GrrChe - Gourmet Grilled Cheese Food Truck

I tried the The Crab Delight ($10) - Grilled Maryland Crab Cake with Monterey Jack Cheese and Tomatoes on Texas Toast from the Grilled Cheese Truck the other day (I still have no idea how I'm supposed to pronounce GrrChe).  First, let's just state the obvious here that this really isn't a grilled cheese...it's a sandwich that happens to have cheese on it ahahaha, but I have never had a crab cake sandwich with cheese on it before, so I thought I would give it a shot.

I thought the crab cake was quite good, obviously it's made from back fin and has a lot of filler, but I did like it.  The cheese was probably overkill - but I realize that it was necessary in order for this truck to sell it!  The toast was buttery, though a tad soggy.  Overall it was a good sandwich, but it felt so unhealthy.  I realize this is my doing - I'm the one that chose the grilled CHEESE sandwich on buttered Texas Toast..... 

All sandwiches come with a pickle and a choice of chips or an apple, which is a nice touch. I am happy that I chose the apple.....I really didn't need it though because the sandwich itself was so filling!!

As well as the basic grilled cheeses ($4.50-$5.50), the menu consists of other really interesting selections.  I'm not sure if these would be too much or just plain delicious - what do you think?
- Lobster Grill ($14) - Lobster with brie or cheddar cheese, celery and spices on a roll
- Pulled Grill ($7.75) - Cheddar cheese, mac and cheese, and pulled pork



GrrChe - Gourmet Grilled Cheese Truck
http://www.grrche.com
http://twitter.com/#!/GrrChe

The Gathering - TONIGHT

 The Gathering (of Food Trucks), TONIGHT July 8^th 5-10pm

A bunch of our very favorite food trucks will be gathering in one spot tonight to tempt you all with their fare!  

You’ll find Kooper’s Chowhound Burger Wagon, Miss Shirley’s Food Truck, Iced Gems, Souper Freak, GrrChe, Silver Platter and Gypsy Queen all waiting for you at 421 Central Avenue and Eastern Avenue (Harbor East). Some of the proceeds will benefit There Goes My Hero, a nonprofit organization that works to match leukemia patients with donors. 

Check out more information here: www.bmorefoodtrucks.com

Gypsy Queen Cafe Food Truck

I feel so lucky that the Gypsy Queen Cafe stops by my place of work once a week.  This food truck is outrageously delicious, though I shouldn't be surprised considering the owners used to own the amazing Helen's Garden in Canton (I'm still sad that it closed!).

You may have heard of the truck that sells macaroni and cheese out of waffle cones - well this is it! Aren't they so creative?  I love it!  They also switch up a lot of their menu items, which makes it hard to get tired of them week after week!

 

For my first taste of Gypsy Queen, I tried the Old-School Beef Sliders with bacon relish and cheese ($8)

  

Wow were they good.  They burgers were nice and juicy and the bacon relish was sweet and caramelized and didn't overwhelm the rest of the burger, which I slightly expected.

My next selection was the Chorizo and Pineapple Tacos (2 for $6).  You can't tell based on the awful picture above, but I've never seen so much meat on a taco before.  THERE WAS SO MUCH MEAT.  It was incredibly hard to eat as a taco because of the WOH amount of filling and the sogginess of the tortilla, so I just ate the meat with a fork.  It was still incredibly delicious and much less messier this way, though don't get me wrong, it was still a huge mess!  Let's just say that  I was happy I ate alone with no one watching me hahahahahah.  And for $6, this was a great deal - I was full for a LOOOOONG time.   

My next meal will be their Crab Tacos ($10).  In fact, I can't wait to try anything they want to sell me! I just love this truck!

Gypsy Queen Cafe

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Curbside Cafe, Baltimore Food Truck

Curbside Cafe is our local burrito truck and I love it SO MUCH!!!!

I heard really great reviews about the spicy chicken burrito, so I decided to give that a shot the first time I stopped by the truck.  I got the platter for $8 - burrito, a choice of a side and a drink.  Or you can order a burrito by itself for $6, a side for $1.50, and a drink for $1.

The chicken is a pulled chicken with a spicy sauce that can easily be masked by the cheese, sour cream, or avocado (if you want it to be masked).  It was also WOH DELICIOUS.  If you aren't into spicy food - don't let that scare you away from trying this burrito.  However, their other burrito choices include chana masala (chickpeas in Indian spices), pulled pork, grilled veggies, black beans and steak burritos.

For my side, I chose the fried plantains seasoned with salt and pepper.  These aren't your usual fried plantains, as you can see from the picture.  They are actually tostones and they are excellent, but honestly, the burrito was big enough that I really didn't need to have the platter.  However, I would consider purchasing these separately if I just wanted a snack one day.  Love.

 

The next time the truck came by, I chose the spicy chicken burrito bowl, to save myself some calories, plus it was only $5, which is a steal for a flavorful and VERY filling lunch!!!! I can't wait to keep going back!

Curbside Cafe Food Truck
On Facebook
On Twitter 



Don't forget to enter my $20 gift certificate giveaway to Swirl Wine shop in Timonium!  You can enter once per day until Feb 25th!

