Food Trucks

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WOW! Food Truck Hits the Spot.

11/04/2011 in Midtown, On the Street, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 2 comments

Kevin (so hard not to call him “Slick” any longer…) + I hit up Midtown’s Street Food Thursday in our ‘hood yesterday afternoon. 

It always reminds me a little of my beloved Austin to see the trucks crammed together in Midtown like one big food truck trailer park of deliciousness. 

One truck, in particular, caught my eye yesterday: WOW! Food Truck.

We got in line + in a flash of pre-ordering online due diligence, I found out that the WOW! Food Truck is Atlanta’s first truck specializing in Venezuelan arepas. (Then, I had to look up “arepas.”  Don’t judge…)  They are savory grilled corn cakes stuffed with slow roasted meats.  WOW! is also known for their delicious donuts which Creative Loafing listed on their Top 100 Bucket List .  Okay, yes yes yes!  I was ready to eat.

Here’s a glimpse at their menu:

And here’s the full Q+DD on the WOW! Food Truck:

Once upon a time, several years ago, Wendy Cross was visiting her brother (yep - that brother!) in NYC.  She asked him where she could go to get a quick bite that was really good but wouldn’t break the bank.  He quickly replied that there was an arepa bar around the corner and she should check it out.  After realizing that the word “arepa” wasn’t some sort of sophomoric attempt of him being funny, she found herself at the little restaurant eating her first arepa.  “WOW!  These are amazing” were the first words exclaimed after her first bite.  Wendy wondered…why isn’t anyone making these in Atlanta?!!  She knew at that moment it would be her mission to bring these wonderful savory stuffed corn cakes to her peeps in the ATL.  Now, all she needed to do was find a restaurant to partner with so she could bring her arepa food truck dreams to fruition. 

After interviewing several restaurateurs, she knew that the girls at Duck’s Cosmic Kitchen in Decatur would be the perfect match.  Their dedication to using only the freshest ingredients, making everything from scratch, and not owning a microwave won her over.  Wendy started to sell her arepas as a special at the restaurant while the truck was getting ready for its big debut, and after selling out the first day, they knew they were onto something good, and the rest as they say, is history!

I happen to love that story.  And also, the truck has a pretty serious paint job that I found super impressive…

Frankly, all of the menu looked interesting to me, but I was on a mission to try an arepa + a shrimp cake.

From left to right:

Chicken Sofrito Arepa: savory Venezuelan griddled corn cakes stuffed with slow roasted meats + topped with their famous creamy cilantro jalapeno “kicky” sauce.

Crispy Shrimp Cakes: panko-crusted, perfectly seasoned shrimp cakes served with “kicky” sauce alongside organic stone ground cheese grits.

Kevin and I couldn’t believe how delicious they both were!  And, really filling, too, for very little $$$.  We are going back next week for more.  Why can’t it be Midtown Street Food Monday – Friday??

If WOW! is that good, I can’t wait to see what Duck’s is all about…

WOW! Food Truck on Facebook!
WOW! Food Truck on Twitter!
WOW! Food Truck on the Internets…
WOW! Food Truck’s Menu – Yum!

Find it.  Try it.  Trust.  :)

xx, L

WOW! Food Truck
Location Varies
404.626.0390
http://www.wowfoodtruck.com/

Wow! Food Truck on Urbanspoon

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Summerfest + Food Truckin’ – What a Life!

06/01/2011 in Festivals, Highlands, Midtown, On the Street, Random Musings, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 2 comments

And the summer festivals roll on and on and on…

The 28th Annual Virginia Highland Summerfest is this weekend, folks! 

The Q+DD on VaHi Summerfest:
When: 6/4 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. & 6/5 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Summerfest takes place along tree-lined Virginia Avenue, in the heart of the historic + charming Virginia Highland neighborhood.  (Between North Highland Ave. and Park Dr.) 
Tickets: FREE ADMISSION – donations to the VaHi Civic Association are appreciated.
Buzz: Regularly recognized by local media as one of Atlanta’s best neighborhood festivals + consistently revered by art professionals as one of the best artists’ markets in the southeast, Summerfest is a great event for the entire family.
Arts: The juried artists’ market features work + exhibits from more than 220 of the best artists in the southeast and beyond, in a variety of media including painting, clay, glass, jewelry, photography, printmaking, fiber, wood, metal + mixed media.
Music: The 92.9 Dave FM music stage will feature a variety of renowned local musicians, along with nationally acclaimed singer songwriters.

summerfest '10

And, and, and….I will be there!  Hooray!!

