Food Truck Finds: Hot Trucks & Roundups May 16 – 22

What’s driving Tucson’s food truck frenzy this week? Bao buns, spicy Spam, and jalapeño hotness.

Tucson Fat Noodle

If you’ve been noodling around town looking for satisfying Asian-style fusion comfort food, how about a nice hot bowl of Japanese ramen? Or maybe something completely different than what you’ve come to expect from Tucson Fat Noodle?

• Best Seller: Ramen Burger. House-made noodles become the bun in this novelty version of the traditional American hamburger. Fresh leafy lettuce, a fat slice of ripe tomato, Hoisin sauce, and spicy mayo complete a tasty package.
• Recommended: If you see Fat Buns listed on the little piggy-shaped sign, go for it. Frequently sold out, the Fat Bun is a steamed and toasted Chinese or Bao roll filled with five-spice pork, cucumbers,  green onion, Hoisin, and mayo.
• Where to Find: Head for The Loft every Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. through July 29. Tucson Fat Noodle also shows up at local brew pubs, like Dragoon Brewing Co., and call centers on occasion.

For more information, visit Tucson Fat Noodle on Facebook.

Solid Grindz

Yes, it’s authentic Hawaiian food in the middle of the southwest desert. Don’t believe me? Just watch.

• Best Seller: Teriyaki Chicken. Marinated in Solid Grindz’s homemade teriyaki sauce then grilled. It’s melt-in-your-mouth good.
• Recommended: What’s a Hawaiian menu without Spam? If you’re a fan of this canned lunch loaf—made popular in Hawaii in World War II—try Spam Musubi when it’s on the menu. It’s fried Spam with rice, wrapped in seaweed, and marinated in homemade teriyaki.
• Where to Find: Solid Grindz is a lunchtime regular at the Davis Monthan Base Exchange, selling out every day by 1:30 p.m. If you don’t have base access, look for the orange truck at Al J’s Tavern or Snow Peas Modern Asian Kitchen, or at special events like the Cops & Rodders Car Show.

For more information, visit Solid Grindz on Facebook

Jackie’s Food Court

This mother-daughter team in a silver trailer offers good old American fare, like burgers, all-beef hot dogs, and fried zucchini.

• Best Seller: Order the Cheese Steak. Customers come back again and again for this popular sandwich. It’s the tasty combination of rib-eye steak, Philly cream cheese, red bell pepper, sautéed mushroom, and Monterey Jack cheese that gets them hooked.
• Recommended: Don’t forget a side of bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Poppers. What’s not to like about bacon and cheese?
• Where to Find: Jackie’s trailer sometimes serves it up at Raytheon on Hermans Rd. No plant access? Check out local school food truck round-ups and 2nd Saturdays Downtown Tucson.

For more information, visit Jackie’s Food Court on Facebook.

Food Truck Gatherings May 16 – 22

• Tuesday, May 17 at 11:30 a.m.
  • Food Truck Lunch at Simply Bits, 5225 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson. Confirmed: Meatball Madness.
• Wednesday, May 18 at 11:00 a.m.
  • Food Truck Lunch at Garmin International, 1705 S Research Loop, Tucson. Confirmed: You Sly Dog.
• Thursday, May 19 at 11:00 a.m.
  • Pima County Sheriff’s Dept. Lunch at Pima County Adult Detention Center, 1270 W Silverlake Rd, Tucson. Confirmed: Pin-Up Pastries Tucson.
• Friday, May 20 at 11:00 a.m.
  • Food Truck Lunch at UMC Banner South Center, 2701 E Elvira Rd, Tucson. Confirmed: DC Jumbie Latin Caribbean Food Truck
• Friday, May 20 at 11:30 a.m.
  • Food Truck Lunch at Simpleview, La Cholla Corporate Center, 7430 N La Cholla Blvd, Tucson. Confirmed: Don Pedro’s Peruvian Bistro.
• Friday, May 20 at 5:00 p.m.
  • Food in Root at Rancho Sahuarita Twilight Farmer’s Market, 15455 S Camino Lago Azul, Sahuarita. Confirmed: Don Pedro’s Peruvian Bistro, Pin-Up Pastries Tucson.
• Sunday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Music Under the Stars with the Tucson Pops Orchestra at Reid Park, 837 S. Country Club, Tucson. Confirmed: Pin-Up Pastries, Jackie’s Food Court, and You Sly Dog