FOOD TRUCK FRENZY

IMPACT ISLAND CAFE

We all have to eat, so why not eat something good? That’s one of a few adages we live by. We all think of good food differently, but one thing that we can all agree on is that some of our favorite food experiences have been had at a food truck.

And why do we love food trucks so much? They supply quick, easy-to-eat food that is generally portable, flavorful and memorable. But these aren’t the only reasons we have a passion for food trucks. It’s more than food. Food trucks provide a sense of community, bringing people together in a unique atmosphere for something we can all relate to. Many trucks have a picnic-like setting that allows patrons to mingle and meet, doing so in a way that restaurants do not, so you

can always count on making a few new friends. Food brings us together, but food trucks allow us to bond over a shared experience. Food truck popularity has grown tremendously around the area over the past few years. What seemed to start as just a few food trucks serving barbecue has evolved into an array

ODD TODD'S

of exceptional offerings. From Caribbean and vegan options to sweet treats, pizza and tacos, there are so many options served from a food truck locally. You can find food trucks situated everywhere from downtown Ocala to the Ocala National Forest. Follow along as we take a deeper dive into some of our favorite food trucks and provide you with a handful that you should try immediately. Tell them 352 Preview sent you! IMPACT L CAFE The good folks at Impact Island Cafe serve up some wonderful authentic Caribbean food with delicious vegan options and more. From their Jamaican Patties with beef, chicken or vegetable, to roti, jerk chicken and tender beef oxtails, Impact Island Cafe takes avor to a whole new level. They also have an assortment of vegan and vegetarian options, such as veggie roti, the BBQ jack burger and the cauli burger (pictured on this month’s 352 Preview cover!), a vegan crispy cauli ower burger topped with greens, tomatoes and avocado. You’ll want to make sure to add a side of plantains or barbecue cauli nuggets to your order to complete the meal. And once you nish spoiling yourself with some of the nest authentic Caribbean cuisine in the area, kick back with one of their superb smoothies. Personally speaking, you’re missing out if you don’t try the “Tropical Goodness” smoothie. Just saying! Impact Island Cafe Food Truck // See their full menu at https://bit.ly/3k8Bomz. // 1750 SE 58th Ave., Ocala // (352) 462-0122 // Open Sunday 1-6pm, Wednesday and Thursday 12-6pm and Friday 125pm // Check out their Facebook page facebook.com/impactislandcafe for more info. O ’S Odd Todd’s describes themselves as a rare find for foodies located in the heart of the Ocala National Forest in Salt Springs. And they couldn’t be more spot on! More than just a place to stop for a quick bite to eat, Odd Todd’s offers an unbelievable selection of food that will have you making a special trip. Here you will find a full slate of smoked meats and farm-fresh produce, which form the base for some incredible dishes. From

CURBSIDE

CUISINE tacos and burritos to sandwiches and more, Odd Todd’s has something for everyone. Odd Todd’s even offers produce boxes that include fresh salsa, raw local honey, fresh guacamole, as well as watermelon, pineapple, mangoes, okra, romaine and more. This food truck is doing something different and supplying some fantastic flavor in the process. Take the trip and check it out for yourself; you will not be disappointed!

Odd Todd's Food Truck // (352) 496-2766 // See their full menu at experienceoddtodds.com // Open Tuesday 11am-5:30pm, Thursday through Saturday 11am-7pm, Sunday 12-5:30pm and closed Monday and Wednesday

CURBSI CU E What is a good food truck roundup without some barbecue? Well, Curbside Cuisine serves up a bevy of excellent and unique treats, and their barbecue is certainly some of our favorite. However, you can expect a lot more from this food truck. It o ers more than

just your average plate of barbecue or ribs (although you can get that, too!). Curbside Cuisine o ers up unusual culinary creations that will have you questioning the way you have eaten barbecue in the past. For example, their barbecue wa e cone is like nothing you have ever experienced before. Picture a wa e cone packed with pulled pork, barbecue beans, coleslaw and macaroni and cheese. Are you ready for that? This is just one of their incredible dishes, and one of many reasons they made our list! If you’re around town and just looking for a little snack, try the loaded nachos, boiled peanuts or even the Frito pie, which is Fritos covered in chili, diced onions, shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. And yes, it comes in a Fritos bag!

Curbside Cuisine Food Truck // Check out their full menu at https://bit.ly/3dweV0a // (352) 216-5726 // Visit their Facebook page for details on where you can nd this truck today. C RLIE’S P CHOS Charlie’s Pinchos is doing something different, and they are doing it with flavor! Here you will find a variety of Puerto Rican cuisine, including a host of flavorful traditional dishes that we can’t seem to get enough of. They are focused on good service, incredible quality and great taste, which results in authentic Latin flavor that you will undoubtedly be coming back for. Their menu consists of an array of classics, such as pinchos with chicken or pork, tostones, plantains, “crazy” plantains and a trio of different mofongo. If you are looking for some flavorful, traditional Puerto Rican dishes, visit Charlie’s Pinchos. You will leave full and incredibly satisfied, and you will probably have some leftovers!

HUMBLE WOOD FIRE

Charlie's Pinchos Food Truck // 1600 SW 17th Ave., Ocala // (352) 470-3000 // Check their Facebook page for a full menu and dates and times of openings at facebook.com/charliespinchosocala.

HUMB W D FI If you are not a fan of pizza, we can’t be friends. Woodfire pizza is nothing short of

CHARLIE'S PINCHOS

exceptional, and Humble Wood Fire pizza is something you need in your life. More than just a food truck that serves up outstanding pizza, they have a full range of pies to choose from. They have pizza such as the Plain Jane, your typical cheese pizza (perfect for when you’re out and about with the kiddos!), or they have more adventurous pies, like the Berliner. This one features a garlic oil base, spicy mustard, bratwurst or seitan, red onion, mozzarella and sauerkraut. However, if pizza isn’t your thing, they also have calzones, salads and more. Humble Wood Fire even makes bagels and bagel sandwiches that are worth waking up early for! Do yourself a favor and experience something amazing— experience Humble Wood Fire today. A full calendar of events and location information as well as their full menu is available on the website listed below.

Humble Wood Fire Food Truck // (850) 766-4467 // See their full menu at humblewoodfire.com