Click righttttt HERE for more info about Summerfest.

dave fm stage at summerfest

Summerfest is a seriously solid festival.  I always end up buying something awesome, eating something fried and terribly delicious + having a great time at it.  The only way that Summerfest could get any better is if there are going to be food trucks this year.   For sure King of Pops (love!) will make an appearance, but I’m talking about FOOD TRUCK food trucks.

Which brings me to one of my favorite parts of last weekend when Loren + Seth (congrats on your engagement guys!) and Slick + I chased down (from Little Five Points to Midtown) two of the trucks remaining in the Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race.  We found out that they were filming in and around Atlanta from our friends, Mr. Casey + Foodie Buddha.  Once we did a little research on the contenders, we knew that we were going to set aside time to find them. 

On the show, food trucks travel across the country seeing which can sell the most food.  At the end of each stop, the food truck that made the least money goes home.  Atlanta was the last stop before the finale in Miami.  Hardcore readers may remember that I recently tried the Nom Nom truck in Palm Springs, which was runner up in last year’s The Great Food Truck Race.  I guess that this is sorta becoming my thing…

We only had time to sample two trucks, both of which were fan-freaking-tastic + we plan to root for on the show.  Here’s what we ate:

Truck #1: Roxy’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese (Boston, MA) 

(Slick ordering from Roxy’s.)

Oysters ROXYfeller.  Cute.

Grilled CHZ: Vermont cremont cheese, proscuitto de parma + quince.

Grilled CHZ: Private stock cheddar, foie gras, applewood bacon + peach preserve.

So nice…

…it got photographed twice!

We were in cheesy heaven.  And, I got a Roxy’s t-shirt which I proudly wore to the gym yesterday!  Somehow, we found inner-hunger, strength, whatever you want to call it, to check out The Lime Truck up the street.

Truck #2: The Lime Truck (Irvine, CA) 

Crab + Bay Scallop Ceviche.

Green Curry Tofu Quesadilla.

Ahi Tuna Poke Nachos.

Blistered Shishito Peppers.

And, the coolest part of all is that we got to see them filming!

Even now, I’m still stuffed.  Total.  Both trucks were SO good and for such different reasons.  There is a time and place for a loaded grilled cheese.  Likewise, there is a time and place for creative, fresh fish + tofu.  Last weekend, it was time for both.  :)

Don’t miss Summerfest this weekend in the Highlands.  And, if they have food trucks – I’m sure I’ll see you there.  Play on, players + good luck to Roxy’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese + The Lime Truck! 

xx, L

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Atlanta Food and Wine Festival 05/19 – 05/22

05/18/2011 in Events, Where we're Eating by Lauren | 1 comment

So exciting! We are getting our VERY OWN Food and Wine Magazine F+W Fest to celebrate the mixology and foodiness of the ATL and it’s THIS WEEKEND!

The Q+DD is this:

Modeled after the Food + Wine Mag events in New York, LA and Aspen, the event is centered around 3 key Atlanta themes:

“OLD TRADITIONS
Notable Southern food and beverage traditions – farm-to-table, soul food, barbecue, Cajun & Creole, meat & three, sweets, bourbon, Coca-Cola, etc.

NEW TRADITIONS
New Southern food and beverage traditions, techniques and flavors – Asian, Greek, French, Latin, fine wine, celebrity chefs, award-winning mixologists, etc.

IMPORTS & INSPIRATIONS (aka “Other Southern”)
Food, wine and spirits from other Southern regions around the globe, including Southern Europe (Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Greece), South Africa, South America, Southern Hemisphere (Australia and New Zealand) and South-of-the-Border (Mexico and the islands south of the U.S.).”

Fabulous!

Tickets range from $50 – $2500 and unfortunately, VIP tix ($1000) have already sold out.  (Am KICKING myself for not bidding higher on a pair at the Bain + Co. charity auction 2 weeks ago… I hear those tix include dinner at Kevin Rathbun’s HOME.)

Check out the website for more info (there’s a LOT of it) but suffice it to say, there will be lots of fun events, dinners, learning experiences and presentations all focused on what makes Atlanta’s food and wine scene unique.

From a “beer and cheese tasting” seminar to a chocolate making workshop to a Whole Pig Tent by Kevin Gillespie...


…it’s sure to be an Atlanta food BONANZA.

