Philly Truck Stalker
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December 2011
We believe in supporting small business owners. We believe in the underdog. We
believe in supporting people who are fully pursuing what they love. We believe that some of the best food in Philadelphia is
created while you’re standing on the sidewalk. We believe in lunches you can hold in your hand and eat in the park. We believe in getting to know your neighbor. We believe
in Philadelphia Food Truck culture.
Was it just us or did five thousand bajillion new food trucks seem to pop up on Temple’s Campus this semester? It seemed like every time we walked somewhere on campus, there was some new truck wafting some delicious new smell. And the added bonus? The new trucks seem to remind us about the old trucks. The gleam of a newcomer shines off the aluminum side of an old standby and we start to fall in love again with the convenient little carts sprinkled across campus. We began walking between classes with new eyes, straining our necks to read menus while trying to keep pace with our classmates. Food Trucks have always been an important part of Temple’s landscape, but only recently have they been getting the recognition they deserve. Temple’s population is lucky to have such a wide range of dining opportunities – chances to move beyond whatever the SAC is slinging or J&H is ladling out. Food trucks also provide students and faculty with the opportunity to support local business owners, and in a larger sense, the community. Instead of another taquito at 7/11, food trucks are a delicious way to ensure your money is going back into the hands of fellow Philadelphians. And most of those Philadelphians slinging sammies along the sidewalk have been working hard for that money, with long hours in small trucks. This issue celebrates the vibrant, booming Food Truck scene on Temple’s campus. Featuring interviews with a few new comers to campus, amble food porn, and a directory of all your four-wheeled on-campus lunches, Philly Truck Stalker has got the goods for those in search of good eats at Temple University. Enjoy our premiere issue & keep on truckin- The Truck Stalker
food
Frui
t Tr
uck
Sexy Green Truck
Say Cheese
Sexy Green Truck
Isla
nd S
tyle
Roa
dsid
e Ca
fe
porn
Yumtown USA
Pizza truck on 12th Crepe Truck
U Go
t Mu
nchi
es
Chris’ Taco Stand
20 Questions with
Say Cheese 1. (Freebie) What’s your name? Alan Krawitz 2. What’s the meaning behind your truck’s name? It works on so many levels (said in stogy professors
voice). It was a creative way to integrate capturing a moment together, connecting, remembering, and the overall theme of our truck which is gourmet grilled cheese meltiness,
3. How long have you been in business? We have been in business operating the truck since October 7th 2010, and at Temple full-‐time for the last 6 weeks.
4. What was your previous job? I worked in Finance as a Capital Markets Analyst with a mortgage company.
5. What’s the best thing about working on a food truck? The best thing about owning/operating Say Cheese is the people we are able to interact with on a daily basis. We meet and speak with so many new people every day it's really incredible. We learn so much on a daily basis.
6. What’s the worst thing? The worst thing about working on the truck is the labor it takes to make it run smoothly. Food Service is without a doubt one of the most labor-‐intensive businesses I have ever come in contact with. It takes a tremendous amount of preparation to put out a consistent quality product every hour of every day.
7. What’s your favorite menu item? My favorite menu item is the Wild Bill (our buffalo chicken grilled cheese). We make the buffalo sauce in house, and marinate the chicken in a special way that yields so much flavor.
8. Can you write a haiku about it? The Wild Bill is ill, tastes like excellence on bread, you’re welcome the end
9. Where did the inspiration for your menu come from? The inspiration for the menu came from the great team I have around me. It's a family business so my father, mother, and brother all helped develop the concept. Which incidentally was born out of a backhanded joke about what business we would start and how hilarious it would be if we sold grilled cheese sandwiches.
10. Describe your worst kitchen mishap: My worst kitchen mishap has probably been making sandwiches I consider works of art, and having them slip off of the spatula and land right on the floor. It's a soul crushing experience.
11. What’s your favorite truck on Temple’s Campus (besides your own)? This is a tough question. It is probably a tie between You Got Munchies and Yumtown USA.
12. What sets you apart from other campus trucks? The connection we have with our growing customer base is unlike anyone else on campus. Our food is really high quality, super creative, and all made in house rather than coming from some kind of can. But the experience our customers have when they come to the window is second to none.
13. Which fictional character would be most likely to eat at your truck? Pop-‐eye, because we serve so much spinach.
14. If you had to be an Edward Scissorhands-type, what would you want your hands replaced with? Sandwich spreaders so I could butter our bread 1000 times faster.
