Your Guide To The Food Trucks

May 6, 2016

Where to Find the Best Mobile Eats Up North BOYNE CITY

HAPPY’S TACO SHOP

Focusing on locally-sourced ingredients and house-made sauces and sausages, Happy’s goal is to offer fun, Mexican-inspired

food for all, via their ever-shifting menu of unique ingredient pairings.

Two to try: The fried avocado taco with Cotija cheese, radish sprouts and tomato jam; the kimchi quesadilla with caramelized kimchi, Chihuahua cheese and sesame verde. Frequently found at: Beard’s Brewery in Petoskey and various locations.

Other locations/more info: happystacoshop.com

CHARLEVOIX

THE LANDING CRAFT

A spinoff of Charlevoix’s popular restaurant, The Landing, The Landing Craft offers up a mixed menu from their custom-designed "mobile kitchen" that features summer favorites, plus selections from the restaurant’s main menu. Two to try: The Beach Fries with Old Bay seasoning and fry sauce; chicken salad sliders.

Frequently found at: Local summertime events around Charlevoix. Other locations /more info: thelandingcharlevoix.com

PIGS EATIN’ RIBS

Chef Adam Kline knows barbecue, so much so that he built a smokehouse right into the Pigs Eatin’ Ribs food truck. Known for the rich, dark barbecue flavors of their meat, smoked over 100 percent fruit wood, everything here is made from scratch.

Two to try: The BBQ beef brisket sandwiches; BBQ pork sliders. Frequently found at: Their own brick-andmortar locale in Charlevoix; The Little Fleet’s food truck lineup in Traverse City. Other locations /more info: pigseatinribs.com

MOBARISTA

This new mobile artisan grilled cheese shop crafts all their sandwiches on fresh, Parmesan-crusted bread to offer up the most cheese consumption possible per bite, with a Bonnaroo-like flair; liquid refreshments include coffee, hot or iced, and green tea or chai. Two to try: The Cherry Goatcia with goat cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, red onions, and dried cherries; The Grilled Cheese Incident with cheddar, mozzarella, grilled tomato, and sunflower kernels. Frequently found at: The Charlevoix Farmers Market; East Park in Charlevoix. Other locations/more info: Ask at the truck.

PITA CRUISER

With a seasonally rotating menu that takes advantage of available ingredients and allows catering to different crowds, the Pita Cruiser offers up localized Mediterranean-influenced fare including baklava for dessert. Two to try: The chicken shawarma; gyros with tomato, onion, feta cheese and tzatziki sauce. Frequently found at: Local festivals; Boyne Mountain events; Petoskey Farms Vineyard and Winery. Other locations /more info: pitacruiser.com

WINGIN’ IT

With a menu revolving around chicken and a flair for seasonings, Betty Frain’s Wingin’ It offers up a changing menu of wings, including buffalo, cajun and mesquite with lime, plus a range of chicken tacos and more. Two to try: The "Famous" chicken noodle soup; cherry BBQ wings. Frequently found at: Local farmers markets and special events (summer only.) Other locations /more info: facebook.com/bettyswinginit

EAST JORDAN

LITTLEMAN BITES

Named after David Johnston’s beloved dog Little Man and inspired by the legendary cheese steaks of Philadelphia, this food truck thinly slices ribeye steak for their sandwiches resulting in authentic Philly flavor. Two to try: The Philly cheese steaks; the hand-cut Idaho potato French fries with cheese. Frequently found at: Boyne City Farmers Market; Deer Creek Junk; corner of US-31 and Bells Bay Road. Other locations /more info: littlemanbites.com

ELK RAPIDS

MMMM TRUCK

Specializing in food made daily from scratch (their slogan is "Food That Makes You Happy"), the Mmmm Truck is a gourmet venture run by two local home cooks, husband and wife, focusing on breakfast items and sandwiches. Two to try: vegetable quiche with tomato, spinach, caramelized onions, and raclette; fried chicken chop salad with spiced corn and beans. Frequently found at: Various locations (spring/summer/early fall only.) Other locations /more info: mmmmtruck.com

HARBOR SPRINGS

ETTA’S FOOD TRUCK

Owner Steve Erber brings his grandmother Henrietta’s recipes back to life via this popular local truck featuring homegrown recipes that focus on local ingredients, plus fresh, inspired twists on nostalgic cooking. Two to try: The Meatloaf sliders with potato salad; homemade German chocolate cake. Frequently found at: Bay Street in downtown Harbor Springs; local events. Etta’s also has a restaurant, Etta’s Diner, on Conway Road. Other locations /more info: facebook.com/ettasfoodtruck

WOOD FIRED UP

Pizza from a food truck? You bet. This truck is actually a mobile wood-fired pizza oven that cooks up your pizza order in less than two minutes. These are rustic pizzas with great chew, generous toppings and big flavor. Two to try: The classic Margherita pizza; new BLT pizza. Frequently found at: Bay Street in downtown Harbor Springs; Crooked Vine Vineyard and Winery in Alanson; festivals. Other locations /more info: woodfiredup.com

NORTHPORT

EARTH WIND AND FRYER

It’s all about what’s new and funky at this globally-inspired food truck, as they mix up eclectic ingredients including lox, flatbread, tzatziki sauce, local ramps and asparagus to craft layers of flavor in each unique dish. Two to try: The Viet Num-Num, with chicken-lemongrass sausage, carrotscallion slaw, and peanut-coconut curry sauce; The Kid Roquefort burger. Frequently found at: Northport Brewing Company; special events. Other locations /more info: facebook.com/earthwindandfryer