Also making an appearance: STREET CARTS!

Mobile attendees include:

Avocado’s from Mexico (Mexico)
Bulleit Bourbon (Louisville, KY)
CIROC Vodka (France)
Club Patron (Mexico)
Crooked Spoon (Orlando, FL)
Dietrich’s (Santa Rosa Beach, FL)
GastroPod (Miami, FL)
Klausie’s Pizza (Raleigh, NC)
Sweetwater Beer Truck (Atlanta, GA)
STK (Atlanta, GA – new restaurant)
VIKING Cooking Rig (Greenwood, MS)
Yum Yum Cupcake Truck (Atlanta, GA)
Westside Creamery (Atlanta, GA)

Check out the website HERE, see the Facebook page HERE, and follow them on Twitter HERE… but most of all – get out there to some of the events!

See you there, Foodies!

xx, L

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Warning: Serious Update OVERLOAD!

05/05/2011 in Baby Chic, Beauty, Buckhead, Cocktails, Deals + Steals, Events, Exercise, Festivals, Guilty Pleasures, Hair, Hotels, Inman Park, Maintenence, Midtown, On the Street, Out of Town, Random Musings, Spa, Trader Joe's, Vacation, Vendors, What we're Doing, What we're Reading, Where we're Eating, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | 5 comments

Oy.  You might need to sit down for this one.

I didn’t post for an entire week + now I feel like there’s almost too much to update you all on and it’s not exactly stringing together clearly…  So bear with me, folks.  I’m just going to lay it all out there + make of it what you will. 

The weather is getting gorgeous, the hemlines are getting shorter + there are more and more reasons to play outside, try new restaurants + spring into summer!  (I feel like I just wrote an Old Navy commercial.)

Ready or not – here I go!  Wheeeee…..

Ms. Reynolds, Sayako + I recently recruiter summit-ed at Victory Sandwich Bar in Inman Park, which has been all over Urban Spoon, etc., and we really enjoyed it!

Pictured below are our sandwiches, all of which are meant to be eaten in multiples (i.e. you don’t order just one sandwich – they are small-ish) at only $4.00 a piece.

We tried the New Bomb Turkey: turkey, arugula, avocado spread + baconaisse; The Hambo: prosciutto, mozzarella, arugula, apple + reduced balsamic; and the Castro: slow-roasted pork, ham, fontina cheese + yellow mustard. 

I love this place for a casual lunch and strongly recommend trying it out!

Victory Sandwich Bar
280 Elizabeth Street
Atlanta, GA  30307
770.676.7287
http://www.vicsandwich.com/
Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Victory Sandwich Bar on Urbanspoon

Next up, Bloomingdale’s just started showing some gorgeous turquoise-y blue stone necklaces.  So cute for summer!  Here’s a shot of the one I bought on Monday.  It’s my new favorite accessory.

Moving right along…

On my Palm Springs/ L.A. flights, I started reading John Kennedy Toole’s “A Confederacy of Dunces.”  I will admit that I fall in love with most books I read + can’t put them down until they’re finished, and that remains the case with this Pulitzer Prize winner.  It’s so thoughtfully written and a great (albeit very wordy) read.  The story of how the book came to fruition after JKT’s suicide is super interesting, as well. 

Let’s talk food trucks.

Slick + I got tacos at Tex’s Tacos recently, the new food truck in Buckhead, which urbandaddy.com dubbed the “Antonio Banderas” of food trucks.  Cute.

Tex’s is a fully-equipped kitchen + restaurant on wheels serving up an array of “Nueva Texicana” eats w/ “style + grace.”

While I’ll admit that they weren’t the best tacos I’ve ever eaten, they did the job.  Tex’s will be a goldmine for late night Buckhead frat boys who need to cut through the alcohol a bit before stumbling into bed.  And it’s not just stationed in Buckhead, which is why food truckin’ is so exciting.  Check out Tex’s schedule here: http://www.texstacos.com/

Speaking of food trucks…  When I was in Palm Springs, the Nom Nom truck drove up from L.A. and I got to try it!  Not familiar w/ the famous Nom Nom truck?

It’s a L.A.-based mobile food truck specializing in Vietnamese food, especially banh mi.  Nom Nom was the runner-up in season one of the Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race.

Their food is RIDIC. 