15. If your truck was in high school, what would their superlative be? Most Likely to Succeed
16. Describe your truck in 5 words or less: Choice Ingredients, Happy Stomachs 17. Finish this pairing: Peanut Butter and Chocolate since I don't like jelly 18. If your truck had a hairstyle, what would it be? Disheveled Chic. We are pretty sophisticated but playful
simultaneously. 19. What’s the strangest/funniest thing that has happened since you’ve been in business? Two weeks ago at Love Park
a guy pretended to pass out in front of our truck. We were all super alarmed at first, but as we examined him more closely from inside the truck he was looking up to see if we had taken notice. After 5 minutes he got up and walked away.
20. Any parting words?
Say Cheese Philadelphia is not just a food truck, it's the beginning of something special. It's my vehicle for changing the way people think about quick service restaurants/food in general. And we wouldn't be able to do all this without your support. So from the bottom of my (and the whole Say Cheese Team's) heart we want to thank you.
Name: Josh Major: fibers Food: Chicken finger hoagie from tommy’s lunch truck outside tomlinson
Name: James Major: printmaking Food: broccoli and chicken sesame pizza roll from the Japanese & Korean truck on 12th
Name: Olivia Major: painting Food: Butternut Squash Soup from Say Cheese
Name: Brielle Major: painting Food: Butternut Squash Soup from Say Cheese
20 Questions
with
Vernalicious 1. (Freebie) What’s your name? Verna Swerdlow & David Jurkofsky 2. What’s the meaning behind your truck’s name? We struggled to name the business.
There were many brainstorming sessions on Facebook, of which I wish I had saved the dialog, cause it was hysterical. Many people have called me Vernalicious over the years, and my girlfriend brought it back to the forum, and we just rolled with it.
3. How long have you been in business? A little over 2 months 4. What was your previous job? I have been an optician for 20 years & owned my own
high-‐end fashion forward practice on the Main Line for 10 years, and before that I was a glass artist. Dave is an electrician, general contractor, and has a snow removal business.
5. What’s the best thing about working on a food truck? Watching people’s reactions to the food. Most of our foods evoke childhood memories, or some kind of comfort. We also meet so many cool and interesting people. We love our repeat offenders.
6. What’s the worst thing about working on a food truck? The hours. We work 18 hours a day. Between the prep, loading, and unloading the truck, dishes, clean up. This is a ball buster of a way to make a living!
7. What’s your favorite menu item? The grilled cheese w/ bacon and tomato. Just a simple childhood pleasure
8. Can you write a haiku about it? Green and white lunch truck -‐ Dave and Verna make you smile-‐ simply delicious
9. Where did the inspiration for your menu come from? We bring to you our favorites. Things we have eaten here in the USA, abroad, or just feel like making. Since we don’t have a culinary background, we try to keep it simple, keep it fresh, and shake it up so you don’t get bored of the same items, and so we don’t get bored making the same foods.
10. Describe your worst kitchen mishap: Way too many to list.... 11. What’s your favorite truck on Temple’s Campus (besides your own)? U got
munchies 12. What sets you apart from other campus trucks? We keep the menu small, selective,
and offer other items other than cheesesteaks and pizza. 13. Which fictional character would be most likely to eat at your truck? Homer Simpson 14. If you had to be an Edward Scissorhands-‐type, what would you want your hands
replaced with? Spatulas
15. If your truck was in high school, what would their superlative be? Most Likely to Make You
Happy 16. Describe your truck in 5 words or less: As cute as a button! 17. Finish this pairing: Peanut Butter and-‐ Nutella and bacon! 18. If your truck had a hairstyle, what would it be? Our truck does have a hairstyle! It’s my crazy
unruly-‐ curly do! And it’s even a part of the logo. 19. What’s the strangest/funniest thing that has happened since you’ve been in business? We
took a few days to deep clean the truck. Every nook and cranny... The day after, we were on the highway, and hit a bump, and the refrigerator opened up, and sent 4 liters of meatballs and sauce all over the floor. It was a mess. We couldn’t help but laugh our asses off! Par for the course.
20. Any parting words?
This is not a job or career for the faint at heart. This is extremely demanding. Far more demanding than anything we have ever done. We are “bust your hump” kind of people, with a work ethic that is to be reckoned with. This never slows down, or stops to give you a break. You need extreme organizational skills, dedication, devotion – it’s a volume-based biz. We give the lunch truck and restaurant people a tremendous amount of credit! THERE IS NOTHING EASY OR GLAMOROUS ABOUT THIS BUSINESS!
