I Eat Food Trucks
Because food trucks have such limited offerings, and because I am, sadly, not able to frequent them as often as I would like, it has been very difficult to do a full profile on any one food truck. SO I have decided to do a sort of food truck rally post, in which I will highlight all of my current favorite food trucks in SRQ. But first, for you non-hipster types who are new to the whole food truck phenomenon, I will try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
Food Truck FAQs:
1. How do I know when/where to find them?
Because they are mobile businesses, tracking them down and figuring out their ever changing schedule can be a challenge. The best way to figure out where and when they will be popping up is to follow them on Instagram, where many of them post their weekly schedules. Many of them move from brewery to brewery and can often be found in local faves such as JDubs, Big Top, and Calusa.
2. Do they take credit cards?
Some of them do accept credit cards, but many of them do not, so try to remember to have some cash on hand if you are planning to try one out.
3. Can they do substitutions if I have dietary restrictions?
Most of the food truck owners I have encountered are very nice and are eager to be accommodating if they are able, HOWEVER, remember that many elements of the food are pre-prepared, and the menu is limited, so custom orders are not really food truck friendly. Some trucks try to offer items for certain dietary restrictions, such as gluten free or vegan options, but usually only one or two items.
4. Do they provide sitting areas?
Some of the more stationary trucks with consistent times and locations will sometimes set out a few chairs and a table or two, but don't count on it.
5. Are food trucks expensive?
Items tend to range from $5-$15, sides may be cheaper. But don't expect Texas-sized portions. You may need to purchase more than one item to fill up.
Now that you are sufficiently food truck educated, ON TO THE TRUCKS!
DISCLAIMER: I have not tried all the food trucks in SRQ, so if there is one I must simply try, do reach out and let me know!
(Food trucks are not listed by rankings of favoritism.)
1. Manny's Tacos To Go (What it's called on Google)
First of all, who does not love a good taco truck? At $2 a taco, you can't beat it! Plus, this truck carries my favorite Tacos Al Pastor of all time. Perfectly seasoned, simple and fresh ingredients, and a salsa verde that just perfectly compliments. There's also a hot salsa that is terrific as well, but I tend to stay away from it as my screaming tastebuds remind me that I am a Medium Hot kinda gal.
Where to find it: In the parking lot of Nick's Bar on Bee Ridge Road on Fridays & Saturdays, 5pm-1am.
2. Funky Fusion
Despite the fact that my friend and neighbor, Brian, is Filipino and a chef, I have never actually had Filipino food until Funky Fusion! And it's delicious!
I had the Pork Adobo with garlic fried rice, and a fried egg on top. What I loved most, was that the flavors were very familiar (Asian) and yet unlike anything I've ever eaten before. It's like Chinese food, but a little tangier. They also offer a vegan Coconut Adobo. The Adobo Bowls are some of the Funky Fusion staple items, along with Pancit (noodle dish) and Garlicky Chips, but they usually offer specials that change from week to week.
Where to find it: JDubs, Big Top, Calusa, & Good Liquid Brewing Co. This is one of those trucks where you have to follow them on Instagram to see their weekly lineup for locations and times.
3. Peachey's Baking Co.
For years I had heard of these supposedly magical, pillowy sourdough yeast donuts that were said to be the best in all of Sarasota. Sadly, I just kept missing them! They just never seemed to be anywhere convenient or at a time that did not clash with my particular work schedule. I even have friends who used to or currently work for Peachey's, but whenever they brought donuts home, it was always agreed upon that my first time should be fresh, hot, and steamy. Leftover donuts as a first impression are just the wrong first impression. When I finally did catch up to them, it truly was magical, and worth the wait.
While they are, personally, my favorite donuts in SRQ (and it has nothing do to with the fact that one donut is literally the same size as my face) surprisingly, it is not Peachey's donut that has my heart, and my utter devotion. It is, in fact, their soft pretzel. This pretzel is the yin and yang of baked perfection. It is made with the same delicious sweet sourdough, but then the sweet and pillowy soft of the the dough is countered by the salty and crispy of the outer layer. If I am forced to choose only one item due to limited stomach space, the soft pretzel wins every time.
Where to find it: Peachey's Baking Co. is also one you have to follow on Instagram to know its elusive whereabouts. It makes pretty consistent appearances at the Phillippi Farmhouse Market, Crowder Bros Ace Hardware in Lakewood Ranch, the Natural Healing Arts Center, and at local fairgrounds. WARNING: Peachey's is only around for the cooler months, once the hot summer months come round, they pack up and head north.
4. Thai Soup
What its name is referring to is its signature beef noodle soup. It is a sort of Thai version of Pho. It also uses vermicelli rice noodles, so it's a great gluten free option. The truck owner likes to claim that it is better than Pho. While I call blasphemy on his boast, I do admit it is quite tasty, and perhaps there are some who may prefer these flavors to those of it's Vietnamese cousin.
