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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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!