One way ticket to
yumtown
Temple’s Newest Truck delivers gourmet sandwiches. Truck Stalker sat down with Yumtown’s founder, Lanie Belmont, to talk about recipe creation, winter woes, and her life on four wheels.
The Edgar Allen Poe features roasted sweet potatoes, black
bean hummus, crispy tempeh, cheddar cheese, baby spinach,
and sriracha hot sauce on a baguette.
If something is especially delicious, it’s Yumtown. At least, that’s how the phrase started among Lanie Belmont and her friends. Now that the word has morphed from just an exclamation to a truck, Temple students are discovering that perhaps Lanie’s original definition was correct – especially delicious. Yumtown arrived at Temple in early November carrying daily menu of drool worthy gourmet sandwiches served up on fresh baguettes. The appropriately named ‘Joy’ delivers a combo of beer-braised pulled pork, pickled jalapenos, red cabbage slaw, cilantro-lime mayo, and spicy Carolina bbq sauce that will make you renounce your mother’s cooking to worship at the alter of Yum. Yumtown prides itself on featuring local, fresh ingredients and a small sign on the front of the truck allows you to see exactly where each ingredient used is coming from while you wait for your order. The truck’s colorful exterior is hard to miss – the artwork was all done by Lanie, a BFA graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. Lanie works daily in the truck alongside her partner Andrew Tantisunthorn. The day starts early for the pair, as they pick up fresh bread from the Artisan Boulanger in South Philly. The truck typically opens around 10 and closes around 4, or whenever the bread runs out. Lanie draws inspiration from her Alabama roots and the simple menu is catered to whatever happens to be in season. Planning for Yumtown began in January of 2011. By April, Lanie and Andrew found their truck and they set to work preparing to turn Yumtown into a reality. The pair are still adjusting to operating a small business, but Lanie enthusiastically believes it’s all worth it for the simple reasons of “being able to work for ourselves and connecting with our customers.” Lanie chose to station Yumtown at Temple’s campus based on some advice of friends who go to the school and was amazed by how quickly Yumtown found a customer base. When asked how she’ll battle the upcoming winter and inclement weather, Lanie replies, “Intrepidly...with tarps.” Having established a loyal following and a good relationship with the neighboring trucks (“Everyone has been incredibly congenial.”), it seems like Yumtown is destined to stay. If you’re in the mood to nosh on some seriously good sandwiches, Lanie’s beautiful truck can be found near the intersection of 13th and Norris. Look for the colorful bunting and friendly faces, and you’ll know you’ve come to the right place.
YUMTOWN Corner of 13th and Norris Huge Sandwiches Made with Love - $7 Updates @YumtownUSA
DIRECTORY It’s noon, you’re starving, and like hell you’re waiting in line to pay seven bucks for
another SAC wrap. Get your butt outside and order from one of Temple’s insane selection of trucks. We’ve made it easy for you by providing the nitty gritty details.
You’re welcome. FOR ANNENBERG SNACK CRAVINGS: Tommy’s Lunch Truck Norris St., Near Tomlinson M-F 7am to 6pm FOR LATE NIGHT CRAVINGS U Got Munchies Norris St., Near Tomlinson M-F, 11am to 10 pm Delivery from 5pm until close ugotmunchies.com Tip: Look for Deep Fried Girl Scout Cookies in the Spring Insomnia Cookies Montgomery, near the SAC Daily, 11am-2am Delivery from 7pm-2am Insomniacookies.com Tip: special deals when you buy a lot of cookies. You have friends, right? TUTTI FRUTTI Fruit Truck 13th and Pollett Walk M-F 7:30am to 3:30pm GET YO’ SMOOTHIE ON! Fruit Salad Montgomery, near Broad Breakfast and Lunch EAT FRUIT. FOR YOUR MOM’S SAKE. TACOSTACOSTACOSTACOS<3 Chris’ Taco Stand 13th, across from Paley Library M-F, 11am to 3pm @ChrisTacoStand
TYLER LINE-UP Burger Busz Corner of 13th and Norris M-F 10am to 9pm; Sat. 11am to 7pm Thebusz.com Tip: Strawberry Balsamic Jam. Do it. College is a time for experimentation amigo. The Crepe Truck Norris, outside Tyler M-F, 10am to 8pm CLASSIC TEMPLE SWEET AND SAVORY WITH A SIDE OF CLASSIC ROCK Cheese Busz Norris, outside of Tyler M-F 10am to 9pm; Sat. 11am to 7pm Thebusz.com Say Cheese Philadelphia Norris, outside of Tyler M-Th 11am to 7pm @SayCheesePhilly Tip: They aim to “make stomachs happy & put smiles on faces”. The sandwiches aren’t the only melty, gooey cheeses things on this truck . . . Buttercream Philadelphia Norris, outside of Tyler **Check out buttercreamphiladelphia.com for a schedule of weekly stops!