On Easter Sunday, Slick + I had a date night at Ecco, one of my favorite Midtown restaurants to order up a load of small plates + drinks.  (Also, to potentially spot the Vampire Diaries cast…)

As usual, our meal was predictably delicious.  To accompany it, I ordered a glass of pinot gris.  Slick, however, ordered one of the most interesting cocktails I’ve ever seen.  Here’s the description of it from the menu:

ZAFARAN: Gabriel Boudier Saffron Gin, housemade Shindeldecker tonic + a custom icy hot cube will remind you that, while temptation is a reality, there are repercussions in all things we do.

It was so different and had a very special, unique flavor.  You guys have to try it!

I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again.  I’m obsessed with mochi ice cream.  Recently, I’ve been satisfying my sweet tooth with an all natural strawberry flavor found at Trader Joe’s.  Um, yum!

Y’all, today is Thursday which means…

So, back to food trucks + street food.  Can we?  Thanks. 

My favorite Midtown Street Food Thursday vendor is definitely The King of Pops!

I get so excited when I see the Pops cart!  And you know who else does…

slick: king of the mountain (stone mountain, that is)

He LOVES KoPs!  Our favorite flavors are: Mexican Chocolate, Banana Pudding, Sea Salt Chocolate + Pineapple Ginger.  You must, must try a pop!

It really is perfect popsicle weather, too.  Speaking of perfect weather, I had it in California.  The entire week was truly gorgeous!  Although the main purpose of my trip was to meet Mrs. Wolkove’s adorable new addition to her family, I did have time to enjoy the outdoors when I went on a hike at Fryman Canyon Park located in the Santa Monica Mountains with Mrs. W’s madre.  The views were amazing + the workout was seriously intense.  I work out quite a bit in Atlanta, but I almost never go hiking.  I have to say that my legs were throbbing the morning after our hike.  If anyone knows of good hiking spots in Atlanta, please let me know. 

Even while hiking in the heat, my hair looked pretty perfect.  (OMG, what a bragger!)  But, I have to credit that to Daniel Carter at Mint Salon who does my 2-day keratin treatments.  (LK goes to Mint, too, for hers.)  Daniel is a fantastic stylists who has also started to do my cuts + color.  If you happen to be looking for a new stylist, I highly recommend Daniel!  Tell him you heard about him on the Q+DD!

Mint Salon
Stylist: Daniel Carter
404.724.9669
www.mintsalon.net

Since we’re focusing now on “maintenance,” I’m really looking forward to my spray tan today at RAW Organic Bronzing Studio.  (LK is a fan, too!)  I adore the owner, Tiffany Terranova, and have been very pleased with my tans!  They are made from 100% organic ingredients that are actually beneficial to the skin.  Read more about RAW Organic Bronzing Studio here: LK’s post about RAW.

And, RAW is conveniently located right next door to Victory Sandwich Bar in Inman Park!  Bringing it all together.  :)

Skipping around skipping around…

I’m in the market for a french press.  I drank french pressed coffee several times during my L.A. trip + don’t think I can go back to my Keurig any more.  It’s like two entirely different planets of coffee!  This Bodum one is pretty cute.  (Hint, hint.)

OH!  And isn’t this the most precious picture you’ve ever seen or what?!  Mrs. Wolkove, her one week old (who obv. cannot fit into those yet) + I all rock the glitter TOMS!  Love.

We’ll focus on this much more as it draws closer, but who’s pumped for the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival?! 

THIS event is going to be nothing short of incredible.  Can’t wait! 

More info here: Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

And finally (have I worn you out yet?), the Q+DD has some very special news to share!  One of our best readers, Jessica Gorman: Concierge at the Ritz Carlton – Buckhead, was featured in the newest edition of The Atlantan Magazine!

Click here to see the article mentioning Jess on page 36 of the new issue today!  (Reading Instructions for the Online Version: Click on the link mentioned in the previous sentence.  Type in page 36.  Full screen view + click magnifying glass to zoom in.  Silly technology…)  We are very proud of you, Jess!

So…did you get all that?!  It was pretty beastly.  (TWHS? Sorry, mom…)

There WILL be a quiz later.  It’s great to be back! 

xx, L

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Street Food Thursdays in Midtown…DO. IT.

04/06/2011 in Events, L+L Report, Midtown, On the Street, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 1 comment

Heck yes!

After spending a long weekend in a city that has a food truck trailer park on almost every corner, this sounds JUST splendid to me.  (+ frankly, about time…)

Click here to find out more about Street Food Thursdays, locations + which trucks you should expect to see there on Midtown ATL’s Facebook page:  FOOD TRUCKS IN MIDTOWN

I’ll be there w/ bells on…will you?  :)

xx, L

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A Few Things!

