A Greenmobile amongst others..

I recently noticed the growing trend of food trucks around the city (NYC).. Correction: I noticed the growing trend of food trucks around the city a while back and have recently started to photo-document it. I think it was a cupcake truck that initiated the album. The truck proclaimed: First Cupcake Truck Ever! or Ever in NYC! I was *like* gimme a break. Cupcakes are also a NYC fad/craze, though, so I guess I can't blame them for trying.

Remember when mobile bites was just a seasonal thing that came to you (your house), while blasting one of the most friendliest jingles ever? As a kid living in the 'burbs, three months of no-obligation was a treat but so was ice cream from a truck on hot summer days.

O childhood.

It was in college when I first encountered savory fare on wheels, appropriately-referred to as the 'grease trucks', nestled in Cambridge, MA, the breeding ground for brainiacs left and right. I was not brave enough back then to try the oil they served with Chinese food as I was told they were known for cheap and tasty but left you with a stomach ache after. I have no regrets..

Today, granted in a different and very unique location, food trucks have graduated to serving all sorts of edibles, at all price ranges, from cheap tacos to moderately-priced coffee to pricey dumplings, waffles, and Pinkberry wannabe [frozen yogurt with fresh fruit topping].

On one hand, it's slightly surprising that mobile food is multiplying in a city where food establishments (with running water) abound. On the other, however, it makes total sense considering the economy and co$t of rent.

Unlike the ice cream trucks in the days of yore, Gotham's mobile vehicles aren't traveling in search of customers. They're parked and have a schedule, which regulars can form from and rely on. Ice cream trucks, for example, park in front of play grounds and schools after 3pm. Hmph. Whatever. On wheels, shelves, or menus, kids [and adults] are just going to have to learn how to keep the 'not-so-healthy' within moderation. It is what it is.

Typically, the trucks are about convenience. That is, the food is prepared and ready to eat right then and there-- on the spot, or street-- hence 'street food'. The latest truck I stumbled upon, though, wasn't like any other I had seen before. Its edibles are as clean and dirty as it gets.


Holton Farms hauls all the way from Vermont and parks at various places in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Roosevelt Island, as a mobile CSA and farmer's market.



Here's what they had to offer yesterday.



If you're in NYC but can't make it to Greenmarket, you might want to give them a try.


Happy Healthy Juicy Seasonal Eating & Cooking!