This is my go-to. The pad thai. There is something about this food truck's sweeter rendition of this Thai staple that hits me in all the right places. Also pictured is the fried spring roll and the curry puff. Both good, but neither of these items is anything I can't live without. Not pictured is the "Thai Stick" or the chicken satay. I really quite enjoyed this tasty flesh popsicle (thanks to Two Weeks Notice for the reference) and I would totally get it again.
Where to find it: Parked at the Shell Station on Tallevast from Friday-Sunday, 11:30am-4pm.
NOTE: If you're looking for an address or more info on this food truck, it's listed under the name "Thai Food 2 Go" on Yelp.
5. The Surly Mermaid
I nearly died of fried food, and it was glorious! The Surly Mermaid likes to dish up fried seafood and desserts, as well as dish out a fair share of double entendres. It's motto is "The Best Piece of Tail in Town." They really were lovely guys, and the food was all great. I definitely have no regrets (other than the fried food coma crash that followed) for taking their recommendations of the Po Boy and the Conch Fritters. Conch Donuts may have been more fitting. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded full of flavor, and good amounts of chopped conch. The Po Boy was the perfect balance of crispy tempura battered, yet perfectly tender shrimp with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and tangy remoulade on toasted soft bread. It came with a side of seasoned house chips, which were also quite tasty (and also fried).
Gal pal Madi got the Pork Stack: Carolina pulled pork, bacon, and crispy fried onion straws topped with gouda and mustard drizzle on a brioche bun. Also served with house made chips. I was definitely a fan. All the components just worked.
And finally, dessert! Sparkly Unicorn friend, Brittani, knew that she absolutely needed the Unicorn horn, which was a Fruity Pebbles dusted Churro, and the cinnamon sugar donuts. Both were delightful. The donuts were perfectly fluffy on the inside, perfectly crispy fried on the outside. Exactly as God intended. (I'm pretty sure that's what He ate on the 7th day when He was resting. Sounds legit to me.)
Where to find it: The Surly Mermaid hails from Tampa, so it's quite a treat when we can have it in Sarasota. On this occasion I found them at Calusa. Again, you'll have to follow their activity on Instagram to know when and where they'll strike next!
And there you have it, folks! Some of SRQ's (and Tampa's) finest! All food trucks I give my giant stamp of approval and say, "Definitely worth a try... or two... or three... or... you get it. I'm a regular."
*If you enjoyed this post, check out the updated post on my favorite Pho restaurant in Sarasota!
https://beccaeatssrq.blogspot.com/2017/07/i-eat-pho-pho-101.html
Food Truck FAQs:
1. How do I know when/where to find them?
Because they are mobile businesses, tracking them down and figuring out their ever changing schedule can be a challenge. The best way to figure out where and when they will be popping up is to follow them on Instagram, where many of them post their weekly schedules. Many of them move from brewery to brewery and can often be found in local faves such as JDubs, Big Top, and Calusa.
2. Do they take credit cards?
Some of them do accept credit cards, but many of them do not, so try to remember to have some cash on hand if you are planning to try one out.
3. Can they do substitutions if I have dietary restrictions?
Most of the food truck owners I have encountered are very nice and are eager to be accommodating if they are able, HOWEVER, remember that many elements of the food are pre-prepared, and the menu is limited, so custom orders are not really food truck friendly. Some trucks try to offer items for certain dietary restrictions, such as gluten free or vegan options, but usually only one or two items.
4. Do they provide sitting areas?
Some of the more stationary trucks with consistent times and locations will sometimes set out a few chairs and a table or two, but don't count on it.
5. Are food trucks expensive?
Items tend to range from $5-$15, sides may be cheaper. But don't expect Texas-sized portions. You may need to purchase more than one item to fill up.
Now that you are sufficiently food truck educated, ON TO THE TRUCKS!
DISCLAIMER: I have not tried all the food trucks in SRQ, so if there is one I must simply try, do reach out and let me know!
(Food trucks are not listed by rankings of favoritism.)
1. Manny's Tacos To Go (What it's called on Google)
First of all, who does not love a good taco truck? At $2 a taco, you can't beat it! Plus, this truck carries my favorite Tacos Al Pastor of all time. Perfectly seasoned, simple and fresh ingredients, and a salsa verde that just perfectly compliments. There's also a hot salsa that is terrific as well, but I tend to stay away from it as my screaming tastebuds remind me that I am a Medium Hot kinda gal.
Where to find it: In the parking lot of Nick's Bar on Bee Ridge Road on Fridays & Saturdays, 5pm-1am.
2. Funky Fusion
Despite the fact that my friend and neighbor, Brian, is Filipino and a chef, I have never actually had Filipino food until Funky Fusion! And it's delicious!
