Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Pork Sandwich Guide


I love sandwiches, and I love pork. It would follow, then, that I also love pork sandwiches. It is that affinity that inspired the following guide—which is, obviously, subject to change with the introduction of new sandwiches. Yes, the scoring is a little skewed-- it's what happens when there's not really a "bad" sandwich in the bunch.
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Mobile VendorSandwichRating (1-10)Comments
Untamed CartPorketta w/ house-pickled onions, arugula and horseradish/Dijon mayo on ciabatta11This has to be my favorite sandwich found on the streets of Minneapolis. Served from a modest cart, this sandwich is truly spectacular.
Get SaucedKalbi pork w/ chinese cabbage slaw, and wasabi mayo on toasted bun10Asian-style pulled pork sandwich from the folks who brought us the amazing apple slaw-topped, award winning sauce-slathered BBQ pork sandwich pictured above. This sandwich is another winner.
Dandelion KitchenPorchetta w/ rosemary and orange zest, ancho-chili aioli and purple cabbage kraut on a bun10There should be no doubt that the engineers of one of the most amazing roast chicken sandwiches I’ve had would be able to pull off a dazzling porchetta.
Dandelion KitchenSmashed pork (beer and lemon-grass braised) w/ house-made tomatillo salsa, pickled onions and arugula on a bun10D.K. has long been one of my favorite Twin Cities mobile food vendors, because they’re so friendly and their sandwiches are so inspired. This one is no exception.
Get SaucedPulled pork w/ Minnesota State Fair blue ribbon-winning Sweat Heat BBQ sauce, Carolina granny apple slaw on a toasted roll *pictured*10New to the streets of Minneapolis, when the cold weather comes—I might miss you the most because we’ve had the least amount of time together.
Twisted Sister House of HungerBBQ Pulled Pork Slyders w/ cheddar cheese, apple wood smoked bacon10I’m 100% on board with pork sandwiches that include bacon as a garnish.
Fork In the Road TruckBBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese10Magic. Pure, unadulterated magic.
Twisted Sister House of HungerBleu Pig Slyders w/ “buffalo” style sauce, bleu cheese crumbles and celery9They pull this off beautifully.
Hola ArepaPulled Pork Arepa w/ black beans, cotija cheese and special sauce8Adding one of their fresh salsas will bring this sandwich up to a 9, but I feel like their pulled chicken arepa is the biggest winner on their menu.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Bacon Jam.

And I don't mean a swine pressed, squeezed, or wedged tightly between bodies or surfaces, so that motion or extrication is made difficult or impossible. I mean bacon skillfully crafted into a spread appropriate for smearing on things-- in this case, a hot dog.

As the good weather comes to a close, I've decided that I'm eating at a mobile food vendor location every day that I can-- until they abandon the streets of Minneapolis for warmer climates (or indoor locations). This was an especially bold move when I thought that I'd be out-of-state for work during the majority of October. That work trip has been postponed, but why should I alter my brilliant plan?!

After recently visiting a cart that does NOT sell hot dogs, and with the Twitter announcement by the proprietor of Natedogs boasting "Today I have a "Bacon Explosion Dog"!!!", I made my way to Natedogs on 6th St. & Nicollet Mall.

Already a fan of Natedogs, because of his clear love of hot dogs, housemade Surly mustards, and aversion to ketchup as a hot dog condiment-- the introduction of bacon jam to the equation merely reinforced my affinity. The Bacon Explosion dog (pictured below) has a modest smear of bacon jam with Surly Bender mustard and onions-- and it's a flavorful combination without being overpowering. The jam doesn't dominate, but very nicely complements the hot dog-- which is nice, since Nate so carefully chose the hot dogs he sells from his cart (Pastures A Plenty, from Kerkhoven, MN).

I suggest trying the Bacon Explosion Dog when you get a moment. In the immortal tweets of Nate, "You won't regret it"!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

This Cart Does Not Sell Hot Dogs.

Not that there's anything wrong with a cart that does-- especially because I'm a big fan of Natedogs... But this Untamed Cart is special. It sells sandwiches full of meaty deliciousness in the form of porketta, Mexican pot roast, or a third selection that varies-- today it was pulled pork.

The proprietor is extraordinarily friendly with an enthusiasm for his food that is absolutely contagious. The sandwiches are hearty, and delirium-inducing delicious. The porketta on ciabatta is dressed with house pickled onions, arugula, and a horseradish/Dijon mayo and the Mexican pot roast is dressed with cilantro, radishes, chipotle mayo and avocado aoili. Sandwiches are served with kettle chips, which complement the sandwich well.