SUTTONS BAY

FISH WAGON

Fresh fish is served up here by Desmond Berry and his family, counting more than 20 years of commercial fishing experience among them. Grab a fried fish basket deal and enjoy fish that’s as fresh as it gets, caught daily. Two to try: The perch tacos; chowder fries, featuring fresh-cut French fries smothered in FISH Wagon’s own chowder. Frequently found at: Peshawbestown near Eagletown Market; various events. Other locations /more info: facebook.com/DLBfreshfish

TRAVERSE CITY

A’S FOOD WITH AN ACCENT

Head to this truck for Portuguese-inspired food served up by owner Antonio Simão, including special Portuguese sausage made from his own recipe. Enjoy everything from snacks to sandwiches, plus fries with a twist. Two to try: The cod fritters; Mia’s fries tossed in truffle oil, garlic salt and Parmesan cheese. Frequently found at: The Little Fleet. Other locations /more info: facebook.com/foodwithanaccent

ANCHOR STATION

This truck keeps things simple in a good way, with just a few interesting ingredient change-ups brought to you by Michael Peterson, owner of popular Elk Rapids restaurant Siren Hall. Two to try: Killer Nachos with queso blanco; The grilled Anchor Burger. Frequently found at: The Little Fleet; festival events. Other locations /more info: facebook.com/AnchorStation

CURBIE

Part of Porterhouse Productions’ lineup, Curbie is a restored 1946 Ford Flathead truck serving up sweets from gumballs and popcorn to soda fountain treats; the truck is reportedly being repaired and updated for the 2016 season. Two to try: Moomers ice cream; floats made with local Northwoods Soda. Frequently found at: Local festivals including Microbrew & Music and Paella in the Park; The Little Fleet. Other locations /more info: spectacularstructures.com

EZ CHEESY

Housed in a 1964 Fleetwing camper, EZ Cheesy offers playful grilledcheese sandwiches and salads via a simple menu with locally-sourced ingredients and gourmet flair. Two to try: The EZ Cheesy Classic; the Honey Bee My Ham with Gruyere, thick-cut ham, dijon and local honey. Frequently found at: The Little Fleet. Other locations /more info: ez-cheesy.com

FRESH START

It’s not just a food truck; it’s also a community movement from Goodwill Industries that utilizes the truck as a food-service training tool while serving up delicious locally-sourced sandwiches, tacos and desserts. Two to try: The chicken tacos with pickled cabbage slaw; Bratwurst with Pimento cheese. Frequently found at: Goodwill stores, local events, The Little Fleet. Other locations /more info: facebook.com/mifreshstart

ROAMING HARVEST

Committed to the Eat Local movement in Traverse City, RH snags ingredients from local farms and businesses right in northern Michigan to craft their fresh and eclectic mobile menu. Two to try: The Korean beef tacos with sambal slaw and Sriracha mayo; flash- fried Street Beets. Frequently found at: The Little Fleet. Other locations /more info: roamingharvest.com

SOMBRERO VERDE

Chef Spencer Boyles cooks up homegrown authentic burritos and more Latin-influenced cuisine from SV’s Airstream trailer, plus experimental eatsturned-hits like dessert empanadas and sweet potato tacos. Two to try: The Mayan street corn; chorizo chicken chimichanga (rumored to be Deadpool’s favorite.) Frequently found at: InsideOut Gallery; various events. Other locations /more info: facebook.com/homegrownchefs

SPARKS BBQ

What better name for a barbecue pitmaster than Dean Sparks? That’s the guy who runs this truck and prepares top of the line barbecue dishes over a live fire powered by northern Michigan hardwoods. Two to try: The BBQ sundae with layers of pulled pork, beans, coleslaw and BBQ sauce, topped with a beef jerky stick; BBQ nachos. Frequently found at: 439 E. Front Street in downtown Traverse City Other locations /more info: traversecityfoodtruck.com

WHITE ON RICE

"Sushi That Rolls," ramen noodles and tempura dishes are the order of the day at this Asianinspired food truck offering both favorite sushi dishes and flavorful departures from tradition. Two to try: The hamachi wasabi sushi roll with yellowtail, green onion and wasabi mayo; ginger salad. Frequently found at: The Little Fleet. Other locations /more info: facebook.com/whiteonrice

New Kids On The Block

Scott and Erica Pierson will soon open The Lot in the vacant land between Twin Bay Glass and Wellington on Eighth Street in TC. The food truck lineup is still being finalized, but those sure to be found there now include:

Betty’s Hot Dish: Betty’s is half retro and half today, specializing in well-seasoned thick soups, stews and spicy chilis, plus hearty sandwiches layered with ingredients. Cordwood BBQ: This BBQ purveyer harvests northern Michigan wood for smoked meat flavors that "are truly characteristic of the region."

Wingz & Thingz: Try wings with more than a dozen types of sweet and spicy sauces, plus pizza, pasta and salads. Uptown Dogs: Bringing hot dogs to another level using locally-sourced goods and farm style mustards. Norma’s Tamales: Authentic homestyle tamales. La Tropicana Fruit Cup: A variety of styled, fresh fruit arrangements.

Did we miss any? Drop us an email at info@ northernexpress.com and we’ll look into it for a future issue of Express!