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UPDATE: Delaware Food Truck Road Trips

Food Truck Update: And the Trucks keep on rolling After a successful September opening with hundreds of people rolling in for the festivity, Epworth United Methodist Church will continue Food Truck Fridays at the Epworth United Methodist Church on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month.The next Food Truck Friday is on October 9 from 4-7pm. Food truck groupies can eat on the grounds or carry home your food truck specialties.There are picnic tables available for use or you can bring a beach chair or blanket and relax on the lawn. NOTE: The new start time for October is 4-7pm. Visit http://www.eumcrb.org/foodtruckfriday/ or read more in the Cape Gazette.

Original Post: Patricia Talorico, published an article on Delawareonline about the surge in Delawares Food Truck Industry saying, Deals on wheels are how some consumers view the food truck industry.

These mobile kitchens, which have been growing by leaps and bounds the past few years in Delaware, offer affordable, creative "street foods," usually priced under $10.

Some, like Dogfish Head's Bunyan Lunchbox at the Milton brewery, are parked in permanent locations. And a gaggle of food trucks can be found at Wilmington's Farmers Market in Rodney Square on Wednesdays as well as the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts (200 S. Madison St., Wilmington), on Thursdays from about 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m."

Food trucks are popping up more and more at Delaware events including Firefly Music Festival, the Delaware State Fair and the Wilmington Flower Market. They rolled into Milton this summer on Truckin' Tuesdays - (the last one is on August 25) from 6-8pm in the lot on the corner of Union and Magnolia Streets. It's a great local event. Truck on by for dinner, some live music and a Dogfish Beer."

Food truckies... read on and plan your next Delaware Food Truck Road Trips! According to the article, there are 97 trucks in New Castle County, 23 trucks in Kent County and 28 trucks operating in Sussex County.

If you're new to Delaware's food truck scene, she offers a beginner's guide (it follows) to some of the trucks that have been around for a while, or are run by established restaurateurs. And she cautions food truckies to consult the truck's social media sites Facebook pages, Instagram or Twitter accounts to find out where the trucks will be on any given day. Inclement weather or other factors can change plans rather quickly.

Bunyan's Lunchbox

What's up: In 2013, Dogfish Head created a food truck resembling a giant black lunch pail with a wood-fired grill jutting from one side. Parked outside the Milton brewery, it's named for lumberjack legend Paul Bunyan.

What's served: Staffers grill the brewery's line of $5 beer-infused bratwursts on buns. Think varieties like spicy espresso and Greek feta. It also sells medium-spicy Hop-Pickles ($2) made with 60 Minute IPA and caramelized onions, and bowls of clam chowder ($4) also made with an infusion of 60 Minute IPA. Seats are available inside the tasting room, where customers can sample beer or purchase a pint of Dogfish Head beer or its homemade nonalcoholic Beach Beer (birch beer soda).

When and where? The truck is parked near the entrance of the Sussex County brewery, 6 Cannery Village Center, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Call (302) 684-1000. Visit www.dogfish.com/

The Roaming Raven

What's up: Newark's legendary Deer Park Tavern, run by Ashby Hospitality Group, opened its food truck in January 2014. Right now, it travels to events and parties by reservation only. The truck is named for the Deer Park's "mascot," the raven.

What's served: The custom-made truck offers sausage, egg and cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, cheesesteaks, Tater Tots and drinks.

When and where? It travels to weekend events and parties such as birthdays, baby showers and anniversaries around the state. The truck will be at parked at Dover's Firefly Festival from June 18-21. Visit www.theroamingraven.com or call (302) 894-1200.

Big Thunder Roadside Kitchen

What's up: The food truck from Sussex County's Matt Haley Companies debuted in July 2014.

What's served: The menu varies and recently included sausage and egg on a roll, $5; biscuits and gravy, $4; roast beef on a pretzel roll, $7; $6 veggie wrap with chips; and Old Bay fries, $2.

When and where? It is parked in the lots of SoDel Concepts' restaurants at the Delaware beaches in warm weather months. It also travels to local businesses, such as the Rehoboth Beach's Tanger Outlets Seaside, and churches. And it offers catering for charities and community dinners. Call (443) 604-7405 or visit www.bigthunderroadsidekitchen.com/

The Brunch Box

What's up: Drip Caf owner Greg Vogeley recently celebrated the second anniversary of his Hockessin coffeehouse by launching The Brunch Box, a new food truck. He calls the roving kitchen an extension of his Lantana Square Shopping Center eatery and is aimed at corporate centers, events, festivals, and other places in New Castle and Chester counties.

