BostonZest

Thai Chili from The Dining Car Food Truck

On a mild winter day there is nothing like a bowl of Thai Chili from The Dining Car food truck to warm you inside and out. This is my current favorite nosh from one of the best of the street food vendors. And, the bonus item is that this totally brilliant team serves it with shrimp chips. You can dip or do what I do– spoon a pile of chili on a shrimp chip and nibble away. 

Insider Tip: If you're carrying this back home or to the office, keep it level or ask the team to put your shrimp chips in a separate bag. You don't want any chili to get on those lovely crisp, delicate chips and make them soggy.

Ed & I usually catch up with The Dining Car outside the Boston Public Library, where we happen to spend a lot of time researching stuff for our freelance work.

This is one recipe that I'm going to use as a base for a chili of my own. The menu board says it has ground pork, simmered with red chilies, ginger, lemongrass, and coconut milk. That's a good starting point for me to develop my own Thai Chili.

Of course, I'll still have to enjoy this one while it's available. But, food trucks do change up the menu frequently, so I'll have to have a backup plan for seasons when they're putting the emphasis on warmer weather fare.

Related Posts:

Learn about this food truck and the team behind it at The Dining Car- Food Truck Tracking

Crispy Cauliflower, a Perfect Snack! (this one is so popular it seems to be staying on the menu)

Here's a link to our full menu of Food Trucks/Street Food fare. 

What's on your shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

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Here's how you can track The Dining Car

Website: www.diningcar.net

Twitter: @thediningcar

Facebook: TheDiningCar

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Ed & Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads out of comments.

Bon Me Noodle Salads & Rice Bowls: Food Truck Tracking

Today, we come to sing the praises of Bon Me's Noodle Salads and Rice Bowls. We've already told you about their Classic Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, but over the months, we have really become fans of their mix-it-up combos of noodle salads and rice bowls. 

What do you order when you find the Bon Me Truck?

Ed's current favorite is the rice bowl. He opts for brown rice over white, and adds spice-rubbed, all-natural chicken. Bon Me's standard additions to this meal are pickled carrot and diakon, seasonal greens, bean sprouts, cilantro, scallion, and a soy drizzle. This is a healthy and delicious quick meal and a great value at $6.

Each bowl is prepared fresh for each customer, so speak up if you'd rather not have any ingredient or would like them to add a dash more of something.

Penny prefers the noodle salads. This one has barbequed pork with buckwheat soba noodle, but she'll opt for rice noodles most of the time. You can also have this with the chicken, or an organic tofu and shiitake mushroom topping.  

The normal add-ins are seasonal greens, bean sprouts, cilantro, carrot, diakon, and red onion. You can choose a Vietnamese vinaigrette seasoned with fish sauce or the vegetarian dressing du jour. 

And, after your healthy salad (or tucked away for a snack a little later), consider adding a bowl of chocolate rice pudding to your Bon Me order. It's lighter than you might think, yet has that wonderful flavor of a great chocolate dessert.

Website: www.bonmetruck.com

Twitter: @bonme

Facebook: Bon Me Foods

For more of our Food Truck/Street Food coverage: click here. Or, anytime you visit BostonZest, you can click on the "Food Truck/Street Food" tab at the top of the page.

Food Truck Tracking Link: Boston Food Truck Location Map 

Do you love giving gifts of food? Shop Amazon's grocery and gourmet food shop, and they'll do all the packing and delivery for you.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

Handmade, Garlic, Fennel, Sausage Sandwich from The Dining Car

Some great food value is coming off Boston Food Trucks like The Dining Car. Mobile chefs are creating menu items from scatch in ways that make a real difference. This sausage is some of the best we've tasted, and if they sold it in a store, it'd be our choice for all Italian sausage recipes.

Notice that our favorite snack of Crispy Cauliflower was sold out, again. So, we decided to share the new sandwich for an afternoon nibble.

Naturally, being a very service-oriented crew, they asked if we'd like it cut in half. 

The mixture of onions, cabbage, and peppers was a treat. The seasoning was done with a deft hand.

For more of our Food Truck/Street Food coverage: click here. Or, anytime you visit BostonZest, you can click on the "Food Truck/Street Food" tab at the top of the page.

Related Post: DIning Car- Food Truck Tracking

Link: Boston Food Truck Location Map 

Link: Havard University Food Truck Schedule (The Dining Car hangs there too!) (Map to that location)

(Don't make a special trip to Cambridge based on this schedule, to this date it has not been reliable. Check the truck on Twitter or Facebook to confirm.)

