The Waldorf Food Truck Fest Brings Community Together (With Killer Tunes to Dine By)
Posted by Sarah Reinertsen on Sunday, August 12th, 2012When I brought a fellow Iowan, and soon-to-be new Vancouverite, to the Waldorf Hotel’s now-weekly Food Truck Festival meet-up, he looked around in awe.
“You’re right, I never would have found this place.”
A long communal table at the Food Truck Fest
There are lots of great things about the Waldorf’s festival, happening every Sunday between now and September 2nd. A mock-beach dance floor. A DJ that just happens to know you want to hear Michael Jackson, and then Buffalo Springfield, and then Missy Elliott, and makes a seamless transition between the two. All those food trucks you’ve been meaning to try but haven’t managed to locate downtown.
But I think one of the best things about the festival is that it’s a party by Vancouver, for Vancouver. No hotel is going to suggest a tourist check out a carpark near East Hasting and Commercial. Everyone’s invited – families, hipsters, foodies – to rock out for an hour or the whole afternoon.
It’s just what Vancouver needs – a casual, food-focussed all-out summertime block party. So what’s on offer? Ice cream, Korean tacos, papusas, grilled cheese, juice, and the best lamb burger you’re ever going to taste (out of 4 wheels or no).
Tzatziki, feta, and seasoned lamb make this one delicious burger from Street Meet. (And the crunch from the chips can be heard around the city.) $12
Street Meet's seared tarragon-crusted Organic Ocean albacore tuna with pickled beans, medium-boiled eggs, potatoes, kalamata olives and cherry tomatoes. $12
Street Meet's braised pulled pork risotto balls with basil-truffle aioli - the perfect bite ($5)
Korean Tacos from Cartel. Back to food truck roots, Korean fusion bulgogi tacos at just $3 each.
PazzaRella Pizza. Taking authentic Neopolitan pizza trend to the next level with an actual wood-fired oven inside a food truck. And they pull it off with perfect leoparding.
Sarb from Soho Road preps his kebabs. There's a tandoor *on the truck*, pumping out some seriously delicious naan bread.
Just don’t forget your sunscreen and stay hydrated out there!
The Waldorf Hotel Food Truck Fest. 1489 East Hastings. Sundays through September 2nd, 12pm-6pm. All ages with 19+ beer garden. Free admission.
