Food trucks congregate in the downtown core of Columbus, Ohio. Held this year August 14-16 in downtown Columbus Commons, food trucks circle the Commons and line up at diagonal corners offering offbeat food. The Food Truck Festival is a comparatively new festival concept, only spanning five years. The thought of eating food from a truck may excite some or repel others. But unconventional experiences are a fun way to bring food to life for those who want a snug change to a typical restaurant.
Given the convenience of mobile kitchens, the festival offers visitors the opportunity to quickly sample a big variety of food and desserts. One of the outstanding features of the Food Truck event is the variety of trucks represented at Commons. Trucks offering tofu, bbq, pizza, empanadas and donuts are just a sampling of what is on offer. Cajun, Jamaican, and Mexican zesty flares add to the variety of the festival.
Interestingly enough, the variety of choices includes many healthy menu items in addition to vegan options. Past concepts of truck food are often stuffed with images of fatty foods missing in nutritional value. Modern food trucks dispel that stereotype. Trucks at the festival offer dishes and sandwiches stuffed with fresh vegetables, plus fish, chicken, beef and pork. Grilled or grilled meats and vegetables color the variety of presentations. While indulgent favorites like Columbus’s Late Night Slice and Buckeye Donuts also grace the festival. An added surprise was the local grocery chain, Giant Eagle. Securing a spot between the trucks, the Giant Eagle offers deli-style sandwiches that are classic yet delicious.
A flavorful beef empanada from Barroloco Argentine Food is a delicious treat for empanada lovers. In addition, the TOFU cup from Cupzilla Korean Style BBQ offers a savory bowl of Korean style bbq tofu served with rice and vegetables. Another appetite buster is found at the Melty Crue gourmet grilled cheese food truck. Filled with cheese, fresh tomatoes, basil and spinach, this round of grilled cheese sandwiches adds a fresh dimension to a grow event.
This year’s winning food truck is Hot Chicken Takeover. Bringing a flare of spicy southern-style chicken and sides to Columbus from Nashville, Tennessee, The Hot Chicken Takeover is taken into account an overnight food industry success. Open Wednesday through Sunday at the North Columbus Market, Hot Chicken Takeover is a local sensation. The chicken is double seasoned with numerous spicy flavors according to taste. The sides are a generous portion of southern-style comfort food that includes macaroni and cheese, and cole slaw. Known for selling chicken often, it is no surprise that this mega-restaurant has won the Food Truck of the Year Award.
Visit them at the Columbus North Landmark located at 59 Spruce St. Columbus, Ohio 43215. For times and more information, visit them on Facebook at
https://m.facebook.com//hotchickentakeover.
No meal at the festival would be complete without a sweet treat. One of the best ice cream places can’t be detected by the name alone; Phillybusters. Located in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, Phillybuster lists sandwiches on its menu, such as brisket, chicken and vegetables. Each sandwich is topped with sautéed mushrooms, onions and green peppers on a philly roll. Sides include arm weather favorites like broccoli salad, potato salad, and cole slaw. But it’s the ice cream that offers a lovely surprise for ice cream lovers searching for a cool retreat from the August heat.
Phillybuster offers a selection of unique and delicious ice cream combinations. Delicious options like Baked Coconut ice cream and Wild Blueberry Yogurt give festival goers an opportunity to cool off in the summer sun. Consisting of a mixture of toasted coconut ice cream, chocolate-coated coconut flakes that are folded into a smooth layer to satisfy chocolate lovers. The Wild Blueberry yogurt on the other hand features vanilla yogurt with a fresh blueberry swirl and cinnamon granola. For more information on Phillybuster, visit their website at www.theicecreambrandandrootbeerstand.com.
Building on the fort as a festival, the food truck festival added tent vendors for attendees to buy handmade goods from local jewelers, dress makers, soap makers, and other artisans. One of the favorites amongst crafters is Valerie Long Jewelry. Located in Columbus, Ohio, Valerie Long Jewelry is handmade jewelery with a vintage flare and a modern twist. To learn more about Valerie’s work, log on to https://www.etsy.com/shop/ValANDViolet.
Adding to the thrill downtown, the festival features live music. From Friday night, to Sunday night, live music contributes to the vibrant festival spirit. Bands featured included, The Deeptones, Lesly James, and DJ Matt Sexton. Attendees are welcome to take their seats, dine, and ride off into the evening nightfall enjoying the grub music and flavorful melodies.
Many modern festivals end with fireworks. The Food Truck Festival is no different. Ending the three days of celebrations, the attendees were treated to a spectacular display of bright lights in the sky. The fireworks are a nice touch!
Join in on the weird festival food fun in August! For more information about the Columbus, Ohio Food Truck Festival, visit their website at www.columbusfoodtruckfest.com.
