What’s in a name? With Snarky’s MOO BAWK OINK there’s both confusion and clarity. When I tell people about Snarky’s, I invariably get a puzzled look and need to repeat myself. On the one hand this is good. It means I got their attention. On the other hand, it isn’t initially clear that I’m speaking English. And on the other hand, it says exactly what they make. Confused? Read on to learn all about some outstanding sandwiches.
Authentic Detroit-style pizza. Yes, it’s a thing. I was recently introduced to it by way of via a new food trailer on East 6th called Via 313. It’s a black trailer parked in front of the Violet Crown Social Club and across the street from quite a few other food trucks. It’s run by two brothers (Brandon & Zane) out of Detroit who couldn’t find good pizza in Austin. Well they know how to make some mean “Detroit-style pizza”, or as they know it, “pizza”.
“Coolhaus” is commonly my answer to “what’s your favorite food truck?” Why? For starters because I love ice cream, I love cookies, and I love things made my way. But I’ve written about my Coolhaus escapades many times over. This isn’t just another gushing about a good perfect ice cream sandwich. No. This is a whole new level of praise. You see, when it comes to being awesome, Coolhaus has the secret formula. So what makes Coolhaus so great? Let me tell you a story.
Do you like dumplings? Of course! How about ravioli? Who doesn’t? Kolaches? Duh! And empanadas? Yes. Get to the point. The point is, every culture has its own take on dough filled with something delicious and then cooked. Well the Polish have something pretty fantastic known as pierogi and they’re taking Austin by storm. A couple (Brit and Rob) from New York City NEW YORK CITY!? yes, New York City, are showing Texas a thing or two showcasing traditional recipes and modern twists of a understated delicacy.
On my third (and likely final) visit to Odd Duck I’m prepared to write about my experience. It’s not your typical food trailer that hits a niche market (like vegan ice cream, frozen bananas, pizza, or any other single-focus mobile eatery). No, rather it’s effectively a gourmet kitchen placed in a gravel parking lot, propped up on wheels, and enclosed by wood panels and screens. The short version: amazing. The long version: keep reading.
And unfortunately due to Daylight Saving Time, the lighting does not accommodate cell phone camera pictures, so you’ll have to use your imagination (and some pictures from the wide world of the Internet).
I get excited trying new trailers and I get excited eating ice cream, so Kat’s Ice Cream was right up my alley. Set up on South First Street in an unassuming trailer, Kat’s serves up homemade vegan (yes, vegan) ice cream. The flavors are built on one of three milk bases: soy, almond, or coconut. You’d hardly know it though. I’ve enjoyed what Kat has to offer twice now and need to share what my tastebuds got to experience.
Update: Unfortunately, due to extenuating circumstances with their location, Lizzie’s Lunchbox is permanently closed.
Halloween was all treats for Lizzie’s Lunchbox when Eat Street came by to profile the bright pink truck. Back in Austin for their third session of trailer interviews, Eat Street came out on the first day to get a first-hand look at Tex-Med at its finest. Drawing a big crowd, their presence and all the social media excitement offered great exposure to Lizzie’s Lunchbox. I’m hoping to see the buzz continue for this awesome truck and its awesome owner.
As for me, I showed up ready to give my take on what Tex-Med means to Austin (and more importantly, me). I checked in with the Eat Street crew to not-so-subtly let them know I’d
be happy to share my thoughts on camera. They were busy interviewing Lizzie’s running group so I hopped in line. Best thing ever? Free cookie while waiting to order. Soon it was my turn and I ordered up a Tex-Med Pita with chicken, combo-ed (chips, hummus, tabbouleh), and reluctantly passed on a second cookie.
I got my food and hung onto it for awhile waiting for the film crew to wrap things up and want to talk to me. Soon after I was on a picnic bench chatting with the producer, camera man, and sound guy. They noticed my chicken pita and preferred it to be lamb, so they ran up to the window and got a quick order of lamb. A little television magic switched my chicken pita to lamb and we were off and rolling. I’ll spare the details, but I talked about the food, the location, and Lizzie herself. It was a lot of fun sharing how much I like Lizzie’s Lunchbox! Like I told Eat Street, it’s a very welcomed addition to the North Austin food scene.
Fin.
PS- It should be no surprise that I visit Lizzie’s Lunchbox often: it’s near my office, sells great food, and run by awesome people. Since the Eat Street event I went back to Lizzie’s again (yes, twice in one week). This time I ordered strictly from the Specials menu. It was a perfect day to sit outside and have a hot bowl of corn & tomato tortilla soup. Alongside
came warm, spicy beerbread / cornbread with much-appreciated real corn kernels baked in.
To go with the soup I got the pesto chicken salad sandwich on a croissant. So fresh, so buttery, so pesto-y. It could easily be a fixture on the normal menu. I’m sure there will be plenty more reviews of Lizzie’s, and I can’t wait to get back there to try something new.
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Hot dogs are the quintessential street food, which is why it makes sense food trucks all over Austin have been upscaling them into gourmet gastronomy. After months of following The Evil Wiener on Twitter, I finally made the trip over to their truck. The Beast is an imposing truck for sure, promising more than your average wiener. On this day I went with a coworker and his wife (both new to the food truck scene) to see what The Evil Wiener could bring to the food truck party.
The playing field isn’t always fair. Sometimes one team has an unmatched advantage over its competitors that doesn’t just tip the scale but topples it over completely. In the case of East Side King, they’ve become quite the East 6th Street powerhouse and taking over the neighborhood. They have three locations each serving up different menus all focused around the same Asian cuisine. So what’s their secret weapon? Paul Qui, as in the executive chef at the wildly popular Uchiko and contestant on Top Chef: Texas.
Update: Unfortunately, due to extenuating circumstances with their location, Lizzie’s Lunchbox is permanently closed.
My contributor status to Food Trailers Austin has its perks. Thanks to my involvement I recently learned about Lizzie’s Lunchbox food truck currently set up near my office (North Austin ftw). They’re doing “Tex Med”, which is basically Mediterranean flavors with some Texas charm sprinkled on top. The bright pink truck, set up in a parking lot near a Blockbuster (still exists?) and a car wash, seems to be firing on all cylinders.