You can support BostonZest by starting all your Amazon shopping from here. It doesn't cost you anymore but each time you buys something Amazon puts a few coins in our tip jar.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

Grilled Cheese Nation- Food Truck Tracking

Out on a walk, we came upon the Grilled Cheese Nation Food Truck and had to give them a try. What's your favorite grilled cheese sandwich? 

Name: Grilled Cheese Nation

Truck Description: Cheddar orange truck with big, blue, red, and white medallion logos.

Or this multi-colored, graphic-wrapped version!

Team: Todd Saunders from the Saunders Hotel Group and Ron Sarni, professional chef and former president of Sarni Cleaners are co-founders of Food Truck Nation. This Grilled Cheese Truck is the first of what they hope will be a fleet of food trucks.

What’s on the Menu: Grilled cheese sandwiches made from local breads, when possible local cheeses, and as much locally sourced food as possible. 

Drinks: They line up the current selection of drinks along side the condiments, and you tell them what you'd like.

Signature Dish: Boston Common– Vermont aged cheddar on organic white bread to which you can add tomato and/or bacon. We went for the tomato!

Here's the "Brie Me Up"- Pear slices and brie on Iggy's wheat pan de mie with a shot of gazpacho.

They say: "...locally-sourced cheeses and breads to create grilled cheese sandwiches ranging from 'the classic' to chef-inspired creations."

Nice Touch: Shots of tomato soup to go with your grilled cheese!

Philosophy/Mission: "We want to change the public perception of food trucks from old 'roach coaches' to sparkling, stainless-steel gourmet kichens that roll right to the people. In the process, we hope to build a movement of socially and environmentally-conscious culinary citizens in Boston and its neighborhoods"

Order and Pick up routine: Order at one window and pick up at the other or on the smaller truck you can do it all in one place.

Website: www.Foodtrucknation.us

Twitter: @GCNBoston

Facebook: foodtrucknation

For more of our Food Truck/Street Food coverage: click here. Or, anytime you visit BostonZest you can click on the Food Truck/Street Food tab at the top of the page.

Link: Boston Food Truck Location Map 

Explore the world of cheese by taking this master class in your own time. Mastering Cheese: Lessons for Connoisseurship from a Maître Fromager is one of the best cheese books we've found. 

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photography: © 2011 Penny  & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. We welcome comments from the people, places, and services we cover as long as it doesn't become an ad. 

BBQsmith - Food Truck Tracking

BBQsmith is a handy name. It's defined on this Boston food truck's website as: 

1. "An artisan specializing in cooking meat with heat and hot smoke of a fire or smoking wood"
2. "A food truck in Boston serving tasty smoked meats paired with unique sauces and sides"
3. "BBQ that is built for the road with loads of flavor but none of the mess"

If you love BBQ, find this truck and sit back and enjoy something good for your soul.

Have you tried BBQsmith? What's your favorite from their menu?

Truck Description: You're looking for a Silver truck with a big, oval logo. 

Chef Team: Chefs Tom & Lisa Smith

What’s on the Menu: Great BBQ and sides served up as tacos, sandwiches, and plates. They smoke beef, pork, and chicken and even offer a veggie Taco.

Drinks: The menu board says it best, "smithmade lemonade [not sweet], iced tea or 1/2 & 1/2 tea and lemonade."

Must try: We adore their pulled pork. You see it here in a sandwich for Ed and a taco for Penny. Ed was also thrilled with their choice of a whole wheat baguette, just slightly toasted, as the wapper for all that porky goodness. Tom Smith said they auditioned a lot of local bread before deciding on this one and surprised themselves that they liked the whole wheat best. 

They say: "We want to bring the city of Boston some of the best food they've ever had from a truck." The plan is to serve, "tasty smoke meats paired with delicious and healthful sides."

Nice Touch: There's a little sweet treat on the menu like a butterscotch chip and pecan cookie.

Philosophy/Mission: BBQ that is built for the road with loads of flavor but none of the mess.

History: Mr & Mrs Smith (they had a catering company by that name) met at the New England Culinary Institute. They moved to Boston and "worked in some of the best restaurants in the city." They married and decided they wanted day jobs. Tom went to work for Formaggio Kitchen where he made sausage, pates, and cooked some ledgendary BBQ out on the  sidewalk in fine weather. Lisa cooked for an afternoon school program. Now, their dream of serving their own BBQ has come true!

Regulars say: Over on the facebook wall, Kristin says, "I'll take a quart of that coleslaw, por favor. Nummilicious!!!" On Twitter @kirbybits says, "If you work in downtown Boston and you haven't had @bbqsmith yet, you are missing out."

