OMG, the first time I was introduced to this food truck! Through a client who was looking for a specific type of truck for their event. The most difficult client for my first booking gig. They wanted barbecue, but yet not a barbecue truck; they wanted tacos because it was Cinco de Mayo, but then not a Mexican truck; and they wanted to be able to provide regular American and vegan food. So I was puzzled! I started scouting for a truck. This food truck popped up called Butchery And Beyond. On the top of the truck was the big word Culinary Gangsters. I rolled my eyes; I thought in my head, so cheesy. I continued my search, and I looked on their social media. I reviewed their menu to see what type of cuisine they serve. I saw that they offer a variety of food, from pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, steak, and more. In my line of work, one thing that I do know is when a food truck offers so many options — usually it’s NOT good. But I saw a few pictures of the food; it was really appealing, very appetizing (huh). I wanted to deliver to my first client. I decided to go ahead and book this food truck for my client’s event (yikes).
I contacted the owner and asked for a bit more information about the menu. Ordinarily, before I book any food truck, I would have tasted the food. However, time was not of the essence, so I closed my eyes, said a prayer, and made a deal with a gangster. I decided to use the opportunity to attend the event so I could try this truck, and of course to see if my client was happy (wink). Before the food started coming out from the window, I was salivating. The aroma in the air had me sniffing around like a puppy. When the first meal came out, boy was I wrong! Culinary was the name, and gangster was the food game. The menu items for the event were pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, empanadas, and vegan burgers. This was and still is one of the BEST food trucks I’ve ever booked. The food is beyond amazing. Now let’s start with the Cajun pulled pork sandwich; you already know why it’s first — oink oink. The pork was moist, pulled apart with enough juice but not soggy, on a toasted bun, topped with purple slaw, caramelized onions, chipotle, and basil aioli. Isn’t she fancy! Just look at the sandwich and tell me you’re not already placing your order. My difficult client doesn’t like pulled pork. I know, that is weird. Now, if you ask her, it left a good taste in her mouth. She could never eat a pulled pork sandwich from any other place.
Now let’s taco ‘bout the chicken tacos, lettuce, chipotle, pickled onions, balsamic glazed.
What defines a taco — tortillas with savory filling. A wide range of flavors and varieties. Now these tacos were one addictive culinary marvel. Big bite of juicy, tender grilled chicken with creamy, garlicky basil aioli sauce. Don’t have to wait for Taco Tuesday, just too good!
Born to be flaky, but know how to fill in the empty space. These golden beef empanadas with crispy edges, delicious filling, and the shell shatters as you bite into it (crunch). The flavor hits on the first bite (pow). The chipotle sauce is a wonderful complement that enhances the flavor.
But dangggg, here comes the star of the show, Flat iron steak and fries — OMG! The most underrated cut from the butcher. I ordered it medium, caramelized onions, topped with chimichurri and pickled onions. I rare-ly make mis-steaks — haha. It’s tangy, garlicky, tender, and sizzles with flavor. I could not get enough. I know I’m always talking about the little piggy, but I love me some red meat too. You’ll think you are eating from a steakhouse. Sooo good! Let’s not forget the side of Truffle parmesan fries. A match made in heaven. That signature basil aioli sauce – I could bottle it up. Don’t you dare say the word ketchup — shush
Everything was delivered and presented as if it came from a five-star restaurant. The presentation of every dish was spectacular. You would never know this food came from a food truck if you weren’t standing in front of it. You get premium quality food. And what I realize is that the truck is not serving different types of cuisine. It’s all one cuisine, but in different styles; from the empanada to the tacos to the pulled pork to the steaks and fries, all are made American-style. Culinary tradition with a modern twist
This couple, Daniel and Marina, born in Russia, have been in the industry for over 25 years. They grew up in Israel, where they met each other. Daniel has been in the kitchen ever since he was 16 years old. His wife quit her corporate life in 2016 to join him on the road. The best part is that even with all their accomplishments, they are extremely nice and humble people. From a restaurant, Harissa Grill, to food trucks, they have a few fleets with different names and purposes. Butchery And Beyond, which opened in 2021, is the one that serves everyday food, and you can find it every day on the streets. Meatoss, the first truck opened in 2016, is mostly for events, catering, and festivals — huh, Four Wheel Feastival, you say? Was thinking the same thing. You will likely not find this food truck parked on the streets. Don Rooster, recently opened, serves rotisserie chicken — the bomb rotisserie. We are working on featuring it in one of our episodes. You can find them on the streets as well. Shufuni, a kosher Mediterranean experience made for events. Even the truck tells you it’s unique. It’s an Airstream (wow). So the next time you want a quality, fresh, and delicious meal from a food truck, come read this blog (haha). Find you one of these trucks for lunch or dinner.