Untamed Cart can be found on Nicollet Mall just off of 10th Street (the carts aren't allowed to change locations) near what's become known as #destinationfoodtruckdining (a bunch of trucks lining up near each other, similar to St. Paul's Food Truck Court). It's also dangerously close to the Cupcake truck. I'm just saying...

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Holy Smack Mac



I take back anything less than flattering that I’ve ever said about Smack Shack. Today’s Smack Mac special has catapulted Smack Shack to the top of my list.

Smack Shack managed to recreate my grandma’s mac and cheese – complete with toasted cracker crumb topping – with the added bonus of generous, flaky pieces of their signature lobster. Every creamy bite was truly a religious experience.

Smack Shack’s social media following was apparent today, with massive crowds gathering for the special before 11:30, making sure to get the good stuff before it runs out.

It was well worth the wait and the $12 price tag. It was even worth the stomach ache resulting from my inability to control the speed at which I inhaled it – a blessing, actually, or I may have headed back for more.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Parched: A Beverage Profile.

My daily lunch dilemma was further complicated today by Hola Arepa's announcement proclaiming they were serving ginger mint lemonade. Having already set my heart on the crab roll, a special of the day at Smack Shack, I would likely still be thirsty. Lucky for me there was no line at Hola when I was walking by and was able to get said lemonade.

Most of the trucks have some wonderful and refreshing beverages to go with their food offerings-- long lines typically make getting just a beverage at the truck a near impossibility, but there are certainly some beverages worth the wait, and at around $2 each for a 10 oz. cup, are a bargain to avoid the old soda stand-by.

Dandelion Kitchen serves a variety of house-made sodas. So far this season I've seen basil-lime, lemon-ginger, orange-cardamom and my personal favorite: rosemary-grapefruit.

Hola Arepa boasts several different kinds of lemonade, including cucumber-lavender, rhubarb-ginger, pineapple-caraway, and today's mint-ginger-- which tops my list. They also have iced teas: blood orange-hibiscus, strawberry-hibiscus... And if you're serving lemonade and iced tea, you may as well mix them together. So they do, offering an Arnie Palmer.

Vellee Deli serves a watermelon mint agua fresca, Chef Shack offers an Arnie Palmer, get a strawberry lemonade from Fork In the Road, and Barrio Truck serves a variety of Jarritos sodas.

If you want coconut juice, you'll need to go to WSK.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Beware of trucks parked near the Cupcake truck.

Today, House of Hunger was parked dangerously close to Cupcake's truck which caused me to pile a salted nut cluster cupcake, and, well, a chocolate bottom cupcake, on top of my House of Hunger order.

You don't need me to tell you they were delicious-- but I can tell you it's worth seeking them out when you think you deserve a little treat. The folks working the truck are very friendly.

Hint: At between $2-$3 per cupcake, your safest bet is to buy at least 4 cupcakes so you get the cute and convenient cupcake box (pictured conspicuously empty, above). Keeps your cupcakes from smooshing together. We bought a triple chocolate and a red velvet for some appreciative office pals.

Friday, June 17, 2011

The Best Things Come in a Blue Box

Tiffany & Co may have made robin’s egg blue famous, but Hola Arepa has made it delicious! I was lucky enough to get the very last arepa served from the blue truck today – they were sold out before 1 p.m. due to almost instant popularity. You should see the lines at this place.


I nearly inhaled my black bean arepa it was so fantastic, brimming with red onions and tomato in the fluffy corn meal shell. I could have easily had two (or three). Equally as good were the guacamole, heavy with sweet corn, and the irresistibly refreshing cucumber lemonade. (Note: the lemonade tends to sell out fast.)

This is the kind of food that could easily become addictive. Fortunately this blue box has surprisingly affordable price tags.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

The Party's at Vellee Deli!

When I walked up to the Vellee Deli truck for the first time I immediately felt happy. Was it the short line? The smiling faces behind the counter? Both good; but it was the music playing from the speaker on the outside of the truck that lightened my mood. It was the first time I've seen this feature on a food truck and I totally approve! Kudos to Vellee for considering atmosphere as an important part of their dining experience. Music is a very nice touch when standing on the street waiting in line.

I couldn't decide what to order for my first Vellee meal, so I got both The Kraken (beer-battered fish tacos) and the Vellee Melt (portabella quesadilla). I was psyched about the mushroom quesadilla because I haven't had one since Barrio sadly removed it from their menu last year. It was quite good with a kick of queso and lime, and I will be back for another soon, I'm sure.