Did you know? Ask for it HOT, and they'll add pickled peppers. And, they will be adding more hours, in more places, to their schedule.

Order and pick up routine: Step up to the window, tell them what you'd like, let them know if you have any food issues, pay, and they'll call you when it's ready.

Payment: Cash, MC, VISA, AMEX

Website: www.bbqsmith.com

Twitter: @bbqsmith

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BBQsmith

For more of our Food Truck/Street Food coverage: click here. Or, anytime you visit BostonZest, you can click on the "Food Truck/Street Food" tab at the top of the page.

Link: Boston Food Truck Location Map 

One taste will have you wanting to learn more about this whole process of smokng meat. Here's a place to start learning.

     

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Ed & Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people that are part of the places and services we cover. Often, those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

Water Attracts...

Click on Any Photo to Enlarge...

Water attracts the child in all of us. 

The Christian Science Center fountain and reflecting pool offer wonderful photo opportunities. And, with a new Food Truck Parking Spot near the fountain, it's a great place to sit with some good food from Go Fish, Mobile Home, or Dining Car and watch adults get up the courage to brave the water. 

Related Posts:

Go Fish - Food Truck Tracking

The Dining Car- Food Truck Tracking

Mobile Home - Food Truck Tracking

These photos were all taken with the Canon G11. The latest version of this camera is the Canon G12. We were out for a walk when we spotted the fabulous afternoon light and this group of people enjoying the fountain. The best camera is the one you have with you, and I always have at least my G11 with me!

Canon G12 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.8 inch Vari-Angle LCD

Canon PowerShot G11 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch articulating LCD

 

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

Staff Meal - Food Truck Tracking

Staff Meal is a food truck with a glowing reputation among Boston's food lovers. Chowhound Digest said, "First of all, the truck itself is a little low-profile; several hounds were nervous approaching it, thinking it might be a catering truck for the businesses..."

We say, Don't be afraid! There's good stuff in that simple white truck.

Have you tried the food at Staff Meal, yet? If so, share what you had and what you thought in our comment section.

Truck Description: Simple White Truck with small red signs. 

Chef Team: Adam Gendreau and Patrick Gilmartin

What’s on the Menu: They take sandwiches and snacks into a new realm. (Steak Bomb, Hot Dog Arepas, Pig's Feet Bibimbap, steamed buns with Chinese Sausage, Headcheese Sandwich) They feature snacks at $4 to let you try flights of culinary creativity like Foie Gras Baklavah!

Drinks: Their sign says, "All drinks in the cooler for $1.00"

Click on any image for a larger view.

We had: The Steak Bomb– steak, cheese, and hiding underneath is salami and roasted peppers. The Hot Dog Arepas– like a polenta and hot dog pancake with carmelized unions in place of fruit. Steamed Buns with Chinese Sausage and a side of fried rice. (Love the texture of the buns!) 

They say: "What is Staff Meal? Staff Meal is a meal prepared by restaurant staff, for the restaurant's staff. We like to think we've made some pretty tasty staff meals over the years and we'd like to share those meals with everyone."

Nice Touch: They make it your way. When we wanted to leave off the mayo, they were happy to do it.

Philosophy/Mission: Their new t-shirts say, "Staff Meal Says Relax."

History: They met while cooking at Rialto and have brought you food at other fine dining restaurants like: Bravo and Bistro du Midi. Adam Gendreau is an experienced butcher, so meat and nose-to-tail menus are also coming off this truck. (Thanks to Grub Street Boston for this background.)

Regulars say: When Boston food critic and trusted food scout, MC Slim JB tried their Chinese wrap he said, "It was so good I immediately went back and got a second one. That doesn't happen very often." (That quote is from the Chowhound Boston Board.) He also reviewed Staff Meal for the Boston Phoenix.

Did you know? After hurricane Irene, this truck was held prisoner by a big tree. They also do private events (Yes, your very own food truck for your birthday!) and catering, too.

Order and Pick up routine: Step up and order, and they'll prep it and hand it back. No fancy computers or iPhone systems onboard.

Payment: Cash

Website: www.staffmealboston.com

Twitter: @staffmealtruck

Facebook: Staff Meal

For more of our Food Truck/Street Food coverage: click here. Or, anytime you visit BostonZest, you can click on the "Food Truck/Street Food" tab at the top of the page.

Important Food Truck Tracking Link: Boston Food Truck Location Map 

Want some background to get ready for Staff Meal's nose-to-tail cooking?

The Whole Beast: Nose to Tail Eating will help you learn what you want to know.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photography: © 2011 Penny  & Ed Cherubino