Food trucks are one of the best ways you can eat different kinds of food without breaking the bank. At the most recent High Dive Food Truck Rally there were a dozen food trucks with different kinds of food from Indian food to Nicaraguan food. These kinds of events are the best to try new things with some friends.
Charcoal Grill
The carne asada from Charcoal Grill is cooked to perfection. This dish contains grilled beef that is usually marinated, grilled and seared, tostones (plantain), fried cheese and slaw. If you order this, also ask for the salsa verde because it adds an extra kick to an already flavourful meal. Charcoal grill also sells appetisers, latin entrees, tacos, wraps, sandwiches and salads. It is a Nicaraguan food truck located in Newberry. I do not eat a lot of Latin American food, but I really enjoyed this.
This chicken sandwich, made with authentic Cuban bread, is a must-have if you are looking for a meal that will fill you right up. The seasoned chicken is paired with sautéed mixed bell peppers and shoestring fries. This sandwich is for the person that likes to play it safe, but still have a good dining experience. The bread was fresh and the vegetables cooked just right.
Rollin’ Smoke BBQ
This smokin’ rice bowl with brisket is packed with flavour and a definite bang for your buck! This barbecue food truck offers a variety of lunch meals such as mac and cheese with pork, chicken, sausage, or brisket; a Carolina bowl with cole slaw, your choice of meat, bacon bits, scallions and jalapenos; and entrees with either one or two sides. This food truck changes its location weekly, but you can always catch them at UF football games. This is a classic lunch truck with huge portions.
Soup to Nuts
This cheddar cheese grilled sandwich with mac n cheese, bbq sauce and pulled pork has many ingredients and a long name, but it is the best grilled cheese sandwich I have had in a while. The sandwich was small enough to pick up and eat while walking, but also filling. Soup to Nuts sells soup, sandwiches and sides. Their name is derived from the saying, “from soup to nuts,” which means from beginning to end. Their menu changes, but they offered a buffalo chicken grilled cheese, a cheesy mac and bacon melt, a caramel apple grilled cheese and a classic grilled cheese at the Food Truck Rally. You can also get rosemary, truffle fries or regular fries with your soup or sandwich. Soup to Nuts had a short documentary made about them that is worth watching.
Lulu’s Gelato
This strawberry gelato is from Lulu’s Gelato. They sell gelato and sorbet in the Newberry and Jonesville areas. I do not have a major sweet tooth, so my friend had this delicious strawberry gelato and absolutely loved it. Lulu’s Gelato is owned by Johnny and Tina and named after their little granddaughter, Lulu, who also serves as their mascot. They are the nicest people and if you stop by their truck they will give you testers. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Charlie’s Snow Shack
This food truck sells Hawaiian shaved ice, and even though it was drizzling I had to have some. This shaved ice can be very sweet, but you can choose different flavours to make it less sweet. The ice melts pretty quickly in this Florida weather, so eat it as fast as you can! The wait time for this treat is very short and it is fascinating to watch Charlie making it for you. Charlie’s Snow Shack is located in downtown Gainesville and at Oaks Mall. Follow them on Instagram!