12TH STREET ROUND UP The Footlong Truck 12th, across from Gladfelter M-F 10am to 7pm Tip: Word of the street says go for the Eggplant Parm! Japanese & Koreon 12th, across from Gladfelter M-F 9am to 6:30pm Tip: They have seaweed! Some Mean Pizza Truck 12th, across from Gladfelter Tip: Pizza served by mean dudes too busy to tell me their hours. Womp womp. Susan’s Lunch Truck 12th, across from Gladfelter Sun-Fri 6:30am to 7pm Tip: Breakfast sandwiches make excellent breakfasts. It’s true. MONTGOMERY PALS TJ’s Corner Montgomery and Broad M-F 6am to 5pm Standard truck fare and fruit juices! Fancy! Simply Yummy Montgomery M-F 6am to 5pm Tip: call ahead to order some banh mi on your way to class! 215-666-8899 That Kiosk Across from the Bagel Hut Montgomery, outside Ritter Daily, Lunch Times Tip: Talk baklava with the nice man who runs this joint. Gourmet Chinese Food Montgomery, outside of Ritter M-F, Breakfast and Lunch ALL THE CLASSICS! The Big White Truck with Star Stickets Montgomery, outside Ritter Monday thru Friday! Tip: Get full on falafel.
E&E Gourmet Montgomery, towards 13th, outside Ritter M-F, 7am to 6:30pm Tip: Call ahead! Get an omlette! 267-241-9092 Ernie’s Lunch Truck Montgomery, towards 13th, outside Ritter M-F, Breakfast and Lunch Tip: This is possibly the most adorable little red and white truck ever. Call ahead to order! 215-765-6925 Kiosk By Tuttleman Montgomery, outside of Tuttleman Monday thru Friday! GET YOUR MID DAY TUT-SNACK ON! Eppy’s Special Corner of Montgomery and 13th Monday thru Friday! Tip: All your classic sandwich pals. Cha Cha Montgomery, outside of the SAC M-F, 9:30am to 5:30pm Tip: The women will never get your order right, but that will never be an issue. Everything is delicious. Sexy Green Truck Montgomery, outside of the SAC M-F 10am to 5pm Tip: Sweet potato fries and free range eggs! This place gets packed, so call ahead to avoid lines. 267-269-7173 Eddie’s Lunch Truck Montgomery, outside of the SAC Monday thru Friday! When the moon hits your eye . . . they have pizza here. Vernalicious Montgomery, outside the SAC, towards 12th **Check the weekly schedule on twitter! @Vernalicious Tip: Griddled mac and cheese for the win
BELL TOWER BUDDIES Island Style Roadside Café 13th, near the Bell Tower M-F 7am to 4pm Tip: Vegan! Word of Caution: the hot pot is hot in every way imaginable. Proceed with caution. Ray’s 13th near the Bell Tower Busy homies too busy to tell tell me their hours. Classic diner food on the menu That Other Truck Near Ray’s 13th near the Bell Tower Trucks of a feather, stick together. (These guys were too busy too.) Ebi’s Lunch Cart 13th across from Paley Library M-F, 9:30am to ? Tip: Sweet halal food! Yumtown USA 13th near Norris M-F 10am to 4pm @YumtownUSA Tip: Everything can be made vegan! DON’T SEE YOUR FAVORITE TRUCK LISTED? WELL TELL US ABOUT IT DUMMY! PHILLYTRUCKSTALKER. WORDPRESS.COM
Interested in furthering your truck stalking pursuits? Check out our blog at phillytruckstalker.wordpress.com for more updates. Looking for an advertising opportunity for your small local business? Check out our media kit while you’re snooping around our blog!
Questions, comments, free tacos? Send ‘em to truckstalker@gmail.com!
Wishing you one billion wonderful sidewalk lunches, The Truck Stalker
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