Stop #3: BBQ!

I love BBQ.  Long before I spent two years living in the South, I was a total sucker for corn bread, baked beans, ribs and chicken with a smokey, tangy, sweet sweet sauce.

The BBQ truck serves up a selection of meats in a selection of ways (wrap, sandwhich, bowl) with a variety of sides.  The meat is tender, the sides flavorful and the portions perfect.  I decided to get a BBQ bowl and when I struggled with which meat to order, the gentleman who runs the truck offered to give me a combination of brisket and pulled pork.  For the win!

Hickory Smoked BBQ Truck
BBQ Bowl: $6.00 (Plus tip!)
Accepts Credit Cards

Stop #2: A Mexican Specialty

I am from California and I used to work in a Mexican restaurant so when it comes to Mexican cuisine, I generally feel I know my way around.  When I went to El Taco Yucateco, I asked the man who runs it to give me his favorite thing on the menu.  He said his favorite item was the panuchos.  Huh?  I had never heard of panuchos (which just goes to show that I my aforementioned bona fides were crap.) So I said go for it, give me three!

What magic was this?  I don't know exactly what was done to the tortilla that made it different than a hard taco, but it was certainly different.  The tortilla was a little softer, but still crispy and delicious (as all things that have been deep fried tend to be.)  Black beans, chicken, lettuce, onion, cabbage and the all holy avocado piled on top, with cilantro and a crazy spicy and peppery hot sauce to pour over.  Nom nom indeed.  Also, gluten friendly for those who need it!

El Taco Yucateco

Panuchos - $2 each (+tip!) 

Accepts Credit Cards

Stop #1: The Dump Truck

The Dump Truck is impossible to miss.  Painted in a bright yellow and black that is reminiscent of a toy dump truck you might have played with as a kid, this place serves up a variety of dumplings that are paired with different sauces to compliment and bring out their flavors.

The truck is run by a young couple who at one time lived and worked in Bejing.  While there, they fell in love with a dumpling restaurant and apparently demonstrated enough loyalty and passion for the food that the owner taught them his secrets.

I ordered the Super Sampler, which allowed me to enjoy two of each of their savory dumpling selections -
Mr. Ma's Special, Down to Earth, Potato Curry and Bacon Cheesburger.  Respective accompanying sauces (which are kept in squeeze bottles out front so you can take what you need) are Sweet Chili Hot Sauce, Tahini Chili Sauce, Coconut Yogurt Sauce and a Secret Sauce (which is related to, but much better than ketchup.)

I wasn't sure about the bacon cheeseburger but it actually ended up being my favorite.  The only downside to dumplings is that a walk back to the office through a cold wintery day made them colder and stickier than they are meant to be served.  Nonetheless, a great way to start things!

Dumplings and Sauces 

The Dump Truck
Super Sampler - $7.00 (+ Tip!)
Not sure about credit cards