership and look forward to finding new and exciting ways to partner in the future.
A couple of weeks ago I spotted the new bright orange Taz food truck at Fifth and Race (the food there on my second visit was just as good the first). Last week I got lunch at another colorful newcomer, Marvelous Munchies, serving from this lavender converted camper at Court and Vine.
Marvelous Munchies is focusing on finding its place in the Cincy food truck landscape as the city’s “Healthy Food Truck,” offering vegan and vegetarian options that include hummus, falafel, and fresh veggies, along with sandwiches made with meats like chicken, sausage, and burgers that are MSG- and additive-free. The owner, a former real estate agent who runs the truck with her niece and nephew, told me she herself is gluten-intolerant, so she is careful on that front as well. As the menu says: “You can find gluten in the obvious places, like pasta or buns, but not in the falafel or meats.”
In the fall, she plans to offer soups made from gluten-free stocks. I was curious to try some of her gluten-free cookies, but she was out of them the day I stopped by.
What I did try was this marinated chicken sandwich on a wheat bun (they also offer white) and the pasta salad side.
The chicken was a well marinated and very flavorful boneless, skinless breast that I liked a lot, especially with cheddar, fresh lettuce, tomato, and red onion on the sandwich, and a dill pickle spear on the side.
Marvelous Munchies started up earlier this summer in Elmwood Place near the P+G Ivorydale plant and moved the Court + Vine food truck location a couple of weeks ago. The owner told me she plans to park there on a regular basis for weekday lunches and hopes to eventually expand to other locations at other hours. But as any food-truck owner – or customer – recognizes, these things take time and tweaking is inevitable.
I’m a supporter of all the bold, hard-working entrepreneurs who comprise the Cincinnati food truck scene and glad to welcome Marvelous Munchies to the mix, especially if they continue their presence as the seasons change. And I’m such a soup lover that I’ll gladly walk a few blocks for a good soup on a chilly day. Best of luck to Marvelous Munchies!
Taz, formerly a brick-and-mortar restaurant serving Greek and Lebanese food in Mason, has gone mobile, and I spotted its orange truck the two days this week I was at 5th and Race (Tuesday and Thursday). Today I gave two of their dishes a try.
The falafel were well-seasoned and crunchy.
My $4 falafel appetizer (they were also available in a $4 sandwich version) came with tahini dipping sauce and four pita halves, piping hot off the grill.
The Taz truck sports two on-board gyro rotisseries, and my second dish was the chicken schawirma (sometimes spelled schawarma or schawerma) sandwich: spit-roasted chicken (some soft white meat, some cracklin' style dark), fresh tomatoes and lettuce, pickled vegetables, and tzatziki wrapped in flatbread, a very substantial sandwich for $5.
My two selections proved to be way more than I could eat for lunch, but I’m looking forward to leftovers for tonight’s dinner. And looking forward to trying more items from the menu.
I think the owner plans to update the business’s website and post info about the truck’s locations, although that hasn’t happened yet. If I learn more about how you can find out where Taz will be when, I’ll let you know.
Taz’s Middle Eastern cuisine – which also includes salad and vegetarian options – is a welcome addition to Cincy’s food truck scene in my book. Keep an eye out for this tasty, bright orange newcomer!
Would shrimp and grits get you out and about on a Sunday morning? How about pecan waffles? These are just a couple of the offerings you may find when the New Orleans to Go food truck begins serving Sunday brunch in Eden Park July 3rd. They’re talking about glazed wings to go with those waffles, creole bread pudding with rum sauce, catfish sliders, crawfish and shrimp etoufee stuffed bell peppers, Randy’s sweet cornbread (mmmm), and more, on a rotating basis.
Surprises and responding to customer requests are always just around the bend with these folks, so who knows what other delicious fare will make it onto their Eden Park menu. Look for them next Sunday at the overlook up the hill from Krohn Conservatory (toward the Edgecliff), starting around 11:00 a.m. and ready to feed the after-church crowd. If all goes well with this roll-out, they may extend their Sunday hours and move closer to Seasongood Pavilion later in the day on Sundays.
Eden Park is one of Cincy’s gems, so keep up with what New Orleans to Go is doing there via facebook or twitter and treat yourself to a fine Ohio River view, a visit to the Krohn Conservatory or the Cincinnati Art Museum, or just sprawl on a picnic blanket near Mirror Lake and do some people-watching with some tasty eats, and enjoy a summer Sunday!
Update: Looks like the hours for this Sunday's brunch are now 10:00-3:00.
Oh, yes, my friends. I am now a card-carrying member of the New Orleans To Go fan club!
On St. Patrick's Day Eve, NOLA To Go's facebook page perked back to life, and when I walked over to 5th and Race last Thursday, I was thrilled to see the "Mobile Food Vendors Only" zone back in action, with Cafe de Wheels, Mr. Gene's Doghouse, NOTG, and the pretzel guy all in attendance. St. Patrick's Day, March Madness, and a welcome burst of spring weather - plus food trucks!