What's served: Kale and bacon hash burrito, $8; Rancheros egg rolls, $6; Buffalo cauliflower chickpea tacos, $7; breakfast burrito, $6; organic yogurt parfait, $4; French-pressed coffee, $2.

When and where? The black, 26-foot truck is parked at Newark's Paper Mill Park, at Paper Mill and Polly Drummond Hill roads near Newark, Mondays through Saturdays from about 7 to 10 a.m. The permit ends Nov. 30. Visit www.thebrunchboxde.com/

I Don't Give a Fork

What's up: Owner Leigh Ann Tona, owner of I Don't Give a Fork, operates out of northern Delaware. All items are under $10.

What's served: Tona's focus is on fresh food fast not "fast food." The menu has included macaroni on a cheesesteak, $7; Buffalo Bleu Hen sandwich, $7; The $6.50 "Gaucho sandwich," or Argentinian-style steak with Muenster cheese and homemade chimichurri sauce; and "crack" fries, $3.50.

When and where? The truck has been at Barclays Bank at Iron Hill Corporate Center, 700 Prides Crossng in Newark, on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Wilmington's Rodney Square on Fridays. Most recently, the truck was serving with Kapow Food Truck at H.B. DuPont park, located at 11th and Washington Street in Wilmington. Call (415) 663-6757 or visit the I Don't Give a Fork Facebook page.

I Dont Give a Fork is one of the food trucks that competed at the second annual food truck competition at Harvest Ridge Winery.(Photo: The News Journal)

Java Puppy

What's up: Java Puppy is a mobile espresso truck business, co-owned by Karla Fleshman and Mary Tipping, specializing in organic fair trade products.

What's served: Lattes, cappuccinos, espresso, coffee, tea, chai, Italian sodas and hot chocolate. They also have prepackaged organic products biscotti, brownies, oatmeal, scones and more.

When and where? The truck is at various local events and available for catering. Call (302)-561-1041 or visit http://www.javapuppytruck.com/index.html

Kapow Food Truck

What's up: The truck is run by husband-and-wife team Wit and Jody Milburn, who have a combined 10 years of hospitality experience. Chef Wit, known as the "Thai Guy," spent most of his career in his family's restaurants, including his most recent stint as executive chef and creator of Ubon Thai Cuisine on the Wilmington Riverfront.

What's served: Milburn combines Thai, Korean and Hawaiian flavors. Kimchi taco, three tacos with Korean steak, $7, are very popular. He also has various "bowl" dishes, such as Huli Huli Bowl, grilled teriyaki chicken and other ingredients over rice, $8; and Thai Ta Tas, or Tater Tots with melted cheese, basil and chili flakes, $5. A popular item on the Kapow Food Truck menu are kimchi tacos, three for $7. The truck is run by husband-and-wife team Wit and Jody Milburn, who have a combined 10 years of hospitality experience. They serve foods that combine Thai, Korean and Hawaiian flavors.

When and where? Wilmington's Farmers Market in Rodney Square 11 a.m. to 2 p.m Wednesdays; "Truckin' Thursdays" at Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with Wildwich and The Plum Pit; and Rodney Square again on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit www.kapowtruck.com/ or call (302) 521-4710

Koi on the Go

What's up: Griselda and Paul Lauprasert, former owners of Sweet Basil in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, have run the Koi on the Go food truck, offering gourmet Asian-fusion food, since 2013.

What's served: Flounder tacos, $7; crab cake sandwich with spicy mayonnaise, $8; Asian slider made with pork shoulder, $6; and two tacos al pastor, $7.

When and where? Their recent schedule was Monday at Barclays in Wilmington from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Tuesday at Barclays in Newark from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday in Wilmington's Rodney Square from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thursday at the DCCA's "Truckin Thursday" from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Friday at Rodney Square from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday at the Newark Co-op farmers market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mojo Loco

What's up: Chef Steve Ruiz's Mojo Loco is the culmination of his passion for food which started in Rehoboth Beach in 1995. He has worked in Florida, Colorado and Alaska.

