Food Trucks offer a variety of options

As a hungry consumer, whether you’re in between business meetings and need to grab a quick bite to keep you fueled, are at a music or wine festival and need some sustenance to keep the good times rolling, or simply have a hankering for a specific flavor with some flare, many are finding themselves becoming regular diners at food trucks opposed to the classic brick and mortar restaurants.

And as for the business owners who yearn for creative freedom, a change of pace and increased financial liberties, chefs and restauranteurs have been staking their claim in the food truck industry.

Whatever the reasoning may be for choosing take-out from a food truck or for choosing to put the kitchen and culinary skills on wheels, the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula have seen a number variety of food trucks pop-up in parking lots, festivals, events and concerts in recent years.

From folks like Alyshia Toulson who provide the authentic flavors of home with her locally-loved seafood-full menu at her truck The Pull-Up to Chef Han Cho who offers a yummy taste of Japanese cultural cuisine at Honcho’s Hibachi Box in Colonial Beach, a quick, convenient and tasty bite is always right around the corner, or on its way.

Westmoreland

Three Sisters & Co.

Stepping outside of the box are the women behind Three Sisters & Co. who operate a snack-van based in Montross. The sister trio, Zoe, Lilly and Emma Sanborn, have the cutest little van you’ve ever laid your eyes on.

From their giant refreshing and fresh lemonades, homemade donuts of all flavors like maple-bacon, and even hand-spun cotton candy, the sister-trio are consistently offering new specials for treats and snacks.

Waking up is also so much sweeter with Three Sisters with their iced cold-brew coffees in a number of different flavors like lavender, white chocolate and maple pancake.

They can also help put a little pep in your step with their acai bowls. The snack van pops up at all kinds of area events and is always offering different snacks and treats to make the day a little sweeter.

Northumberland

Cajun Carry Out

A delicious taste of the bayou may be closer than you think. No need to travel all the way down to New Orleans for some down-home cajun style cooking. Chef Brandon Webb has brought the ragin’ cajun kicks of flavor to Northumberland County with Burgess as his home-base for operations.

The food truck, Cajun Carry Out, brings all the goodness of the bayou to the Rivah with cajun staples like jambalaya and red beans with sausage and rice.

A fan favorite of Webb’s is his hearty gumbo over rice, served the classic cajun way with some potato salad on the side.

Shrimp and oyster PoBoy’s are also popular menu items for those who are looking for a more grab-n-go style meal rather than a full-on dish.

Webb also offers shrimp boils for those looking for a yummy classic with some cajun flare.

Webb frequents wineries, Town Centre Park and special events like Music on the Half Shell Stage.

Lancaster

The Pull-up

Hailing from the Northern Neck, Alyshia Toulson knows a thing or two about fresh seafood and how to curate a plate that’ll draw a crowd with a hefty appetite from miles away.

Like many chefs now in the food truck game, Toulson has years of experience working in kitchens but wanted to be her own boss.   

“Eventually you get tired of working for others and you learn your worth. When you own your own business you’re irreplaceable,” Toulson said.

If you’re thinking about pulling up to The Pull-Up, be sure to bring your heartiest appetite.

“The Wack’Em & Stack’Em” is a fan favorite. The menu item pays tribute to Toulson’s late brother Darius and his love for hunting. “The Wack’Em & Stack’Em” offers your choice of six shrimp, six oysters, or a crab cake served on a bun. You also get your choice of a side for a taste of Northern Neck cuisine.

Toulson also offers staples like shrimp and oyster tacos, seafood salad and cheeseburgers for the landlubbers.

While Toulson’s operations are based in Lancaster County and can be found at Town Centre Park in Kilmarnock, she makes sure to give everyone a chance to try her cooking by making her rounds. She can be found at wineries like Good Luck Cellars, at campgrounds such as Greys Point, or can even be booked for a wedding or event.

Richmond

El Padrino

Perhaps the most well-known and iconic street food is tacos. Arguably no taco can beat the ones that come from your favorite neighborhood taco truck.

El Padrino food truck based in Warsaw has some of the most authentic and affordable Mexican street food around.

Known for their tasty tacos costing just $3.50 each, El Padrino offers the classic Al Pastor, Pollo, Carne Asada, and of course, Birria tacos.

Burritos, quesabirrias, and tortas also make up the mouth-watering menu.

Another Mexican cuisine staple, Horchata, a sweet Mexican drink made from rice, cinnamon, and condensed milk, are also offered.

Getting some true delicious and authentic Mexican food requires only a trip to Warsaw to see El Padrino.

Colonial Beach

Hancho’s Hibachi Box

One could truly taste the flavors of the world with a simple food truck tour throughout the Northern Neck. Known as the best hibachi on the beach, chef Han Cho brings his expertise in Japanese Cuisine to Colonial Beach.

Honcho’s Hibachi Box started serving up authentic hibachi in 2019. With choices of steak, scallops, shrimp, chicken or veggies, virtually any pallet can be appeased at Honcho’s.

For those who are feeling a little more adventurous, Honcho’s offers several sushi rolls.

For just a quick little bite, Hancho’s offers egg rolls and fried pickles, and for a sweet treat fried Oreos and fried bananas.

While Han Cho takes his portable hibachi station on the road, he can often be found in Oak Grove next to the Shell Stop-In.

Mathews

Dot’s Dogs

You don’t have to travel to the Big Apple to grab the best street-dog around. Dot’s Dogs in Mathews offers classic dogs along with dogs with savory and delicious twists.

Located primarily on Mathews’ Main Street, the popular afternoon lunch spot offers the classic all-beef hot dog topped your way.

Its grilled Italian sausage on a bun, complete with grilled peppers, makes for the yummiest grab-and-go bite. Other items like the Carolina BBQ and the walking taco will keep your belly full and  your day going.

Gloucester

Shore Bites

For a menu that truly can please everyone, Shore Bites in Gloucester is the spot to stop.

Richard and Bonnie French operate their food truck throughout the Tidewater region but are primarily located north of Yorktown.

The cooked-to-order operation offers daily specials, but is known for its hearty and mouth watering sandwiches, including crab cakes and pulled pork options.

While the sandwiches may be the main event, side dishes give them a run for their money. The gourmet mac-n-cheese is a staple, and the coleslaw and fries go well beyond the standard of the classic sides.

Shore Bites offers a whole lot more than just a bite despite the name. The full-on meals like burgers, taco entrees and seafood options make the place a go-to for lunch and dinner.

Shore Bites is often hosted by spots like Gloucester Brewing Company, other breweries and events.

Food trucks have developed over time from quick stops for on-the-go busy bees just looking to get through the day to foodie destinations with cult followings. Throughout the region, one could live off of the variety of mobile food vendors for months. With cultural cuisines highlighted throughout the area by chefs who bring their expertise from home to the born-here, raised-here culinary personnel who keep it classic and fresh, tastebuds will never be bored exploring the many food trucks the area has to offer.