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Finally! A good Venezuelan food truck south of the river that meets my expectations! ? I know there’s several Venezuelan food trucks in town but I haven’t liked any one of them except for the one by 5000 Burnet in North Austin, or points even further north. This truck, the Reina Pepiada (Curvy Queen) gets my repeat visits and dollars south of Downtown. The arepas taste great, with authentic and home-style flavors. I’m even able to customize my arepas to get the rare (but delicious) offering of the arepa llanera (steak, cheese, avocado and tomato). Prices are also very reasonable and the arepas are a good size. The menu is large and features some typical Venezuelan fast food burgers and hot dogs (also hard to find south of the river). There’s only very few staples missing, such as the mandocas (plantain fried fritters), chupes, etc – and I can see the menu needing vegetarian and even vegan options to get more South Austin love for the many vegan friends living in the area. Few other things I would like to see fixed – but they’re not food related. I would like to see less use of plastic and styrofoam. But that’s me being eco-friebdlu I’ll be back for sure, and sampling even more things. Note: As of April 2019, Yelp still hasn’t fixed the hours of operations. Call the business before going.

Woodland’s Vegan Bistro – Menu with Prices – 2928 Georgia Avenue Northwest, Washington

It is really hard to find good vegan/vegetarian options with the food trucks that frequent downtown during the week for lunch. This is why I always try to visit this truck when it is at Metro Center (closest Food Truck hangout to my office), so I hope they continue to frequent there on Tuesdays. All of the food options they offer are excellent. I have tried most of the entrees and a few of the sandwiches and have not been disappointed with anything on I tried. Highly recommend the Mac & Cheese and the Garlic Kale – Yum! Yum! The bread they use for their sandwiches is super soft and delicious and totally worth a “cheat day” for the carbs ? The only drawback with this truck is the wait, but, who cares. It’s yummy in my tummy and worth it. I like the food here so much, that I order meals for more than one day and just keep them in the fridge at work to heat up in the microwave for lunch. If you are vegetarian or vegan – You have to try this food truck for lunch if near your office.

Third Coast Coffee Menu with Prices 4402 S Congress Ave #109, Austin

Austin still promotes itself as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” but I’ve been living here a while now, and I’ll tell you exactly what we’re good at: 1. Austin is the “Live Food Truck Capital of the World.” 2. Austin is the “Live Whole Foods Capital of the World.” 3. Austin is the “Live Texans-who-eat-BBQ-but-vote-Democrat Capital of the World.” Oh yeah, and maybe one more: Austin is the “Live Coffee Roasting Capital of the World.” Seattle & San Francisco may have more boutique roasters, but they’re not capitals & grunge is so 1990. If you’ve had a really good cup of coffee from an Austin coffeehouse or hipster restaurant recently, it’s probably from one of our own local roasters. You won’t confuse their stuff with Folgers. And I’m starting to bore myself – the bottom line is Third Coast Coffee beans will cost you $11.99 for twelve ounces at Whole Foods or Central Market, but $9 for sixteen ounces at their South Congress roasting facility. For the exact same stuff. I think Forrest Gump once said, “I’m not a smart man, but I know what a good coffee deal is.” They’re open weekdays until 6, you won’t go wrong with the Yirgacheffe, and I’m just a big fan of their Third Coast Blend & classic Double French. And while you’re buying, you can enjoy a cup of whatever the staff’s brewing. There’s also a buck-off Yelp check-in coupon. Seriously, what gets better than that? Okay, maybe peas & carrots, lightly sautéed.

El Fogon Venezuelan Grill – Menu with Prices – 1-99 Hickory St, Melbourne

My husband is a huge fan of steak pepitos, so when the craving hits, this is where we head. I’ll be honest, I don’t know a lot about Venezuelan cuisine, but I do know good food, and whatever I’ve eaten here has been just that! Apart from the steak pepitos (as I mentioned, one of my husband’s favourites), I love the empanadas here (can’t choose between the mince beef and shredded beef ones!), and the shredded beef arepas. 10/10 for flavour and I have to say, they do NOT skimp on the meat fillings here and I love that. If you’re eating here (they have a couple of picnic tables under a shade) definitely ask for their hot sauces – they add a real zing to everything! While the service is wonderful and friendly, it can take a while to prepare the food, which is probably the only complaint I have. Otherwise, I’d definitely recommend giving this food truck a try!