What's served: Eclectic street food including short-rib grilled cheese, $8; mojo-style pork tacos, $8; shrimp tacos, $9; and Cubano sandwiches, $8.

When and where? Recently, the truck has been at Nemours Plaza, 10th and Tatnall streets, between the Nemours and Brandywine Buildings in Wilmington from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Mondays; Rodney Square in Wilmington from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays; and Barclays Bank at Wilmington Riverfront on South West Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays. It also offers fine dining catering for up to 250 people. Call (302) 222-3866 or visit the Mojo Loco Facebook pageor @mojoloco302on Twitter.

The Plum Pit

What's up: An expansion of the Plum Caterers catering business based in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, the food truck specializes in a blend of Latin, Caribbean and soul food.

What's served: The truck offers modern twist on traditional foods from around the world. Recent dishes have included pulled-pork sandwiches, smoked chicken fajitas, rice bowls, and the "Soul Roll," or collard greens and smoked turkey.

When and where? The truck was recently at Rockwood Corporate Office Park, 501 Carr Road in Wilmington, and Truckin' Thursday at the DCCA from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays. On May 15, they'll be at the Wilmington Grand Prix in Wilmington's Brandywine Park from 4 to 8 p.m. Visit www.plumcaterers.com or call (267) 223-5528

Wildwich Food Truck

What's up: The food truck is an extension of the Wildwich Bistro at the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts (DCCA) in Wilmington.

What's served: Sandwiches include "Jolly Mon," $7, jerk chicken with mango salsa; the Spartan, $9, lamb meatballs with tzatziki sauce; and Saigon, $9, a smoked salmon banh mi. The cart also has cookies, 50 cents, and a variety of drinks including strawberry lemonade, $2, and Arnold Palmers, $2.

When and where? The truck can be found at Corporate Commons, 100 Commons Blvd., near New Castle, on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; the Wilmington's Farmers Market in Rodney Square on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Truckin' Thursday at the DCCA from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays. Visit http://www.wildwich.com/or call (302) 983-7825.

Fishkiller's Lobster Shack

What's up: This is the seventh season Captain Chet Townsend, also known as "Fishkiller," and his family have operated the food truck. Townsend has been a local waterman for more than 30 years. The lobsters and lobster specialties sold here come from freshly caught lobsters from Townsend's boats, the PAKA from Indian River, and the ANDREW G from Ocean City, Maryland. Picnic table seating is available.

What's served: Whole live and steamed lobsters; lobster salad; lobster macaroni and cheese; lobster rolls; lobster Reuben; fish tacos made with rockfish, sea bass or tautog; clam fritters; fish and chips; and Boardwalk fries.

When and where? The truck is parked at 32805 Vines Creek Road in Dagsboro. It's along Delaware route 26, just east of the intersection with Sandy Landing Road, approximately 3 miles east of Dagsboro or 6 miles west of Bethany Beach. Starting May 22, the truck will be open from 11 a.m to 8 p.m. Fri.-St. Regular summer hours begin June 11. Hours then will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. Can't wait until then? Call Captain Chet (302) 462-0010 or Captain Wes (302) 542-1150 for live lobsters Mon.-Sat. for pickup at the 32523 Falling Point Road in Dagsboro. Visit the Fishkiller's Lobster Shack Facebook page. Several picnic tables make it easy to enjoy the Jimmy Buffett ambience at Fishkillers Lobster Shack near Dagsboro.

The Wandering Chef Catering Cart

What's up? Culinary Institute of America graduate Chef Mike Blovad and his team have been running this gleaming, suped-up pushcart on the University of Delaware's campus since 2011.

What's served: Affordable Asian and Cuban fusion-style street foods including the chef's signature dumplings, sandwiches and soups.

When and where? When UD is in session, the cart can be found Mon.-Fri. on campus at the corner of Amstel and South College avenues. During the summer, the cart can be in Wilmington's Rodney Square. On Sundays, while in the season, the cart travels to the Newark Co-Op Farmer's Market. Visit wandering-chef.com

 

Contact Patricia Talorico at (302) 324-2861 or ptalorico@delawareonline.com. Read her culinary blog Second Helpings at www.delawareonline.com/blog/secondhelpings and follow her on Twitter @pattytalorico.