02/24/2011 in Events, PSAs, We can BLOG!, Where we're Eating by Lauren | No comments

And nowwww…..for the most random post ever to appear NOT on a Friday.

1.  Atlanta Underground Market this SATURDAY 02/26 : Here’s the Q+DD:  At a location to be announced tomorrow to those who signed up as a member of the Atlanta Underground Market HERE, there will be a huge food market featuring 30 – 40 local food artisans doing some major showing off with their delicious creations.

From a similar San Francisco underground market

OK I love this. A – It’s a private club. I adore that sort of thing. B – Local foodies. I crave them. C – Usually I hate suprises, but this intrigues me.  D – It’s only $2 to get in!

(Sidebar: Seth was the one to give me a heads up on this well BEFORE the media blitz.  Further cementing him in my mind as the hippest guy ever)

2. I just started a mini-series on a site called The LaVoie Report on professional networking. 

It’ll be a series of short, 90 second Vlogs (That’s right. Video Blogs.  I just learned that’s a thing. I feel like a grandma.  What is this internet thing?)

Anyway…to view my first LaVlog – click HERE

3. It’s Greg’s BIRTHDAY. Happy Birthday, Gregory!  Can’t wait to celebrate!

LoCo

That is all.

xx, L

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Truck-TASTIC: My Night in Pictures

08/27/2010 in On the Street, Where we're Eating by Lauren | 2 comments

Atlanta Street Food Coalition Street Food Soirée last night was amazing!

Despite the drizzle, there was a huge turnout!  Check it:

The appropriately named "Good Food Truck"

Seth and JJ in line for Island and Thai cones, respectively

Greg went for "The Poodle": hot dog with a French toast bun completed by healthy squirts of spicy mustard and maple syrup

My favorite were the spicy, chilled peanut noodles from Artichoke Bliss!

Salted butter caramel ice cream and Mexican Coke float? Yes, please!

Delicious pimento cheese and blueberry lemonade from Grace's Goodness

The ever-popular Yumbii Truck from Hankook Tacqueria

Finally, can't skip cupcakes from...

...also appropriately named Yum Yum Cupcake!

What a great night – EVERYONE got their truck on!

Power to the (mobile, food selling) people!

xx, L

P.S. If you missed this delicious event…fear not! You can go to the Sweet Auburn Curb Market between 11-2pm TODAY for the Urban Picnic and grab a wheeled meal!

P.P.S. (Thanks for the heads up, Seth!)

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BACK THAT TRUCK UP: Atlanta Street Food Movement

08/26/2010 in On the Street, Where we're Eating by Lauren | 2 comments

Atlanta: right this very minute there’s a revolution brewing! A FOOD revolution! Yes, our food can no longer be contained in mortar-and-brick restaurants – people – our food wants to be MOBILE!

Enter the Atlanta Street Food Coalition: a group of culinary rogues set out to lift the current restrictive Georgia legislation inhibiting the sale of delicious eats from a vehicle.

Just to show you what it’s all about, the ASFC will be holding various events including 2 this week!  Check it:

1.    TONIGHT: Street Food Soirée at The Hub
Here’s the Q+DD: From 7pm-10pm at The Hub (17th and Spring) you can come by and sample the wares of Atlanta’s favorite foodies on wheels such as Sol Tacqueria, Artichoke Bliss, and the Good Food Truck.


2.  TOMORROW LUNCH:  Urban Picnic at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market
Here’s the Q+DD: From 11am – 2pm it’s the return of the Urban Picnic - this time in partnership with the City of Atlanta District 2 Councilperson Kwanza Hall! Head on over and enjoy the delicious goods from the Yumbii truck, the King of Pops, West End Burritos, and yes, the Good Food Truck will be there too. This sounds like a WAY better alternative to a Lean Cuisine at your desk…just sayin’.Now, I’m not overly political – but when politics concern the free love and sale of food….consider me a lobbyist!

Which food truck would vend if we picket?  Should I make a sign?

A sandwich board seems most appropriate…

xx, L

P.S. The ASFC is leaving no Social Media outlet unturned!
Check out their website here
Follow them on Twitter here
See them on Facebook here
Read their blog here

P.P.S. More Food Truck Enthusiasts!  Seth is on board (you know how I feel about that) and check out AtlantaFoodCarts.com

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