food truck

Farmer’s Deli, Bend, OR., 5/2/24

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truck – 925 NW Brooks St, Bend, OR 97703

Farmer’s Deli is a breakfast or lunch spot brought to you by Chef/owner Justin Halvorsen.  Opening in summer 2023 it is the result of 24 years of cooking in various capacities for others and now he has his own gig.  The place highlights locally sourced food and ingredients.  It is a food truck behind Bar Rio and next to the restaurant Dear Irene.  There are no tables right next to it but there are tables by a coffee shop 30 feet away where you are welcome to sit and enjoy your food but many seemed to take it to go.  Halvorsen was raised in Vermont so there are numerous East coast inspired items on the menu.  It’s a small menu but the ingredients are quality indeed, even bread from Sparrow Bakery.  Both sandwiches we tried were generous portions and could have easily been split.  They each came with a nice pickle spear.  A fun off-the-beaten-track place to grab a quick bite to eat. Continue reading →

Americana Burger, Bend, OR., 5/1/24

~ hsnixon ~ 5 Comments
food truck  – 536 NW Arizona Ave, Bend, OR 97703

Americana food truck is in The Podski Lot,  a small lot with several food trucks and one brick and mortar place where you can buy drinks or grab a glass of water.    A bunch of colorful picnic tables are on a combination of artificial grass and concrete for a place to eat.  Parking is tricky as it’s just what you can find on the street, but most have a 2-hour free parking zones.  Owner Joe Franco wanted to offer an affordable burger where anybody could come out and eat and opened this venture in 2020 then moved to the Podski in Nov. 2022.  The basic OG Burger is only $8 and includes caramelized onions, American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato and secret sauce and is served on a toasted brioche bun.   Each burger includes two 2-ounce patties which are only cooked on one side to form a crust on the bottom of the patty yet keep the beef moist.    For the vegetarians he offers a grilled cheese and for burger lovers there are variations including BBQ or jalapenos.   It made a great lunch. Continue reading →

Ikaika Bistro, Langley, WA., 8/18/23

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building – 14096 WA-525, Langley, WA 98260 (soon to move)

Ikaika Bistro was in the American Foreign Legion building when we visited but you’re in luck because they’ll be in a new location by the time you read this.  Stephanie and Chris Balora own the place that serves Polynesian cuisine among other dishes.  Opening in Sept. of 2022, Chris named the place Ikaika which means “strong” or “warrior” in his native Hawaiian language.  It’s a 2-person operation with Stephanie taking your order and busing tables while Chris does the cooking.  They’ve had good success which is why in Sept 2023 they are going to move their restaurant to a food truck in downtown Langley where they’ll have indoor and outdoor seating and be near a coffee shop, which is good as they serve breakfast and lunch. So I won’t describe the AFL building, just include a couple photos, but the move will create a major improvement in the ambiance.  The couple are the nicest people and easily make conversation with guests filling them in our their journey to get to this spot.  The food was novel, generous and tasty and I hope you’ll give it a try if you are in the area. Continue reading →

Talkeetna Spinach Bread Airstream, Talkeetna, AK., 7/31/21

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exterior

Spinach Bread has been available in Alaska for 20 years.  We found it in the small town of Talkeetna where the Airstream trailer is parked and open for business every day but Tuesday.  There are tables set up out front and a small menu to chose from.  The spinach bread is made with a spent grain bread base and then covered with a mix of cheese, garlic and spinach.  Hot sauce is optional and I advise adding it. They heat it while you wait at the window and you can see the server cut it into strips for easy eating.  It had a wonderful bread base and just the right amount of toppings.  Full of flavor and texture it was a perfect snack or meal, depending on how much you order.  With it we had the Brazilian limeade which is made with fresh limes, organic sugar, a touch of sweetened condensed milk and water.  It was slightly thick and cool with a perfect blend of sweet and tart.  There’s some good food coming out of this food truck! Continue reading →

Roli Roti, San Francisco, 3/14/19

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stand
stand

Roli Roti is a food stand by the Ferry Building and the location does move, so just look for the line.  The secret is to get there when they first open, and then there is no line and it’s easier to find a seat somewhere in the area to enjoy your sandwich.  They are only open on Thursday (10 am – 2 pm)  and Saturday (8 am – 2 pm) but their signs encourage you to hire them to cater your next party.  They have the rotisserie going as you walk up and you can see the chickens and pork rotating slowing dripping their fat and juices on the potatoes below.  I have been many times and it’s a great snack – the smell is wonderful – but I’ve only tried their porchetta sandwich.  They cut the meat while you watch and load it onto a wonderful soft, chewy roll and then cover it with onion relish and arugula greens.  There are bits of the crackling crust of pork intermixed with the tender, juicy pieces of pork.  I will admit that some days have yielded a better tasting meat than others but it always is rich, decadent snack or meal.  Try it if you’re there at the right time and then on Saturday you can walk through the wonderful farmer’s market behind the building or cruise through the fun shops in the building. Continue reading →

El Green-Go’s, Anchorage, 8/2&3/18

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exterior
exterior

El Green-Go’s is a permanently installed food truck serving local, organic Mexican and American Cuisine.  They source local  and organic ingredients for their food.  It is mostly breakfast and lunch, closing at 5:00 pm.  Interestingly, they are located right across the street from the Snow City Cafe and we chose to eat here twice rather than go back and stand in line across the street.   A friendly young couple run the place with Tyler doing the cooking and Crystal taking orders, bringing out food and taking your money.  The menu had few ingredients combined in a number of different ways.  Many include a choice of protein which were pork, chicken, tofu or halibut (for an additional $6).  In the back he had a grill/smoker set up where he cooked the meat and it also provided a wonderful aroma for your dining experience. They offer to make any of their items vegan or gluten free for no additional charge.   Continue reading →