The tacos were tasty as well, loaded with shredded cabbage and pico. But they were a far cry from my favorite pescado tacos from Masa, and at about the same price I will probably stick with my old faithful going forward.

I've heard amazing things about the Vellee egg rolls, but I don't eat chicken, so they weren't an option for me today. However I was excited to learn that a vegetarian egg roll may soon be added to the menu. If you want the veggie rolls, please ask for them and maybe we can get them by demand!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Chef Shack is Back in DT Mpls!

The donut truck is back for the Minneapolis lunch crowd today! I believe it was no coincidence that the sun came out just as I stepped up to the window to order my first Chef Shack of the season.

Even with free lunch at work today, I had to sneak over for some Indian-spiced mini donuts accompanied by a sweet Arnold Palmer. When my co-workers saw what I had in my hands several of them quickly disappeared out the door.
Well worth the wait, Chef Shack! Looking forward to tacos next week. Today they are on Marquette between 7th and 8th, but it is not a set location.

Friday, June 3, 2011

The Food Truck Trend

I happened to drop by WSK for lunch today at the same time that CHOW.com was there photographing the truck for a feature. WSK/Saffron Chef Sameh Wadi came in a very close second in CHOW’s national Most Innovative Chef competition and will soon be featured on the site.

It was fun to watch the CHOW photographer in action, but even more interesting was that I noticed several amateur photographers (like me) taking pictures of the truck and their food. I also couldn’t help but overhear some of the conversations around me in line. “This is so cool – what have you read that we should try?” “Oh look, they were featured in City Pages!” Even one guy just walking by said to himself out loud, “Wow! Look at this line! The food must be good – I better try this place.” And he promptly took his place at the end of the 20-person deep line.

It’s official. The trucks have become a full-out trend. I guess that means I just need to start taking my lunch at 11:00.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Chef Shack Returning to DT Mpls “Soon”

I’ve been following Chef Shack on Twitter and Facebook since early last summer. I first “Liked” them to stay in the know as to when they were downtown and what they were serving. I was often lured over to the truck by their Facebook pictures of their chalkboard menu and the temptation of Indian-spiced mini donuts. Then, in October they closed the trucks for the season and headed to New York. I kept following as they journeyed around the Big Apple and then overseas, posting pictures of exotic scenery and foods along the way. Finally, this spring they returned to the states and reported that the trucks were out of storage. Woo hoo! I was ready for my sweet potato tacos! I watched their posts: First they hit the farmer’s markets (which I haven’t been able to make yet). Then downtown St. Paul. And here I am stuck in downtown Minneapolis still only in touch with Chef Shack through my phone! When are they coming back?! Finally on Friday I couldn’t stand the waiting and just went ahead and asked them directly on Facebook. Happily, their response was, “Soon!...Donut truck just got her generator re-built…and will be returning to the circuit!” I definitely like this comment! I will be watching my phone for details.

Serving Up Goodness in North Minneapolis

The food trucks are serving up more than good food in Minneapolis this week. The truck owners have come together to serve the tornado victims in an act that is downright inspiring. They are parking their trucks in the devastated neighborhoods and providing meals and hope to those who need it most right now. Just when I thought I couldn’t love the food trucks more…

Read the story from WCCO

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Welcome to the Neighborhood, Steve!

Today I visited Simply Steve’s for the first time and what a pleasant introduction it was! After chatting with Katie (Steve's daughter and partner) for a couple minutes while Steve whipped up my black bean burger, I was given a free banana chocolate chip cookie for stopping by. I love these people! (There’s no way they could have known banana chocolate chip is my absolute favorite, but nonetheless they now have me wrapped around their finger.)

I had to visit Steve after reading his bio on his website. I always appreciate someone with a sense of humor, so I tracked them down today at 6th and 2nd in front of Capella Tower, where they said they plan to be once a week – they move around.

The black bean burger was a special today so I tried while I had the chance, but it was a tough call with a grilled portabella sandwich also on the menu. I guess I know what I’ll be having next time. The burger was a little mushy, but flavorful and generously topped with pepper jack cheese, crisp lettuce, thick-cut tomato, a pickle, and just the perfect smear of chipotle mayo. It beats out my Morningstar burger any day and for only $6!

Looking forward to the next time, Steve. Glad to have met you!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Food Truck Season Whether the Weather Agrees or Not

It's a blustery 52-degree day today in Minneapolis, yet the food truck lines are long! Exciting for the truck owners, but I selfishly could have done without the wait in the cold wind today.