They haven't all been there everyday since (they're mobile, you know), and goodness knows our March weather has been shifty, in typical Cincinnati fashion. But it's great to have 5th and Race return to my lunchtime rotation.
The big blue Taco Azul food truck plans to make its official Cincinnati debut next Thursday, Opening Day. And with the frenzy of baseball-goers and the Opening Day parade, which starts at Findlay Market, I think we can count on some serious street food presence.
Meanwhile, I'm getting my much-missed fix of New Orleans To Go's sweet fixin's, and salivating over what else they have in store.
Last Thursday, I had their Oyster Po'boy with sweet potato fries and apple butter.
Today I had their glazed shrimp po'boy . . .
. . . and this creamy, sweet, fresh lobster, shrimp, corn chowder. It surely warmed me up after my walk and wait in the chill air (they cook to order) and made it all worthwhile.
New Orleans To Go has Lenten Friday specials planned, like "fried fish, mac and cheese, creole potato salad and real cornbread." And I can't wait until a fried green tomato and grilled shrimp po'boy with remoulade sauce makes its appearance.
Stay tuned to their facebook page for news about their crawfish boil. When I asked about it today, they told me they're waiting for the crawfish to get bigger and aiming for sometime after Easter. Sounds like it may be a pre-pay/pre-order deal where you buy by the pound - and get potatoes and corn to go with.
Meanwhile, I highly recommend you check out whatever specials the New Orleans To Go food truck is offering up (offerings change daily).
And ask for one of their new customer loyalty cards like the one at the top of this post. A lot of frequent-buyer cards offer "buy 9 - get the 10th free" incentives. This is "buy 5 - get the 6th free." Of course, I'd be back, regardless.
Enjoy your Friday, and your weekend. I'll be back with more from my Louisville trip - and those red penguins.
Those of you who've been reading along for a while know I've been excited ever since Cincinnati's first food trucks took to the streets. I held my breath when a brouhaha erupted over whether they could operate legally in our fair city. Then I breathed a sigh of relief when a plan was adopted to permit them to park in three designated locations with city limits, and happily blogged about opening day here.
I'm not sure how long this mobile food vendor sign has been up at the Fifth and Race location (which is closest to my office and has become a go-to place for interesting lunches), but I'm hopeful they are an indication food trucks are here to stay. I love what these folks are doing and wanted to share a little report. The three I'm featuring here have also been nominated to compete in the next season of the Food Network's Food Truck Race, and you can vote for them through Friday, Sept. 10 (voting details and contact info for all these great vendors below).
NEW ORLEANS TO GO/STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE I finally caught up with New Orleans To Go, aka Streetcar Named Desire, a week ago Friday, and wow was I glad I did. (I think the proprietor had been out of town for a while.)
On my first visit, I had this fried shrimp po'-boy "dressed" (with lettuce, tomato, pickle, and mayo), which came with a side of excellent red beans and rice filled with chunky andouille. The shrimp were lightly breaded and freshly fried with cajun seasoning that added kick but wasn't too hot for my palate. Both the sandwich and the side knocked me out! A huge, and steaming hot, plate of food for the price, which I think was $6.95. (Apologies for vagueness on the price - I was much more focused on the food.)
On my next visit to the Fifth and Race location, I'd intended to check out Senor Roy's taco of the week. But when I saw shrimp and grits on NOTG's daily specials board, I simply could not pass it up. You can see just one of the many plump shrimp peaking out from under the cheesy, creamy grits, lightly flecked with green bell pepper, which came with sweet cornbread that incorporated actual kernels of corn. I think this was $7.95 - again, a stunning plate of food, steaming hot, and a bargain for the portion.
Based on my experience, NOTG offers a selection of three to five lunch specials each day, rather than a fixed menu. So don't go with your heart set on one particular dish, but go - you will not be disappointed!
SENOR ROY'S TACO PATROL
Senor Roy's also blew me away on my first visit, and I've been coming back ever since. Their standard offerings are grilled marinated flank steak, spice-rubbed chicken, and al pastore (pork with pineapple and adobo), on wheat or corn tortillas, with a wide array of cheeses, salsas, and other accompaniments - don't miss the pickled red onions! While some bloggers have compared the customized ordering process to Chipotle's, the food is far superior, and at only $5.00 for two or $6.00 for three soft tacos. Check out their website for more info about their full standard menu.
To spice things up, Senor Roy's recently held a contest for customers to suggest their own taco creations, which I posted about here. Each week through the end of October they will be featuring a taco of the week based on one of the winning customer creations.
I’m sorry I missed the featured taco the first week: Duck, Duck, Duck, Taco! suggested by Glenna McLendon, served with a corn tortilla piled on roasted duck in a chipotle/cumin/coriander rub, topped with a slaw of cabbage, mango, cilantro, sweet onion, hot pepper, lime juice and apple cider vinegar.
