I get tickled when someone asks companion about his
professional background and he starts it off explaining his father was a Land
Surveyor for 50 years in Texas, leading companion to then add “... so I cut
my teeth on a stake-bag ...”.
From time to time, his father's company would be retained to
stake-out projects for construction. He said the crew typically brought their
lunch or ventured over to the closest fast-food establishment. Though while on
construction projects, they would notice the food trucks invading the area in
and around the project site around mid-morning and mid-afternoon breaks and
lunchtime, of course. Everyone referred to them affectionately as “roach
coaches” - obviously “affectionately” since each “roach coach” was consistently
mobbed by those referring to them as such. Back then, they were more the small
pickup with chilled storage compartments type of vending outfit.
Now, fast forward a few decades- through periods of
increasing regulation, competition and technology. Food trucks of today have
little resemblance to those of companion's “yesteryear”. After moving to
Jacksonville a couple of years ago, I heard a lot about the marvelous food
trucks serving the Greater Jacksonville area.
So, it was with excitement that companion and I descended
upon the Jax Truckies Food Truck Rally to Stamp Out Hunger located in the
parking lot at the corner of Adams and Main Streets next to Burrito Gallery
(downtown) at 21 Adams Street.
This was significant because the collection of food trucks
arranged around the perimeter of the parking lot have each attracted quite a
significant following – physically (and through Facebook in many cases!). I had
heard a lot about several of these vendors and I knew there would be some
serious noteworthy chews being consumed, (hopefully by me) that day.
Vendors to be involved included:
Corner Taco
Driftwood BBQ
Gourmet Aviator
Mike B's
Monroe's On the Go
Mother Fletcher's
On the Fly
Sprocket's
Super Food Truck
3 Moms Ice Cream
The event had started at noon but we had been tied up with
some other commitments, so it was about 2:45 pm when we arrived. I had read
entry into the area would require a donation of $1 to benefit Second Harvest
North Florida but there was no one there to take the donations as we approached
what we assumed was the entrance.
We soon learned that most of the trucks were sold out – a
little surprising since the event was scheduled to last until 5:00 pm. At
first, I was a little aggravated thinking we had journeyed into downtown,
jockeyed for a parking spot and spent the effort to get there – only to find
there was nothing left.
However, good news surfaced when we learned there were three
trucks with food still available. I left companion standing in line at Monroe's
On the Go while I trucked on over to the line in front of Gourmet Aviator.
 |
| Gourmet Aviator's Flying Fish Taco |
After about 10 minutes of waiting, I was able to place my order
of Flying Fish Tacos made and the Pulled Pork Tacos but was told it would be 30
minutes before the food would be ready. Heading back to companion, I noticed he
had not made much headway in his line. I figured he would be a little impatient
but I found him in a very happy mood – due to the friendly crowd and gorgeous
weather.
We were excited to learn Monroe's On the Go did indeed have
some Duck Confit Quesadillas left and we ordered two of those along with sides
of Steak Fries and Sweet Potato Soufflé.
 |
| Monroe's on the Go - Duck Confit Quesadillas and Sweet Potato Souffle'. |
Finding seating was difficult but we were able to eat while
standing in the shade. The Duck Confit Quesadillas were delicious and the Sweet
Potato Souffle was so unique and phenomenal. The fries were simple fries – but
large “steak” fries and very fresh and hot.
We saw there was someone now positioned at the table at the
“entrance” to the event, so I made my way over to see if I could give a
donation. I spoke with Ennis and Stephen
who informed they had been taking donations up until the time most of the food
trucks ran out of supplies but that they would certainly accept any donations
offered.
 |
| Ennis and Mike with Jax Truckies |
I was also excited to meet Mike Fields, organizer of the
event! … He said they’re working hard to plan more events in the future and is
very appreciative of the support from the local community.
This was reportedly the second time for such an event and
the first in the downtown setting. I'm sure lessons learned from this one will
lead to either a shorter duration for the vent or larger food inventories. Next
time, I am definitely going to arrive early and bring a couple of easily
transported lawn chairs.
Companion and I were amazed at how full we were just from
eating items from only two food trucks! … and how satisfied we were with the
quality of the food prepared that day. Overall, a very impressive experience.
Thanks to Mike Fields, Jax Truckies and the hard working
staff for an enjoyable event and to each of the vendors below for teaming
together to bring some exposure and financial support to Second Harvest North
Florida – an organization dedicated to nourishing the hope and filling the
stomachs of the needy here in northern Florida.
To view more photos from Jax Truckies Food Truck Rally,
visit the link below:
Jax Truckies
Second Harvest North Florida
Corner Taco
Driftwood BBQ
Gourmet Aviator
Mike B's
Monroe's On the Go
Mother Fletcher's
On the Fly
Sprocket's
Super Food Truck
3 Moms Ice Cream
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