Kooper's Chowhound Burger Truck

 mmmmmm look at all those grilled onions

Recently I had the opportunity to get a burger from Kooper's Chowhound Burger Truck. I decided to Build-My-Own-Burger for $8:  I chose the bison as my meat, topped it with cheddar cheese, grilled onions and lettuce (3 toppings are included, 50cents for each additional topping) and then got ketchup as my sauce.  What an awesome awesome burger.  The meat was cooked perfectly, and I loved the kaiser roll.  And oh my was it filling - I was full for HOURS! It's also important to note that my meal was ready pretty quickly, which is great when you're waiting in the cold. 

I didn't get any fries, though I did steal a couple from my coworker :), but they are $2 whether you choose their regular fries, sweet potato fries, or a mix of fifty-fifty.

Next time (oh yes, there will be a next time), I think I will try one of their Signature Burgers - perhaps the Baja Burger ($8) which has jack and cheddar cheeses, baja slaw and jalapeno ranch wrapped in a tortilla.  Maybe I will get that with a turkey burger instead. MMMMMM I can't wait!

Want to know where they are?  Follow them on Twitter or Facebook or just check their website.

Oh Glorious Food Truck movement, how I love you so!

Wild Dog's Gourmet Hot Dog Cart, Baltimore County

 

I am really loving this Food Cart/Truck thing going on in Baltimore!

The other day I finally went to the Wild Dog's Gourmet Hot Dog Cart!  After spending some time looking at the creative menu, I chose the Reuben Hot Dog ($4) - All beef 1/4lb hot dog topped with swiss cheese, sauerkraut and russian dressing.  This was so tasty and a great choice!!!  I loved this combination and happily sat in my car and gobbled it up.  

I can't wait to try the other concoctions - I know the Baltimore Dog is really popular (hot dog with chili sauce, onions, cheese sauce and old bay) but I think I may get the Mexicana Dog - hot dog with salsa, onions, cheese, green chiles, and crushed tortilla chips!  It also seems like the menu is constantly evolving, which I really like!  Oh, and if you're not a hot dog fan, don't worry because there is also pulled pork available for purchase!

The location of the cart is posted on the website, but check the Facebook or Twitter page to see if there are any last minute changes.  Also, during the State Fair, the Wild Dog cart will be located outside of the York Road entrance- so look out for the truck if you want to bypass the overpriced fair food, and get some really delicious food for much cheaper instead!

Yay for food trucks!!!!!

TYLER FLORENCE AND GRAPES AND A RECIPE!!!!

 ADORABLE GRAPE COSTUMES and TF after throwing the first pitch

Last night, the California Grape Commission and Chef Tyler Florence (who is celebrating his 15th year with the Food Network!!!) came to visit Camden Yards to generate awareness about healthy eating at ballparks – with California Grapes of course!

  ME WITH TYLER FLORENCE OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

Tyler Florence threw out the first pitch, and then I was lucky enough to be able to meet him!  He was only able to stay for a short time, but he still had time to chomp down a ton of grapes and tell us what he was up to:

• He has a new book coming out in October - Family Meal: Bringing People Together Never Tasted Better.  He said this was his biggest book to date, and yet it only took him about two months to put together!!!!!
• He has a new show coming out The Great Food Truck Race which airs August 14th on the Food Network Channel.  Basically, seven REAL food truck teams try to sell the most food each week in a different town, and the one that loses will go home.  The one that stays afloat will eventually win a $50,000 grand prize!!!!  There is already a Season 2 in the works, and I am hoping that a few of our very best food trucks can be in the running :)
• He will soon have 3 restaurants to take care of in California- one which has already opened: Wayfare Tavern, in San Francisco.  OMG it actually has a dessert menu!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Chef Florence, I know you did that especially for me.  Baked Alaska?  YES PLEASE! 
• He has his own WINE 
• Oh, and did I mention he has a wife and two kids?????????  This guy is BUSY BUSY BUSY!!!!! 
• He said that the next "big thing" after cupcakes is going to be Pies.  Mmmmmm.  I thought it was going to be the Macaron, but I'll take pies.  Oh yes, I will.
• He also stopped by Chap's Pit Beef for lunch, which I thought was great and very Baltimore...though I may be making that up since I've never been there......what do you think?

Once Tyler (do you see that picture above?  That makes us on first name basis LOL) left to get back to his family, it was time to relax a bit and eat a ton more California grapes and try some hot dogs with Grape Relish.  What do you think - would you ever give up your pickle relish for grape relish instead?  I would urge you to try this - it's tangy and VERY refreshing.  I had it with no other condiments, though I was told mustard would go well with it as well.

I may have taken the worst picture of all time (I'm sure you've come to expect nothing but the best from me, right? hahahahah), but here is my lovely hot dog with the grape relish, the recipe for which follows:

Ballpark Dogs with Tangy Grape Relish
Recipe from: California Table Grape Commission

 
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: about 5 to 7 minutes

Tangy Grape Relish
1/2 cup each: diced red and green California seedless grapes
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon mustard seed
1 clove garlic, minced

Ballpark Dogs
8 turkey franks
Whole wheat hot dog buns
Honey mustard

Tangy Grape Relish: Stir together first 6 ingredients (through garlic); set aside.

