Believe it or not, I’m totally digging Seattle’s weather. Sure, there’s the rain, but it’s nice to not have to layer up in a heavy jacket, mittens and a ski cap every time I go out to get the mail. The best thing about Seattle’s mild winter though, is that outdoor events still take place – and people actually attend! This weekend was the second Mobile Chowdown and I took advantage of the morning sun to check it out. The event was held in a parking lot in Magnolia and food truck vendors from around the city gathered to feed the crowds. Among the vendors were Marination Mobile, Here and There Grill, Gert’s BBQ, Veraci Pizza, Anita’s Crepes, Kaosamai Thai, El Camion, Top Pot Doughnuts and Dante’s Inferno Dogs. Jones Soda was also on-site providing refreshment for the low cost of $1. (Would you believe that until this weekend I’d never had a Jones Soda? Trust me, now that I’ve seen the light, there’s no turning back!)
Though Marination Mobile had the longest line (they were recently profiled on Good Morning America as the best truck cart in the country), I headed over to El Camion to try out their chorizo taco. The wait was also leaning on the long side but the taco was definitely worth it. An array of salsas and sauces and a perfectly cooked tortilla secured El Camion’s position as my new fave cheap eat. I’m excited to try their beef cheeks next!
After my taco, I headed over to Dante’s to see what makes all these Seattlites swoon. I mean, I’m from New York, the king of street cart hog dogs, right? What could this Seattle shop possibly have on The Big Apple? Well, I stand corrected and converted. Although the dog alone was not enough to sway my opinion, the interesting toppings and flavor profiles won me over. Cream cheese, mustard, celery salt, pepper and wax banana peppers on a hot dog?! Why didn’t I think of that? Ok, there was that one time in college when I came dangerously close to that combination but I promise you, it wasn’t nearly as good.
From what I’ve been reading across the blogosphere, Mobile Chowdown II made some significant improvements from the original Mobile Chowdown last fall, including more seating areas, larger food supplies, live music and port-a-potties. I was impressed. My addition for the next MC? An all day summer music fest PLUS a mobile chowdown. Is that KEXP I hear calling?
Did you go to Mobile Chowdown II? Tell me what you thought and what additions you’d like to see next time in the comments! If you missed it, be sure to follow @TheFlyingSalmon on Twitter for Seattle-based event reminders and reviews!