Good thing Dandelion Kitchen has soup on the menu. I warmed right up with my bowl of corn chowder. Unfortunately the chowder is not for strict vegetarians - made with chicken stock - but today I needed it with the icky weather and a sore throat (which was also nicely soothed by my basil lime soda).

The highlight of my lunch, however, was the tomato mozzarella sandwich. Dandelion's creamy pesto makes this sandwich beyond description. It may be my current favorite. I'm so glad I braved the cold!

Monday, May 9, 2011

A Second Chance for Smack Shack

Today’s damp weather reminded me of the coast, so I decided to make my way over to Smack Shack for a little seafood. This was only my second time to Smack Shack because my initial visit last year did not win me over and with so many other proven winners calling my name I just had never returned.

My less than stellar first impression last year was largely a service issue. I ordered my food only to learn that the prices had been raised but weren’t reflected on the menu and that they no longer were offering the pie that was listed on the menu of the day (and that I had trekked all the way over for). So, when I bit into my lobster roll, I was already discouraged and it would have taken something truly amazing to gain my affection at that point. Unfortunately, I thought it to be pretty average – so heavy on the mayonnaise that I could hardly taste the lobster. But maybe I’m an unfair judge with all the fresh lobster I’ve had the privilege of enjoying in my lifetime. It’s just not the same in Minnesota.

Anyway, that was last year. Today I was drawn back to Smack Shack and I was pleasantly surprised. The shrimp po boy was a substantial sandwich for $8, with thick crusty bread, crunchy battered shrimp, cucumber, tomato, onion, lettuce and mayo (more than I needed). The seasoned french fries are a steal with a huge serving for just $3. Although I did see the fries getting dumped from a freezer-type bag into the deep fryer, so that made them taste a little less delicious to me. Not that I expect them to be cutting all those potatoes in back, but I just don’t get the local, natural vibe at Smack Shack that I value at some of the other trucks. I guess I just have to accept the fact that seafood is not local here!

So, all in all, a good meal, but I would have enjoyed it more sitting in a bar & grille with a beer. I kind of need a nap now after all that grease.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Well played, Smack Shack.




Since their emergence this season, Smack Shack has been parked right outside my office building.

Right. Out. Side.

And visible from my elevator bay! It's only by virtue of insatiable cravings for Dandelion Kitchen and WSK that I don't just run up to their window daily, grab the guy taking the orders by the collar, and demand they shove lobster salad down my throat while swaddling me in that wonderful grilled bread.

In all fairness, I didn't spend a lot of time at Smack Shack last season because (relatively speaking) at 1st Ave. and 4th St. N., it was kind of far away.

Not the case this season, which is fortunate-- because otherwise I may have missed what I now consider the best thing on their menu. The shrimp po'boy ($10). Sure, the lobster roll is wonderful-- but the shrimp po'boy is just a little more special. An generous portion of lightly breaded (and well-cleaned, for those of you wondering) shrimp tossed in hot sauce on a soft and chewy roll, garnished with mayo, cucumber, tomato and lettuce.

Smack Shack also does their truck menu nightly at 1029 Bar in N.E. Minneapolis, which I hope to check out soon. Combining street food + dive bar would be perfect if 1029 still has a pinball machine.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Trying Something New

Getting outside is a huge perk to street food lunches, but I think the best part is the variety of foods the trucks introduce to the downtown scene. After working in Downtown Minneapolis for 15 years, the usual options have lost their spark and I’ve probably just sunk too deep into the ruts of my habits to even notice if there are better choices out there. With the trucks there is something new everyday. Not only are there so many different trucks, but most trucks change their menus regularly.

Today I tried the mushroom bahn mi from World Street Kitchen for the first time and it was fabulous (and only $6)! Who would have guessed that a mushroom loaf sandwich could be so great? I have to give some credit to the fresh cilantro.

While talking with Saed today, I learned that WSK will be back in its regular location on 5th and Nicollet starting next Monday. Good news with all the sunshine and great seating options nearby.

And a tip for fans of the salted caramel ice cream sandwich: if you plan to sit in the sun for lunch, get your dessert on the way out, or maybe just eat it first! For ultimate enjoyment it needs to go straight to the mouth or straight to the freezer (if anyone actually has that kind of will power).

Street Food Soldiers.




I'd been looking so forward to the food at World Street Kitchen that it was with great pride my cohort and I made our way to their truck on a rainy and blustery day for our first Yum Yum Rice Bowl of the season, the second day WSK was out on the streets.