I had the Pork Adobo with garlic fried rice, and a fried egg on top. What I loved most, was that the flavors were very familiar (Asian) and yet unlike anything I've ever eaten before. It's like Chinese food, but a little tangier. They also offer a vegan Coconut Adobo. The Adobo Bowls are some of the Funky Fusion staple items, along with Pancit (noodle dish) and Garlicky Chips, but they usually offer specials that change from week to week.
Where to find it: JDubs, Big Top, Calusa, & Good Liquid Brewing Co. This is one of those trucks where you have to follow them on Instagram to see their weekly lineup for locations and times.
3. Peachey's Baking Co.
For years I had heard of these supposedly magical, pillowy sourdough yeast donuts that were said to be the best in all of Sarasota. Sadly, I just kept missing them! They just never seemed to be anywhere convenient or at a time that did not clash with my particular work schedule. I even have friends who used to or currently work for Peachey's, but whenever they brought donuts home, it was always agreed upon that my first time should be fresh, hot, and steamy. Leftover donuts as a first impression are just the wrong first impression. When I finally did catch up to them, it truly was magical, and worth the wait.
While they are, personally, my favorite donuts in SRQ (and it has nothing do to with the fact that one donut is literally the same size as my face) surprisingly, it is not Peachey's donut that has my heart, and my utter devotion. It is, in fact, their soft pretzel. This pretzel is the yin and yang of baked perfection. It is made with the same delicious sweet sourdough, but then the sweet and pillowy soft of the the dough is countered by the salty and crispy of the outer layer. If I am forced to choose only one item due to limited stomach space, the soft pretzel wins every time.
Where to find it: Peachey's Baking Co. is also one you have to follow on Instagram to know its elusive whereabouts. It makes pretty consistent appearances at the Phillippi Farmhouse Market, Crowder Bros Ace Hardware in Lakewood Ranch, the Natural Healing Arts Center, and at local fairgrounds. WARNING: Peachey's is only around for the cooler months, once the hot summer months come round, they pack up and head north.
4. Thai Soup
What its name is referring to is its signature beef noodle soup. It is a sort of Thai version of Pho. It also uses vermicelli rice noodles, so it's a great gluten free option. The truck owner likes to claim that it is better than Pho. While I call blasphemy on his boast, I do admit it is quite tasty, and perhaps there are some who may prefer these flavors to those of it's Vietnamese cousin.
This is my go-to. The pad thai. There is something about this food truck's sweeter rendition of this Thai staple that hits me in all the right places. Also pictured is the fried spring roll and the curry puff. Both good, but neither of these items is anything I can't live without. Not pictured is the "Thai Stick" or the chicken satay. I really quite enjoyed this tasty flesh popsicle (thanks to Two Weeks Notice for the reference) and I would totally get it again.
Where to find it: Parked at the Shell Station on Tallevast from Friday-Sunday, 11:30am-4pm.
NOTE: If you're looking for an address or more info on this food truck, it's listed under the name "Thai Food 2 Go" on Yelp.
5. The Surly Mermaid
I nearly died of fried food, and it was glorious! The Surly Mermaid likes to dish up fried seafood and desserts, as well as dish out a fair share of double entendres. It's motto is "The Best Piece of Tail in Town." They really were lovely guys, and the food was all great. I definitely have no regrets (other than the fried food coma crash that followed) for taking their recommendations of the Po Boy and the Conch Fritters. Conch Donuts may have been more fitting. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded full of flavor, and good amounts of chopped conch. The Po Boy was the perfect balance of crispy tempura battered, yet perfectly tender shrimp with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and tangy remoulade on toasted soft bread. It came with a side of seasoned house chips, which were also quite tasty (and also fried).
Gal pal Madi got the Pork Stack: Carolina pulled pork, bacon, and crispy fried onion straws topped with gouda and mustard drizzle on a brioche bun. Also served with house made chips. I was definitely a fan. All the components just worked.
And finally, dessert! Sparkly Unicorn friend, Brittani, knew that she absolutely needed the Unicorn horn, which was a Fruity Pebbles dusted Churro, and the cinnamon sugar donuts. Both were delightful. The donuts were perfectly fluffy on the inside, perfectly crispy fried on the outside. Exactly as God intended. (I'm pretty sure that's what He ate on the 7th day when He was resting. Sounds legit to me.)
Where to find it: The Surly Mermaid hails from Tampa, so it's quite a treat when we can have it in Sarasota. On this occasion I found them at Calusa. Again, you'll have to follow their activity on Instagram to know when and where they'll strike next!
And there you have it, folks! Some of SRQ's (and Tampa's) finest! All food trucks I give my giant stamp of approval and say, "Definitely worth a try... or two... or three... or... you get it. I'm a regular."
*If you enjoyed this post, check out the updated post on my favorite Pho restaurant in Sarasota!
https://beccaeatssrq.blogspot.com/2017/07/i-eat-pho-pho-101.html
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