On Saturday, seven of Boston’s most well known food trucks will face off against not only each other, but seven of New York City’s in the first ever “Food Truck Throwdown.”
The free 10-hour event will be held at 11 a.m. in Dewey Square on the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway, where truck crews will compete for the best desserts, savory items, tacos, vegetarian dishes, and more.
Sara Ross, owner of Kickass Cupcakes, thought the Throwdown was in order, so she made a call to the New York City Food Truck Association, and before she knew it, the match was on.
“I’ve been attending a lot of festivals with my cupcake truck, and I thought this would add another layer of fun to a food truck festival,” Ross said.
A panel of judges, including Jenny Johnson from NECN’s TV Diner, will name the winning trucks, which will get certificates, flight rewards from JetBlue Airways, which is a sponsor, and of course, bragging rights.
Titles include:
“Just Desserts” …Best Sweet Item
“Sensational Tastes” …Best Savory Item
“Tortilla Time” …Best Taco
“Eat Your Peas” …Best Vegetarian Item
“East Meets East” …Best Asian Inspired item
“More Than Just Sliced Bread and Buns” …Best Sandwich
“I Sea You” …Best Seafood Item
“Best Food Truck Design”
“Best Food Truck Crew”
Guests will be able to participate in a popular vote to name the “Best Food Truck City,” by voting with quarters. The city that wins with the most quarters will get to donate the proceeds to the food pantry of their choice.
Obviously, the Hub has the home field advantage on that one; sorry New York.
Boston’s trucks will include Roxy’s Grilled Cheese, Bon Me, The Cookie Monstah, Staff Meal, Mei Mei Street Kitchen, Lobsta Love and Kickass Cupcakes.
Those savvy with New York City’s trucks can expect the likes of Nuchas, Fishing Shrimp, Bian Dang, Wafels & Dinges, Big D’s Grub, Mike N Willie’s and Munchie Mobile.
“The trucks coming from New York are interesting. They definitely will offer something different,” Ross said, although she did confirm that there will be no Halal, a.k.a, New York City “street meat.”
Ross said there is already talk of more throwdowns next year – possibly as early as spring.
“Not only between different cities, but we are thinking of teaming trucks to come up with fusion items, or having ‘ingredient throwdowns’ using items like bacon or Nutella. We just have to get through this one first.”
Mayor Thomas M. Menino is expected to make an appearance at 2 p.m.,
judging will start at 3 p.m., and awards will be presented at 4:15 p.m.