And it was an honor to be memorialized in their Twitter feed as the unstoppable food truck chasers that we have turned into.

My first Yum Yum Rice Bowl (with chicken) was amazing-- their combination of rice, soy glazed chicken and mushrooms, crunchy onions, chinese broccoli, fresh green onions, peanuts, fresh cilantro, garnished with an over-easy egg, sesame seeds and a spicy aioli is delightful. The kind of meal I really want to be left alone with so I can talk dirty to it for a couple of minutes, in private.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

WSK Brightens the Day

After a drag of a winter longingly gazing at the yellow WSK sticker on my bulletin board, frankly I’m a little giddy that World Street Kitchen has opened for the season in downtown Minneapolis.

Jenn and I didn’t let a little rain stop us from our inaugural WSK lunch of 2011 today (an occasion we saved for when we could go together – they opened yesterday).

I practically inhaled my spicy yum yum rice bowl, slowing down just enough to enjoy every flavorful bite of mushroom, egg, onion, cilantro, and WSK’s killer sauce that makes it so amazing.

And I always have to get a Mexican Coke at WSK. A perfect balance to the spicy yum yum, and so much better than the American version with no high fructose corn syrup – just real sugar (why isn’t it that way everywhere?!).

Aside from the food, it’s the people that make World Street Kitchen stand apart. Saed is always so welcoming as he takes orders and mingles with the crowd on the sidewalk, even on busy days. He recognizes loyal customers and greets them warmly. Chatting with him is always a day brightener for me.

Currently on Marquette between 5th and 6th and moving around, WSK expects to land back in its 2010 location on 5th by summer.

Monday, April 25, 2011

First Taste of the Season

As the first work day with true Spring weather, today was the perfect day to start my 2011 truck chasing downtown and Dandelion Kitchen's bright yellow truck was the beacon pulling me back in.

After sticking it out into November last year, and now among the first trucks to open for 2011, Dandelion deserved to be my first taste of street food for the season and they did not disappoint.

Back in their prime location on Nicollet Mall in front of IDS, Dandelion has returned with many old favorites on the menu, including the BLT, ham and brie, and grilled cheese sandwiches, as well as their house-made sodas.

I went with a trusted favorite meal which ranked among my top three last year - the grilled cheese and a basil lime soda. I am pleased to report that nothing has changed!

Dandelion's grilled cheese is the most gourmet version of the sandwich I've ever had the joy of tasting. Plan on eating it with a fork! I'm sure a food writer could find exquisite words to describe the perfect combination of thick grilled sour dough, sweet caramelized onions, and tangy cabbage-fennel slaw - all I can say is beyond delicious. And I love that they use mostly local ingredients (hard to believe at the extremely reasonable price).

But the best part of today's meal was the soda. I have to admit that I've been craving a Dandelion soda ever since I started thinking street food this year. I can't think of anything better to do on my lunch break than sit in the sun with a Dandelion basil lime (served in compostable cups, no less!).

I think it's safe to say that Dandelion can count on seeing me at least weekly this year. I can't wait until the heat sets in for the start of popsicle season!

Food Truck Frenzy.

It started one day during the winter of 2009, with mini donuts and a complimentary cup of hot chocolate on Nicollet Mall, from Chef Shack, after work when I was trying to get out of Downtown Minneapolis before the Holidazzle parade started.

And last spring, the thought of escaping the skyways and their "Burger Mondays" and "Taco Tuesdays" was exilarating. The promise of a menu driven by local and seasonal ingredients served from vibrant trucks dotting the Minneapolis streetscape set the tone of the day. I tuned in to Twitter and eagerly anticipated the "windows up" messages, so I could rush down 30 floors to beat the long lines that would inevitably form.

My scheduled vacation this past fall turned into a week long game of find-the-food-trucks-in-St. Paul. And as the weather turned cold, and most trucks went into storage for the season (and their operators ventured off to far off exotic locales), I found solace in Fork In The Road truck, who offered delivery. A recent recreational trip to Los Angeles found me dedicating a day to dragging my good friend and host around town in search of the inspiration for my favorite sandwich from the ladies at Fork In The Road, and an innovative ice cream sandwich truck known for pushing creative boundaries.

This year, with Minneapolis expanding mobile food vendor opportunities, I expect my daily lunch decision to be a pleasant sort of agony, and my weekends to be spent bicycling to local Farmer's Markets to seek out the purveyors that don't yet make the streets of downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul their destination. The food truck frenzy makes finding that lunchtime gem, once an exercise in futility, an absolute pleasure.