Restaurants play an important role in the community, allowing customers to enjoy different cuisines and serving as hangout spots for families and friends. However, in recent years, another form of dining has captured the spotlight: food trucks.
These trucks have been around for decades — right after the Civil War, Chuck wagons served meals to hungry customers, and as the years passed, the first food trucks to adopt a modern appearance emerged in the late 1900s, as ice cream trucks and street vendors increased in popularity. Fast forward to the present day, with a growing industry, and new parks and festivals set up to celebrate these trucks.
However, food trucks aren’t only available in major cities, and have a home here in San Ramon. They can be found at the San Ramon Farmer’s Market at City Center, where three trucks in particular highlight the area’s interest in mobile dining.
Chef Hits the Streets (3.5/5)
As a frequent presence at the City Center, this food truck offers authentic Hawaiian poke creations, including the acai bowl. This nutrient-filled bowl features a colorful array of fruits, such as strawberries, bananas and blueberries. It delivers a variety of textures, from the crunch of the granola to the softness of the banana to the natural sweetness from the acai base. However, the condensed milk and blue agave drizzle slightly overpower the more tart notes of the strawberries and blueberries.
Overall, this bowl provided everything you could ask for, serving as a refreshing start to the day. The presentation was picturesque, the wait time was short and the kiosk setup helped orders move smoothly. While menu choices were limited, the items listed were appealing.
Cousins Maine Lobster (4/5)
This truck is no small operation, being part of a larger franchise prominent in over 30 states in the U.S. True to its name, the menu consists of lobster dishes, from lobster grilled cheese to lobster quesadilla. The lobster grilled cheese (priced at $21) includes pepper jack cheddar cheese on a “Texas-styled bread” — a thick slice of bread buttered and grilled on both sides — and, of course, the Maine lobster.
The combination of the cheeses delivers a distinct savory experience, with the sharpness of the cheddar balancing the spice of the pepper jack. The exterior was crisp, giving in to a decadent center, and the tots, ordered as a side, were light and airy while still keeping the weight of potatoes intact. Though the price was on the higher side, the dish was entirely worth it.
Crazy Emapanadas (4/5)
Bright and inviting, this South American food truck serves as a vibrant taste of street food culture. The arepa encanto or cheesy corn cakes stand out as a comfort food with a crunchy exterior and the sweet, nutty flavor of the mozzarella. Unlike the usual stretch associated with mozzarella, the cheese was firm and easy to bite. Paired with the trucks’ house sauces, this dish is sure to satisfy. The chicken empanadas, like the arepa, had a crisp coating, crunchy on the outside and moist in the center. While the filling itself tasted a little bland, overall, the experience remained enjoyable. These dishes serve as a great snack and are sure to keep you full.
As food trucks go in San Ramon, these selections stand out strongly. From coastal to Hawaiian-inspired dishes, they showcase a variety of cultural flavors that mirror the diversity of the community. These mobile kitchens turn the City Center into a shared dining area, showcasing how San Ramon welcomes flavors from across the globe.