Ballpark Dogs: Grill sausages over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, or until nicely charred and heated through. Place buns on grill, cut side down, and cook for a minute or so to toast.
Place sausage in buns and drizzle with honey mustard. Using a slotted spoon, top with grape relish.

 mmmmm I munched on these all night.  No one needs to force me to eat delicious grapes!

This was a free event generously provided by the California Grape Commission.  No one paid me to tell you how much I loved the grape relish or TF - I just do!

Juana Burrito is Packing Up?

Yesterday, Juana Burrito posted this mysterious status on their Facebook Page:

"Juana's leaving Balto! Thanks so much for all of your support.  If you are interested in starting your own truck email brian.sacks@gmail.com"

There is no other explanation - can anyone fill us in?  I am so sad I never got to try Juana Burrito, my husband was able to and he LOVED their fish tacos.  It seems strange that they are leaving after they've been getting such good press lately.

Let me know if you've heard anything additional.  Thanks!

7/3/10 update:  They've actually started their own Non-Profit to help other Mobile Food Vans:  http://www.mobilefoodprofits.com/

Icedgems Baking Cupcake Van - Driving to Happy Tummies Everywhere!

UPDATE 8/2010: I've tried a TON of flavors now, and without a doubt they are all amazing.  That being said, my absolute favorite is the Red Velvet Cupcake.  The cream cheese icing is just incredible.  I would seriously be happy if this van only carried Red Velvet Cupcakes to my house everyday.

There is a new food van in town - AND IT CARRIES CUPCAKES.  Delicious.  Amazing.  Cupcakes.

Icedgems Baking literally opened their van doors YESTERDAY and I managed to get some treats thanks to my lovely husband :)

And OH MY was I a happy camper.  These cupcakes ARE SPECTACULAR

Food Vans are a genius idea.  I love them. They have that wonderful element of surprise: you have to run out and get that treat because who knows when you will have it next!  And you can guarantee that I will be running out (or making Dan run out) to get some of these cupcakes whenever they are close by :)

Icedgems Baking Van carries 6 of their 17 flavors each day - and these cupcakes are made fresh DAILY.  I am not usually an icing fan - I'm one of those people who scrape away most of the icing and then just eat the cake - but not with these.   There's just something so creamy, sweet and light about the icing, and it pairs deliciously with the moist cake!

(Lemon Tang aka Lemon Tangmazingness)

Cupcakes I tried (yes.  I tried portions of them ALL.  I had a large mug of milk next to me!!!):
Vanilla Vanilla: Vanilla cake topped with buttercream flavored with pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla.  A great base cake.  The buttercream icing really shines here.
Chocolate Chocolate: Chocolate cake enriched with red cocoa and topped with Callebaut chocolate buttercream.  LOVED this.  There is something so great about the chocolate buttercream, and I love how this isn't overly sweet even though it's double chocolate!
Chocolate Vanilla: Chocolate cake from above and vanilla icing from above above :)  How can you go wrong with two greats?
Lemon Tang (pictured): Vanilla cake topped by a lemon infused buttercream with lemon zest.  I loooooove citrusy desserts, so this was right up my alley and I just adored it.  The lemon is a perfect compliment with the creamy icing.
Rocky Road: Chocolate cake filled with chunks of pecan, callebaut chocolate and marshallows and topped with buttercream blended with marshamallows.  You will love this one.  Trust me.  The chunks of chocolate in the cake was such a great surprise and the marshmallowy buttercream icing was a treat.

Can't wait to try more!  In fact, today they will offer their Red Velvet cupcake, so Dan has already been instructed to pick one out for me :)

I also tried their Million Dollar Shortbread (or Millionaire Shortbread?) which is a thick layer of shortbread, with a layer of caramel and a layer of hardened chocolate.  This is just plain decadent.  It's rich, crumbly and out-of-this-world!  It reminded me of a fancier version of that Christmas treat people make with the saltines, sugar, butter and chocolate.  A much much fancier version :)  As of yesterday they weren't selling these, according to Dan, but I sincerely hope they do!!!!

Pricing:
$2.50 - single cupcake
$12.50 - boxed half dozen
$24 - boxed dozen
ALSO, with a minimum order of 2 dozen cupcakes, they offer free delivery to your door within 20 miles of Reisterstown, MD!!!!!  Imagine the convenience of this when hosting parties or for baby showers and bridal showers etc.!

Contact:
443-690-7056
icedgemsbaking@gmail.com
www.icedgemsbaking.com
Become a fan of them on Facebook, and learn where they will be each day

Where are they today?  You can find them at 375 Padonia Road (corner of Padonia and Deereco Road) in Timonium between 10AM-2PM.  Let me know what you think if you go!





Legal Disclaimer: While getting a second helping of cupcakes yesterday for me to try, Dan told the owner that I wrote this blog so she very graciously gave us 6 cupcakes at a discounted rate and threw in the shortbread for free!