But I loved this week's Thai Taco, suggested by Chris Isbell – Curry chicken, cilantro, tomatoes, onion, basil, peppers, thai chili sauce.
Per Polly Campbell's blog in the Cincinnati Enquirer, here are the upcoming tacos of the week. Innovative suggestions from fans coupled with excellent execution by Senor Roy, I want to try them all. For my long-distance readers, maybe a few of these ideas will inspire you to try something different in your own kitchen.
Winner # 3 “Twisted Teriyaki”
9/6 – 9/10
Lauren Brandstetter- Shredded teriyaki chicken (or pork), grilled pineapple salsa, cheese, and a little lettuce for crunch
Winner # 4 “Asian Fusion”
9/13 – 9/17
Rebecca Crouse Kelley – Asian-Mexican fusion with orange-marinated chicken with stir-fried rice, with some cucumber sour cream salad
Winner # 5 “The Wingman Steak”
9/20 – 9/24
Cincy Wingman – Marinated/Grilled flank steak, caramelized onions, goat cheese, habanero salsa verde, on a corn tortilla
Winner # 6 “The Buddha”
9/27 – 10/1
Matthew Hoover - Butter curry chicken, roasted red pepper, mango chutney, a sprinkle of rosemary, all on top of a nice piece of romaine lettuce, wrapped up in thin naan. Wild rice optional.
Winner # 7 “Little Piggy Tacos”
10/4 – 10/8
Mati Senerchia – Grilled corn tortilla, barbecued pulled pork, fresh coleslaw with apples
Diego Sebastian Moena – Apple chutney tacos: traditional pork/chicken tacos served with a red onion/granny smith/cinnamon chutney, sharp cheddar cheese
Winner #10 “The Little Ratita”
10/25 – 10/29
Little Ratita – Vegetarian taco of grilled eggplant, mushrooms, onion with roasted corn, zucchini flowers and cotija cheese (Flor de Calabaza relish)
CAFE DE WHEELS
This truck makes a serious, and seriously tasty, burger, which they will cook to medium rare if you ask (I hate being told places won't cook burgers to anything less than medium). It is sloppy and delicious, with balsamic onions, and a sauce so good that it actually makes me enjoy lettuce on a burger :)
Cafe de Wheels also has a number of other options, including a Cuban sandwich and several grilled cheese sandwiches, most of which I haven't tried. Kind of got stuck on the burger ($6.50) and the feta fries, which add another $3.00 to the bill, but they're a large portion.
CINCY FOOD TRUCK 411
WHO'S WHERE WHEN
These three
vendors, and others as well, have no set schedule as to when they'll be at any
particular location inside or outside city limits. That's one of the points of
being mobile, after all! All seem to have their own strategies about where they
can get the most traffic, and seem to be interested in catering, especially if
you have a group who would like them to set up at a spot near you. My
lunch-going experience has been primarily at the 5th and Race location, which
is closest to my office. I usually try to check out who's there before I go (via
their twitter or facebook). I've never walked over on my lunch hour and found
zero food trucks there. I have occasionally found only one. In my experience,
Fridays seem to draw more food trucks to that location. Then again, downtown
office workers tend to go out for lunch and be more adventuresome as the
weekend draws near, especially if it's a payday Friday.
EXPECT TO WAIT FOR
YOUR FOOD
Rather than grumble
about it, go in with an appropriate expectation. Depending on how many people
are in line when you arrive, and the fact that these vendors are at least
assembling, if not also cooking, your food to order, don't be surprised if it
takes 10-20 minutes to get your lunch. Cafe de Wheels offers an option
for you to email your order ahead, but I've had mixed success with how
effectively that works, especially when they're slammed.
SEATING
When I've talked up
these trucks, people have asked about this too. This is take-away food, people,
and my suggestion is to figure that out where you'll eat it yourself. I usually
take mine back and eat at my office. For outdoor dining, Fountain Square is only a block from the
Fifth and Race location, and I noticed plenty of tables available last week.
Cafe de Wheels has a couple of tables and chairs it puts outside its truck.
WHERE TO VOTE FOR
OUR TRUCKS
You can cast up to
10 votes a day through Sept. 10 for any of these great food trucks to become
contestants on the next season of Food TV's Great Food Truck Race show (and
become eligible for some sort of sweepstakes the network is offering if you
vote). Just go here and follow the directions.
VENDOR CONTACT INFO
The best way to
find your way to these trucks is to keep track of them via twitter or facebook
(which you can do even if you don't have your own twitter account or haven't
friended them on FB). With apologies to anyone who caught this post before it
was "cooked," here's the 411.
You'll find the New Orleans To Go truck listed as Streetcar Named Desire on the Food TV contest website.
New Orleans to Go's website.
New Orleans to Go's twitter.
New Orleans to Go's facebook.
