Food Truck Frenzy

Initially I had planned on writing a separate post about each food truck that I visited. However, today I realized that I'm just a little bit over the whole food truck craze in LA. Therefore, they are all getting lopped together into one looooong post. You might notice that I've been posting a lot more frequently these past few days. Why? It's almost finals week here at UCLA and the best way to procrastinate? FOOD BLOG.

The food from food trucks is only good for instant gratification. They're fast, they're affordable, they're everywhere, but after the first few bites, you realize, "this food was definitely made in a truck." That being said, I've only tried 4 of the ever-growing number of "gourmet" food trucks in LA. For the sake of curiosity, I will continue to try whatever food truck I happen to run into.

It should be noted that the only reason I had started a Twitter account was to follow food trucks.

Here's my review of the food trucks I've sampled so far.

Kogi BBQ Taco Truck

Korean BBQ tacos, burritos, quesadillas, etc.

http://kogibbq.com/

Kogi tacos have become synonymous with the start of LA food truck scene. They are basically tacos with a Korean twist. Little soft corn tortillas willed with your choice of short rib, spicy pork, chicken or tofu. All their tacos come topped with the following:

• sesame-chili salsa roja
• julienne romaine lettuce and cabbage tossed in Korean chili-soy vinaigrette
• cilantro-green onion-lime relish
• crushed sesame seeds
• sea salt
• garnished with lime wedge, orange wedge and red radish wedge

Indeed these tacos are tasty, especially the first time you taste one. Whenever any of my friends come in from out of town, I immediately check my twitter to see if the Kogi truck happens to be around UCLA that night. Everyone should experience the Kogi taco at least once.

However, I suppose I've had the luxury of eating Kogi tacos too many times. If I stumble across the truck while I'm making the trek back to my room after a long night of partying, I usually let out a squeal of joy. I then gorge myself on multiple tacos. At that moment, nothing could be tastier than a Kogi short rib taco. The next morning...not so much. After too many of these experiences, Kogi no longer appeals to me as much. Also, is it just me or does everything on their menu tastes the same...

Kogi BBQ Short Rib Taco ($2.00)

This is my favorite out of all their meat choices. The sauces add just the right amount of heat and the romaine lettuce topping is what makes the taco.

Special: The Pac-man Burger

($5.00? specials prices vary from $3-$7)

Every week the Kogi truck comes up with a different special. One week, it happened to be a burger stuffed with all three kinds of meats plus the usual toppings and cheese. Tasted exactly like a taco except soggier because of the use of a burger bun instead of a corn tortilla...

Nom Nom Truck

Vietnamese "Banh Mi" Sandwiches

http://nomnomtruck.com/

I've only had the Nom Nom Truck once. They usually come around UCLA during lunch time when I'm normally sitting in class with my stomach growling. Before an accounting midterm a few weeks ago, I decided to dine on some Banh Mi for good luck.

They have a lovely combo that includes a 6-inch sandwich, 2 tacos, and a drink for $7. I think its safe to say that the Nom Nom truck is one of the healthier food trucks in the LA area.

Lemongrass Chicken Taco and BBQ Pork Taco

(2 for $4.00 or 1 for $2.50)

These was okay. I liked the pickled vegetables. Both kinds of meat were unmemorable.

Grilled Pork Banh Mi ($5.00)

I enjoyed the sandwich more than the tacos because I felt the meat and pickled vegetables went a lot better with french bread rather than corn tortillas. Next time, I would only order the sandwich.

Special: Pork Spring Rolls (3 for $5)

This was disappointing...not nearly as good as some spring rolls I've had at pho restaurants. The sauce wasn't very tasty either.

Get Shaved

Hawaiian Shaved Ice

http://www.getshavedice.com/Home.html

Sadly, I have not gotten shaved ice from the Get Shaved Truck. Fail. However, to my defense, by the time I discovered this truck, it was already pretty cold outside. They like to come to UCLA late at night and shaved ice just isn't very appealing when its dark and windy outside. I have only tried their fall special. The first time I had it I thought it was delicious. I didn't want to share any of it! However, it was also the night before my birthday and my bf and I shared a few celebratory shots right before. The next time I got the same dessert, it just wasn't half as good.

Creamy Cheesy Pumpkin Pleasy ($5.00)

pumpkin break withe cream cheese ice cream, caramel, candied pecans, and whipped cream

The pumpkin bread was a little dry and the ice cream a little sweet but mix it all together with the caramel and crunchy pecans and it was actually not bad.

Dainty Cakes

Specialty cupcakes, sweet and savory crepes

http://www.daintycakesla.com/

I just tried Dainty Cakes' cupcakes and savory crepe today. This is what pushed me to finally write up this post. I was excited. I happened to see the truck there and thought to myself, "I must have some cupcakes!" I REALLY wanted to like the food. Sadly, for a truck with such a cute name, the cupcakes were a huge disappointment...

Red Velvet Cupcake with Cream Cheese Frosting ($3.00)

The cupcake was dry with hardly any flavor. The cream cheese frosting tasted like it came out of a tub from the supermarket. I feel bad whenever I give somewhere a bad review (especially when the people who work there were so nice!) but this cupcake just wasn't good. :( One bite and I was craving for a Sprinkles red velvet cupcakes.

Savory Crepe ($5.00)

filled with cheese, spinach, and bacon

The crepe was topped with what I'm guessing is a mixture of ketchup and soy sauce which I found to be a comforting and familiar taste. The overall flavor of the crepe was good with the slightly sweet wrapper contrasting with the smokey bacon. However, it was way too oily! The fat from the bacon should've been rendered out a little more. I like my bacon crispy, not with flabby pieces of fat! The whole crepe was drench in the bacon fat/excess oil. Otherwise, the flavor combination was great.

LA food trucks...I haven't lost all hope in you!