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.