Exhibition in DC and Mario Batali's vegetable garden are opening soon!

     I don't know about you, but I always am looking for something new to see or do. That's why I am so happy when I cans hare with you upcoming summer events. They are of course, connected to food and people.

     The summer is bringing with it another option of outdoor exploration at the NYC Botanical

Gardens. Chef Mario Batali is celebrating today beginning of gardening season with students from the Bronx.Together, they are going to plant his favorite vegetables. I wonder, will Basil be one of them...?

Aug. 27 to September 25 you will be able to visit the gardens and see for yourself.

http://www.cityspoonful.com/mario-batali-garden-to-take-root/

     On Friday, June 10 The National Archive in DC is opening a new exhibit:

What's Cooking, Uncle Sam? About the government effect on the American diet.

It's a very interesting exhibit with a lot of stories about the people or the reason behind the change in policy.

Check out :

What made canned meat, ketchup and candy so dangerous at the time of the Industrial Revolution?

Or

What did President Lyndon Johnson serve at White House State dinners?

How can Donuts improve Moral? And more!

Open through January 3^rd 2012.

http://www.archives.gov/press/press-releases/2011/nr11-75.html

Top Food Trucks In New Jersey

     

     In my last blog I felt that I showed too much love to the Big Apple, and ignored completely the food truck scene in New Jersey. One has to show some loyalty, so I decided to let you in on what I know is out there.

     The majority of NJ gourmet mobile food trucks are around Hoboken and Jersey City. It's no wonder because these locations have a city environment: many people are passing by, there are lots of office buildings around, and a young crowd is out and about.

     Then, Surprisingly, one can also find a food truck in a remote place such as a farm in western Morris county, where a graduate from CIA decided to set his truck at the farm driveway, cook with fresh farm produce and gained a lot of success. I am talking about Hot Box truck- at Mini Mac Farm in Long Valley (Morris county). Farm to table in it's purest meaning. Memorial Day through Labor Day. http://www.hotboxfoodtruck.com/ Run!!!!

     Another remote example that got a lot of attention is Chow Haul Truck- Long Branch and West Long Branch beaches. I went crazy for their meatloaf that was baked in muffin tins. http://www.chowhaultruck.com/ , http://twitter.com/chowhaultruck

Nomad Pizza- Authentic wood burning Napoli style pizza. They appear in food festivals mainly.

http://www.nomadpizzaco.com/ I am mentioning them because they are unique.

I didn't forget about the Hoboken, Jersey City and Newark trucks. They are easy to get to, and have great interesting chow:

Cinnamon Snail- Hoboken and farmer markets, Organic vegan food such as grilled tofu in chipotle rub over arugula with lime vinaigrette. The food is interesting, organic and healthy for you. What more can you ask of a food truck? http://twitter.com/veganlunchtruck

Le Petit Temptation- Sinatra Drive Hoboken. Dessert truck with crème brule, pralines and more. Weekends only.

Louisiana Spice Truck- Grove Street PATH Station, Jersey City. You can eat Jambalaya and other kaijoun favorites. Weekdays only. http://www.louisianaspicetruck.com/

Krave- Jersey City. Korean BBQ. Let me tell you- They serve you a soft tortilla with short ribs, sesame chicken or pork, monterey jack and kimchi- very good!

Quick But Authentic (QBA)- This truck operates in NYC but also at Exchange Place, Jersey City.

Taco Truck- Exchange Place, Jersey City. It's much more than a taco place. I loved their chorizo con papas. It's chorizo with potato and crema. http://thetacotruck.com/

They serve great Cuban sandwiches, empanadas and more. http://www.qbacubankitchen.com/

Taqueria Authentica- Newark near Gateway Center and also at Monclair and Summit farmer markets. and also farmer markets. This guy serves great authentic tacos. http://www.taqueriaauthentica.com/

Great Food Trucks in NYC

     Now that the weather is starting to be more reasonable, we can satisfy our crave to go outside and have some fun.

     For someone who lives in NJ, it means first of all to leave to NYC... It's just a joke, don't get all righteous on me, but seriously, don't we all just love a great day in the city?

     As a foodie, I like to go after my taste buds. They will sometimes bring me to the Chelsea market, or to the Upper West side bookstore that specializes in cook books, or that chocolatier that I absolutely adore. Always, there will be something, and that's the beauty of this diverse, crazy place.

     One of the best things to do is a food crawl that involves gourmet food trucks. It's a great trend: People who are passionate about cooking, some of them chefs who simply didn't have enough funds to open a restaurant, get this truck and start to create amazing food.

     Most of them use social media, Twitter and Facebook, to let customers know where they are. That is the new way to advertise with no cost.

     The scene is constantly changing, so please let me know if you try a new truck and you like it.

Here is the list of the ones I tried in NYC and liked:

Rickshaw Dumpling Cart- Great Chinese dumplings with versions varying from chicken and Thai basil, to pork and Chinese chive, and edamame.

http://www.twitter.com/rickshawtruck , http://www.rickshawdumplins.com/

Wafels and Dinges – If you are in the mood for Belgian sweets such as a Belgian wafel, a special spread that taste like crushed teddy grahams or fresh strawberry and whipped cream- that's your truck!

http://www.waflesanddinges.com/

Calexico Carne Asada- They serve upscale Cal- Mex food. Have locations in Brooklyn and NYC on Wooster St. & Prince St.

Big Gay Ice Cream Truck – I loved the chocolate ice cream with a drizzle of olive oil and sea salt.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/biggayicecream

or http://www.biggayicecreamtruck.com/ for locations.

Cupcake Stop- This is the cupcake wet dream! They are handmade with great flavor. I love the Lemon Lemon one. http://www.cupcakestop.com/ and also in twitter: http//:twitter.com/cupcakestop

Papa Perrone- It's a Pizza truck with original pizza toppings on 55 St. Between Madison & Park^. They also are famous for their rice ball. http://www.papaperrone.com/

NYC Cravings – Taiwanese food. Great dumplings that are worth the visit. Midtown to downtown.

Location varies, http://www.nyccravings.com/ , http://twitter.com/NYCCravingss

El Peluche- Dominican food, especially the chimichuri, a hamburger. 10^th Ave/20^th St.

Go Burger- They have burgers from sirloin, short ribs, brisket (my favorite), Cobe hot dogs and great sides. Very recommended. South Street, Seaport, pier 17 http://www.goburger.com/ , http://twitter.com/goburger

Patty's tacos- she is in two locations: Union Square & 14^th St. at night and during the day on Lexington bet 85^th & 86th. It's Mexican authentic cuisine with great Mexican soda.

Schnitzel & Things- Austrian cuisine. http://twitter.com/schnitzeltruck , http://www.schnitzelandthings.com/