5 minute read
FOOD ON THE GO
Food trucks have been a popular choice for diners since the 1950s, believe it or not. Think ice cream trucks delivering frozen treats to kids. The food trucks of today, though, are complete restaurants on wheels. And the new Ocala Downtown Market Food Truck Park may be just the place to go check them out.
// BY KARIN FABRY-CUSHENBERY
Ocala’s Downtown Market Food Truck Park opened this past winter after Tito Comas, who manages the food park and owns Victorian on the Boulevard, happened to see a post on Facebook.
“A food truck park was going in at the old K-Mart location on 36th Avenue,” he says. “The deal ended up falling through, and the trucks needed to leave the area in a matter of days. I ended up calling the city and was put in touch with the Downtown Market to discuss the acre of property behind the Victorian. I thought it was the perfect location for the trucks, and within four or five hours, we had a deal.”
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays (with more days and options to come), Tito says one of the best aspects of the food truck park is that there is something for everyone. Although the trucks may vary from day to day, some are consistent and are quickly becoming fan favorites.
“This is not fast food,” says Tito. “Everything is fresh, made with quality ingredients and made to order. You may have to wait 10 or 15 minutes for your meal, but I promise it’s worth it.”
The most difficult decision might just be choosing where to eat. Jimmy’s Philly Cheesesteaks serves up genuine Philly goodness. Mexi-rican offers a tasty fusion of Mexican and Puerto Rican dishes. Tom’s Taste of Chicago is just that: Whether it’s pizza or hot dogs, it’s served up Chicagostyle. Gourmet on the Go changes its menu regularly and may feature anything from crab cakes to empanadas to vegan salads. In the mood for grilled cheese that’s been kicked up a notch? Sweet Baby Cheeses is for you, and Tito says the biscuits from The Smoked Biscuit Company are the best he’s ever tasted. You can also treat the kids (and yourself) to an icy cool dessert from Kona Ice.
The area is truly a park with amenities that make for an enjoyable, comfortable experience.
“We have the covered area of the adjacent market,” says Tito. “There are tables, chairs, bathrooms, free parking, a kids’ park and we are ADA accessible.”
The area is maintained and cleaned by the city and has 24-hour security.
“We are getting more and more traffic through the park,” says Tito. “There is plenty of nearby parking, and the park is conveniently located and very accessible. We are fortunate to have something like this here in Ocala. Food truck parks have been blossoming all over the country, and Ocala has come up with the times.”
The trucks have come together to implement a loyalty card plus discount coupons for loyal customers. The cards are valid at all trucks, and once a customer receives 10 punches, the card can be exchanged for a $10 gift card that can be used at any of the trucks.
Ocala Downtown Market Food Truck Park //
Located at the corner of SE 3rd Avenue and SE 3rd Street // Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesday-Saturday
EL TOREO BRAISED ONION
Two Locations: 3790 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala // (352) 694-1401 // Mon-Sun 11am-10pm // 3510 SW 36th Ave. (SR 200), Ocala // (352) 291-2121 // Mon-Sun 11am-11pm Head to El Toreo for the best Mexican food this side of the border! Enjoy all of your favorite traditional Mexican dishes in a friendly and festive atmosphere. On Sundays, children’s meals are $1.95. Lunch specials: $5.45 Taco Salad Mondays, $5.45 Speedy Gonzalez Tuesdays, $7.95 Quesadillas Wednesdays, $6.95 Chimichangas Thursdays and $5.95 Burrito Supremes Fridays. Dinner specials: $10.95 Fajitas Mondays, $8.95 Chimichangas Tuesdays, $9.95 Alambre Wednesdays and $9.95 Tacos de Bistec Thursdays. Margarita specials: $1.95 margarita Mondays, 99 cent margarita Wednesdays and 2-4-1 margarita Saturdays. 754 NE 25th Ave., Ocala // (352) 620-9255 Tue-Thur 11:30am-9pm // Fri-Sat 11:30am-10pm Sun 11:30am-8pm // Mon Closed Now open with a brand-new menu and newly renovated dining room, you’ll experience Braised Onion’s famous “Comfort Food With Attitude” every time you visit. Begin your meal with an appetizer of Pow Pow Shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy glaze, or the Shrimp & Chilled Noodle Bowl is also a great pre-entrée starter. If you’re dining for lunch, try the Turkey Pesto Croissant or Bloody Mary Burger, and don’t miss the Seafood Cioppino or Grilled Pork Tenderloin for dinner. With a unique blend of savory and sophisticated, let Braised Onion be the restaurant you visit for every occasion. Make your reservations today!
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