Midtown Lunch

Today, Luncher John checks out the street food from Street Food Philly’s truck. 

At first impression, Street Food Philly would appear to be a food truck that is plainly named after what it serves: Philadelphia street food. Upon a closer examination of its menu and taste of its food, you find out that the simple name belies the tasty and innovative offerings.

First hitting the streets in August 2012, Street Food Philly is the food truck concept of two experienced chefs, Michael Sultan and Carolyn Nguyen. Their aim is to take basic street food items and add their own unique touches. For instance, instead of a run-of-the-mill burger, Street Food may serve a dry aged burger that’s sourced locally and topped with Cooper American Cheese and aioli sauce. Sometimes, instead of a regular roll, the burger will be served on a pretzel burger roll. [Ed. Note: this burger is PERFECTION]

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Today, Luncher John is in the streets eating at a most colorful food truck.

One of the most attractive food trucks roaming the streets of Philadelphia is the Foo Truck. The truck’s bright blue hue with purple flowers and orange “FOO” sign are unmistakable when it makes its rounds at Love Park, Northern Liberties and elsewhere in town. Just as distinct are the combination of Asian-themed flavors served up in its uniquely-named foowiches.

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I just got back from NYC, so today, luncher Rebecca is checking out the healthy food at the Pure Fare truck. 

On Penn’s campus, it is difficult to resist falling into food cart patterns. When a new truck rolls along, you have to weigh the options: to enjoy the usual, or to sacrifice your perfect order and experiment with something new? Pure Fare Food Cart, on 40th and Locust, directed this question toward me for a couple of months. When I finally mustered up enough curiosity to try it, the truck when on a hiatus…and then I went home for the summer. But alas, the cart and I have both returned, and I hope that this truck is here to stay.

Pure Fare has a storefront on 21st and Walnut where I’ve scoped out the prepared foods before. Though the Pure Fare truck offers only a fraction of the number of selections, their menu — featuring ‘trendy’ ingredients such as kale, quinoa, and sweet potato — rotates every few weeks. Thus, University City’ers who become regulars will be able to try a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, and snacks. (Unfortunately, the nut milk-based frozen yogurts that they offer at their storefront location will not be making the menu anytime soon – despite my many pleas, apparently their cart cannot be equipped with frozen yogurt machine at the moment.)

Determined to picnic last week, two friends accompanied me on a trip to Pure Fare. On the menu, there were around 20 entrée options (half salad, half sandwich), all of which had calorie-counts alongside their descriptions. Also, there are a number of vegan options. The three of us found ourselves in particularly salad-moods, and I bought a couple of snacks to add to the mix as well. Here’s the rundown.

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Tomorrow, for the first time ever, food trucks will be serving inside the courtyard at City Hall. Get lunch from The Mini Trini, Street Food, The Tamale Truck, and Jimmie’s Cupcakes. Each truck will be offering at least one healthy dish in addition to the rest of their menu in honor of National Food Day. Also for National Food Day, bring in canned goods and receive 10% off your meal.

I have been meaning to try the food from Street Food, so I will definetely be there!

This Thursday from 5pm-11pm Sugarhouse casino is hosting a food truck festival in its parking lot. There will be prizes, a food truck battle, and a DJ. And you can take a gambling break in between meals. The roster includes Jimmies Cupcake Co, Vernalicious, GIGI & BIG R, Local 215, SPOT, The Tamale Cart, Birds of Paradise,The Mini Trini , Say Cheese, Lil Dans, Gozen, Joe Spud, Sweetbox, Foo Truck, Made in the Shade, Rocco’s, and Chewy’s

Its a perfect way to experience the trucks you have been hearing about but haven’t had time to try during your lunch break.

Today Luncher John gets a gourmet truck burger and LOBSTER ROLLS.

Since the SPOT food cart started serving near Drexel’s campus a few months ago, the word on the street (literally) was that it was cooking up some remarkably tasty burgers and other sandwiches. Having heard the rave reviews, I figured it was worth a trip to University City to check out SPOT’s offerings. Needless to say, all the stories were “spot” on.

Despite its bright yellow color, SPOT, can be easy to miss if for no other reason that its physical size. It’s a small cart that really only fits one person (which would be Josh, the proprietor/cook). SPOT is parked near the corner of 33^rd and Arch (with a stint at the Porch at 30^th Street every Wednesday through the end of September), but I walked right by it on the first visit. I should have been clued in immediately by the wonderful aroma of beef and pork on the grill.

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I got to sample it last night, thinking Dan from Lil Dan was crazy and I would have to politely tell him he has had better ideas. But somehow it was delicious. The oreo breading was not cloyingly sweet and the hot sauce was the key to balancing it all out. You are gonna want to try this.

Lil Dan’s Gourmet Truck, LOVE Park (Monday, Friday) and 33^rd and Arch (Thursday), 215-252-1677 follow on twitter @LilDansFood