The Food Truck Challenge

By Lauren Titus / Photography By Stefanie Keeler & Amy Robb | October 17, 2016

Increasingly, food trucks have become a vital part of our regions local food system.

While food trucks have quickly gained in popularity in recent years, mobile eateries have been part of the American cultural landscape since the late 17th century when food carts first appeared as push carts in the city we now call Manhattan. Northeast Florida alone is home to well-over 100 licensed mobile food businesses, many of which are occupied by some of the area’s most creative local food makers and chefs. While finding food trucks can sometimes be a chase, trying new trucks is a great way to add adventure to lunchtime routines. Last month, we set about at random to find 10 local lunches under $10, and here’s a small sampling of the fare we found being served by trucks in our region.

Jalapeno Truck
Spicy Chicken Chimichanga $10
With Rice and Beans,topped with Pico de Gallo and Sour Cream

Big Island Bowls
Shaka Bowl $8.50
Acai and assorted Toppings: Strawberries, Coconut Shavings, Homemade Granola, drizzled with honey

Son of a Butcher
Mayport Shrimp Po Boy S.O.B $8
Grilled Shrimp, Lettuce, Tomato, Tripp Sauce and Cheese

Blazin Azn
Dynamite Roll $7
Salmon, Krab and Asparagus, Deep Fried, with Ponzu Sauce Spicy Mayo and Scallions

The Happy Grilled Cheese
Daddy of the Mac $7
Three cheeses, pulled pork, mac & cheese, grilled onions

Treemendous BBQ
Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich $9
Served with a side of Mac and Cheese

Zydeco Cajun Grill
Shrimp Gumbo $10
Bayou-style Stew with Andouille served over Rice

Nalu’s Tropical Takeout
Baja Fish Tacos $9.50
Served with Baja Sauce and a side of Rice and Beans

Berry Good Farms On the Go
Signature Salad $8
Goat Cheese, Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Corn served over Mixed Greens with Salmon Cakeand House Ponzu Vinaigrette