Tinker Food Truck – Menu with Prices – 3300 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville

A food truck that reiterates that their customers are family is the most heart warming thing a customer can hear. I came here opening day and have been back too many times that I’ve lost count. And with every experience it gets better and better! The burgers and hot dogs are colosal and flavorful with every bite! I order a beef burger with everything on it and all the flavors blend harmoniously. If it’s raining, they have tents set up. If it’s really raining, you can order your food for pick up! Located behind the shell gas station, the word Tinker brightens up your drive as you come across it on Archer Road. And they most certainly brighten up my day and belly each time! They recently added Nutella tequeños and Chicha (a rice pudding drink) to their menu and wow these are must try and order when you have a sweet tooth! Prices are all less than $10. The owners are actually related to the owner of Arepas Milko. Tinker creates a family friendly life of the party vibe with its Hispanic music blaring out loud. If you want a break from Arepas, definitely give Venezuelan burgers and hot dogs a try. You will not be disappointed. They are also active on their Instagram account! Side note: they also sell small arepas if you decide to get a craving for them right then and there. I encourage you to come try out Tinker and who knows maybe you’ll become family too!

Venezuelan Chamo Cuisine – Menu with Prices – 950 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena

This restaurant is quite unnoticeable when driving by, if you weren’t planning on coming here, it would be a shame for those to miss this spot because first of all, not saying this because I love Venezuelan food. In all honesty, people are truly missing out on the Venezuelan flavors. The place is very and cozy, the staffs are super friendly and welcoming. It makes it feel like you’re coming over to your friends house and eating their grandma’s cooking. Very traditional decorated just like a typically Venezuelan home which always a good reminder of where you came from. Food is delicious and wished I can eat it everyday, the only bad thing is their pricing. It’s a bit pricey, I understand that there isn’t much Venezuelan restaurant around the area, but wished it would be a bit more affordable. All their food is delicious, we literally ordered almost every single dish on the menu because I wanted to try a bit of everything! There is parking in the back of the building that patrons are free to use, the service is quick and friendly.

Petit Marché végé – Menu with Prices – 7057 St Denis St, Montreal

I’ll be honest and say I dropped by here only after finding out the hard way that Hung Phat is closed on Tuesdays, starving and needing to head out to work, found this little spot a few doors south. Took two sandwiches: shiitake mushrooms/soy as well as Cari /soy. The sandwiches were almost as delicious as anything served by Hung Phat, the most important factor being the bread, fresh veggies and cilantro. The prices are really excellent ($5 tax included) but I still would love to have some real meat there since I was still a bit hungry at the office a few hours later. But this is as great spot for vegan and vegetarian lovers, there is a lot of stuff in their fridges and they do offer much more than just sandwiches

Mac N’ Cheese Rebel – Menu with Prices – 5031 York Blvd, Los Angeles

This is a very interesting food truck. I genuinely enjoyed my Mac and cheese because when I usually eat Mac and cheese that’s vegan it’s noticeable. However, this truck knows how to mask the “cheese” to taste like real cheese. I got the collard greens toping and the fake meat I believe. I would definitely get the collard greens again. The only reason why I’m not giving it five stars was because of my weird experience. I stood outside the truck eating my Mac and cheese, and then I was half-way through my bowl when the man in the truck making my bowl told me that he gave me the wrong order and it wasn’t vegan. I was very shocked and he didn’t really say anything after that. Then, he said wait, let me see your bowl. He looked at it again and was like, “oh yeah, never mind, that is the vegan one.” My friends and I laughed off that weird encounter at the food truck. But it was kind of weird. Overall, I would probably pay another 13 dollars for Mac and cheese again because it’s good. Hopefully next time he won’t scare me again.

Urban Fresh – Menu with Prices – 73 E Pennington St, Tucson

This is one of my favorite restaurants ever. There are vegan options in town, but this restaurant is ALL VEGAN! Being vegan myself, I love love love that. Every time I have eaten here, the service is fast, the owners are very nice and accommodating, and I appreciate the authenticity they provide in caring about the food they deliver to their guests. The food is fresh, tasty, flavorful, and unique!!! I’ve been coming to Urban Fresh ever since I became Vegan two years ago and I always refer to my friends and family. Even if you are not vegan, you won’t regret checking it out. The food is anything but bland, and omg don’t get me started on the smoothies/shakes! The only downside is the size of the restaurant which is tiny but it is located downtown so that’s typical and it is a more causal spot however there is also outside seating which is what I like to do when I’m there. You can also have orders to go which is helpful ? I rate this restaurant a solid 10/10 and if you love tasty, quality, delicious food that makes you feel good, whilst supporting a local family owned business, look no further!! My favorite item is the south of the border wrap and the maca java smoothie! Check them out

