trailer food diaries
Austin Earth Day keeps its menu local with a large gathering of favorite foodtrucks
Apr 19, 2012 | 1:00 pm
A festival featuring green information and fun activities for all ages, Austin Earth Day Festival 2012, will be held April 22 from noon to 6 p.m. at 4550 Meuller Central Blvd, where there will be a large electronic recycling collection, 75 exhibitors, inspirational speakers, a petting zoo and face painting for the kiddos and more.
To make sure the event has that Austin-cool vibe, the festival organizers have brought in a variety of food trucks to provide food for the event, and there's a little something for everyone.
- Mmmpanadas – These gourmet Argentinian Empandas are made from scratch and served hot and fresh. Their product is available at several stores, and truck normally rests at the Mueller Hanger seven days a week from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. My favorite is "The Argentinean" which contains spiced ground beef, olives and hard-boiled egg. The “Green Chile Chicken” is another great empanada that is available in mild or spicy.
- Evil Weiner – One of Austin’s most notable hot dog trucks, two families united to create the Evil Weiner concept about a year ago. Like many mobile food trucks, you can find their schedule online with their updates on social media. I’m in awe of their “La Revolucion” dog which is bacon-wrapped and griddled with pico de gallo, mustard, ketchup, mayo and hot sauce.
- Short Bus Subs– Their yellow short bus along with their school-themed menu will have you interested in deli sandwiches like the “Teacher’s Pet” which has smoked turkey, cream cheese, bacon, onions, avocado, lettuce, tomato and salsa. Or maybe you’re more of a “Summer Vacation” type it contains honey ham, provolone, parmesan, marinara, pineapple, and crushed red pepper.
- Fresh off the Truck - Featuring Asian fusion food, business partners and couple Paul and Tova will soon be joining the Mueller Food Trailer Eatery Park. "Asian Street Food + ATX = Ni HaoWdy!" Their Pho and Banh-mis are popular, but I am a huge fan of the scallion pancakes with D-sauce.
- Verts Kebaps – This Berlin inspired kebap smart car was created out of UT students Michael and Dominik’s craving for food from their German home. Their motto “Filling Good. Feeling Great” speaks to the delicious menu. You can get your choice of filling (beef/lamb, chicken, or vegetarian) on fresh baked bread or in a wrap, and it will be finished with fresh veggies and homemade sauces.
- Gonzo Juice – This funky trailer found their permanent home on Airport a few months ago and have brought fresh juices, salads wraps and hot sandwiches along with smoothies and milkshakes to that neck of the woods. I’m a huge fan of their “Double Barrel” juice which is carrot, grapefruit, jalapeno, lemon, ginger and garlic.
- Miguel’s Cuban – Priding themselves in authentic Cuban style food, this food truck sits at 611 Trinity Street and is open for lunch on Tuesday-Wednesday, and dinner/late night Thursday-Saturday. The “De La Noche” is a traditional Cuban sandwich made with local Berkshire ham, their slow-roasted Eden Farms pulled pork, baby swiss cheese and pickles pressed with authentic homemade Cuban sweet bread. The “El Don” is another fan favorite and includes slow-roasted Eden Farms pulled pork, caramelized onions, cilantro and mojo served up on fresh milled bread and lathered in smoked chili aioli.
- Jim-Jim’s – A classic shaved ice that is a staple at many Austin swimming holes will also be making an appearance at the festival. They are famous for using real fruit and have over 24 flavors that are each made fresh daily. You just can’t go wrong with a Cherry Jim Jim.
- Rollin’ Smoke Bar-B-Q – Located at the popular 5th and Colorado spot downtotown servicing the dinner and late night crowd, this trailer offers traditional Texas BBQ including ribs, chicken, beef spare ribs, pork ribeyes, BBQ smoked sausage and more.
- The Belgian Waffle Company – This newly popular truck joined Austin over SXSW and continues to win friends and fans with their Liege style waffles with dough imported directly from Belgium. Breakfast toppings include traditional favorites like eggs, bacon, ham and cheese. Lunch toppings include sausage, spinach dip, onions, tomatoes and BBQ sauce. There are waffle bites and cinnamon waffle bites for the kids, and you can also play with selected fruit toppings, nutella, blue bell ice cream among other things.