Possum Pizza Menu with Prices 510 W Oltorf St, Austin

This vegan pizza truck is quite a find… I’ve had vegan pizza before and there has been terrible pizzas as well as pizzas I thought were quite more than decent (which at this level gets a lot of rave from any vegans frustrated with subpar food and/or taste). Possum Pizza, taking over a parking lot with two other food trucks at an abandoned property (up for lease/sale?), took it to another level – churning out slices and pies that I, an omnivore, can actually love. So yes, they found a way to make me crave a slice of their vegan pies. I had the macaroni cheese and bacon (veganized) slice that has a drizzle of ranch dressing (this is a second time in which I’ve enjoyed vegan ranch dressing – a feat considering that I’m not a fan of ranch dressing under most scenarios). It had a kick, even though it was touted as being less spicy than their other available pie that was instantly available (I came in the late afternoon, my fault) – but it was perfect for me, who is spicy-hot-averse. And the best kick of it all? It’s quite affordable for vegan food – even compared to other vegan pizzerias in town (at this date, we have three in Austin, the new vegan capital?). Bravo Possum, bravo!

Que Chevere! – Menu with Prices – 6-98 N 12th St, McAllen

As I said in my review for Nuri food truck, the food truck park offered nothing new and innovative when it first started. If you want to start a business and sell your product well, you better offer the public something no one else is. Now the food truck park finally has 2 unique trucks and this is one of them. The food is amazing! I got an arepa with beef, beans and plantains. When I saw plantains on the menu I was sooooo excited! It seems no one in the valley makes dishes with plantains. Being from Miami, plantains were everywhere and I miss them. This is the only place in the valley that offers me a taste of home. After my first bite I was sold. To me, this is comfort food. The meat was seasoned to absolute perfection with the correct spices and the sweet plantain complimented the other savory flavors wonderfully. The carne pastelito was delicious as well. Nice and crispy with full flavored tender meat on the inside. This place offers delicious and authentic Venezuelan food. If you’re going to the food truck park and want to try something new and different, check out this Venezuelan treasure and Nuri. You can’t go wrong with either one.

MAIZ colombian street food – Menu with Prices – 621 Forest Ave, Portland

Love Maiz. I’m thrilled they’re now located in Woodford’s Corner (which is becoming such a hip little local’s area, with something for everyone). This is my go-to spot in this neighborhood of Portland. It’s always blasting fun music, the staff is always super friendly, and the food? Out of this world. I get the vegan arepas (stuffed with mostly chickpeas, followed by onions, followed by cauliflower, followed by tomatoes; all topped with a thick pile of smashed-yet-chunky avocado. And the sauces? You HAVE to get both the cilantro (it’s like a creamy paste of cilantro and oil) AND the roja dulce (it’s tangy and spicy in the best way possible). YUM. They come in their own tiny containers, and while your arepa comes with one, you can buy additional sauces (I think they’re like $1.75 each which is a bit pricey, but worth it). Usually the arepas are overflowing, too, but I will say this: if they’re super busy, or it’s close to closing time, the arepas get a litttttttttle skimpy on fillings. I’ve been coming almost once a week since they opened, and I’ve noticed this happen a handful of times now. Also – unrelated – because they’re making your food to order, it takes a little bit for them to assemble your arepas (talk about fresh). Just a heads-up on both accounts! Love that there’s some adult beverages to choose from, wish there was some fried yucca without cheese to munch on (maybe there is, but it’s not on the menu and I’ve never asked), but all in all I haven’t felt this fondly about a place in a long time and hope they’re around to fill my belly for a while!

Dirt Burger – Menu with Prices – 407 E 5th St, Des Moines

I was in town visiting family when my friend had mentioned to me that DSM had opened a newer vegan burger place, and since DSM wasn’t very vegan friendly while I was living there, I’ve been working hard at creating an extensive list of vegan friendly establishments for my yearly trip. Originally we were supposed to dine elsewhere, however, plans changed and we were suddenly off to an event that had zero vegan friendly food, with the exception of condiments, so I hopped onto my bookmarked restaurants and this place was a quick 10 minutes away. I’m not HUGE of vegan fast food, but I knew the fiancé would enjoy and I was borderline hangry. I ordered The Austin BBQ per cashier’s suggestion, and my fiancé had the original. We also ordered two colas with just about every sauce on the side imaginable (I like to have options with the fries my fiancé always orders for me … I mean him). I must say I was pleasantly surprised with all of the food. I appreciate the fact that they do not have cashew based cheese like many other vegan places (they use Teese). However, the “cheese” wasn’t quite melted on the burger, and being someone who has tested out every fake cheese under the sun, I know for a fact that Teese cheese will melt and stretch like “real” cheese when melted properly and idk what vegan ranch they use, but it’s gross, so skip the ranch and get their spicy mayo instead. Fries are amazing AF and worth every.single.calorie. I will most likely stop in again during a future visit to the grand ol’ DSM region, and suggest you do the same.