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Food Truck Finds: Hot Trucks & Roundups May 9 – 15

Food Truck Finds: Hot Trucks & Roundups May 9 – 15

May 10, 20163 min read

Succulent shrimp, Korean kimchi, and a dynamic den of delectable desserts. And they’re all found roaming the streets of Tucson this week.

Nhu Lan Vietnamese

Bánh mì Sandwiches (Photo credit: Nhu Lan Vietnamese)
Bánh mì Sandwiches (Photo credit: Nhu Lan Vietnamese)

Craving authentic Vietnamese cuisine, with a few Chinese dishes added for good measure? Check out Nhu Lan Vietnamese, a Ho Chi Minh City import right here in Tucson.

  • Best Seller: Bánh mì Sandwiches. Bánh mì means bread in Vietnamese, and on these sought-after sammies, it’s a light, French-like baguette. Nhu Lan will add your choice of meat topped with fresh veggies like cucumber, cilantro leaves, and pickled shredded carrot, then a light drizzle of a favorite condiment.
  • Recommended: Shrimp Tempura. Crispy tempura batter and special sauce. It’s a relatively new menu item, so get there early because it will sell out quickly.
  • Where to Find: Nhu Lan is often located on 4th Avenue between 8th and 9th St.

For more information, visit Nhu Lan Vietnamese on Facebook

Bam Bam Truck

Lettuce Wraps (Credit: Bam Bam Truck)
Lettuce Wraps (Credit: Bam Bam Truck)

It may sound like a strange combination, but Bam Bam Truck calls its cuisine “Mexican Asian fusion.” Yeah, I know. Weird. Weird, but…good. Really good.

  • Best Seller: Korean Tacos. Sure, everybody offers tacos these days, but these multi-cultural gems are worth every bite. The corn tortillas include kimchi, cilantro, scallions, romaine lettuce, asian vinaigrette, salsa roja and sesame seeds. Your choice of meat includes steak bulgogi, spicy pork, tofu or chicken.
  • Recommended: Korean Burrito. A humongous flour tortilla is wrapped around Yakisoba noodles, an array of cheeses, kimchi, lettuce, asian vinaigrette, cilantro, and salsa roja. Again, the protein choice is yours.
  • Where to Find: Bam Bam has a new location. Check out its permanent spot at The Flycatcher on 4th Avenue, Thursday through Saturday. The red truck is set up from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

For more information, visit Bam Bam Truck on Facebook.

Pin-Up Pastries Tucson

Lime Macadamia Square (Credit: Pin-Up Pastries Tucson)
Lime Macadamia Square (Credit: Pin-Up Pastries Tucson)

Caaaaaaaake. Who doesn’t love cake? The creativity never stops with this wagon. In fact, you could visit Pin-Up Pastries sassy trailer every week this month and you’d probably find something new each time, like the Franken Cobbler in raspberry peach.

  • Best Seller: Whoopie Pies. In every conceivable flavor, like vanilla, salted caramel, pumpkin, and more, depending on the time of year or holiday. Get in line early for these or you’ll miss your chance.
  • Recommended: Lime Macadamia Squares. This is the next best thing to key lime pie and you will not believe you ate the whole thing. It’s amazingly tangy yet smooth.
  • Where to Find: Pin-Up Pastries Tucson is a regular at Raytheon on Hermans Rd, if you have plant access. Otherwise, check out the food truck events around town.

For more information, visit Pin-Up Pastries Tucson on Facebook.

Food Truck Gatherings May 9 – 15

  • Tuesday, May 10 at 10:30 a.m.
    • Downtown Food Truck Rally at Joel D Valdez Library at 101 N Stone Ave, Tucson. Confirmed: Meatball Madness.
  • Tuesday, May 10 at 4:30 p.m.
    • Meet & Greet at Legacy Traditional Elementary School – Northwest Tucson3500 W Cortaro Farms Rd. Confirmed: Pin-Up Pastries & Bugaloo’s Ice Cream.
  • Wednesday, May 11 at 5:00 p.m.
    • PTO Food Truck Round-up at Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary School, 8500 N Continental Reserve Loop, Tucson. Confirmed: Taco’queta, Jackie’s Food Court, Fire Engine Hotdogs, Hellfire Pizza Co, DC Jumbie Latin Caribbean, Vina Baguette Vietnamese Sandwiches, Meatball Madness, Bugaloos Ice Cream & Crush Gourmet Raspados.
  • Thursday, May 12 at 5:00 p.m.
    • Arts Night at Tortolita Middle School, 4101 W Hardy Rd, Tucson. Confirmed: Big Bad Wolf Food Truck, Jackie’s Food Court, Taco’queta Mexican Food, Bugaloo’s Ice Cream, King Kettle Corn & Crush Gourmet Raspados.
  • Friday, May 13 at 6:00 p.m.
    • Community Fair & Silent Auction at Sycamore Elementary School, 16701 S Houghton Rd, Corona de Tucson. Confirmed: BurgerRito, Drew’s Dogs, Kool Twists, Hellfire Pizza Co. & Cowboy Kettle Corn
  • Sunday, May 15 at 10:00 a.m.
    • Free Tucson Pops Concert at Reid Park, 837 S. Country Club, Tucson. Confirmed: You Sly Dog, Jackie’s Food Court & Bugaloo’s Ice Cream

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Article written by:

Kim Miklofsky Bayne

Kim Miklofsky Bayne

More about Kim
Kim M. Bayne is a freelance writer/editor, social media producer, and former food truck correspondent for Food Network's Eat St. (TV Show) blog. Find Kim via her project Street Food Files on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Three-peat!🏆🏆🏆

@Chef_antbanks of @obonsushi defended his Iron Chef Tucson title against AJ Mortazavi of The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery, with tomatoes from Wholesum Family Farms revealed as this year’s secret ingredient.

Dromgoole’s winning menu included pork with minced olives over a diced tomato salad, a tomato-forward ratatouille with mozzarella, charred corn and whipped ricotta served with tableside tomato soup, and a standout dessert of fried tomato topped with goat cheese ice cream and balsamic glaze.

With the victory, Dromgoole joins Ryan Clark as the only chefs to win @theironcheftucson three years in a row. Here’s hoping OBON brings these dishes back for a special dinner. 🍅

Photos by @jackie_tran_ 

#tucsonnewsThree-peat!🏆🏆🏆 @Chef_antbanks of @obonsushi defended his Iron Chef Tucson title against AJ Mortazavi of The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery, with tomatoes from Wholesum Family Farms revealed as this year’s secret ingredient. Dromgoole’s winning menu included pork with minced olives over a diced tomato salad, a tomato-forward ratatouille with mozzarella, charred corn and whipped ricotta served with tableside tomato soup, and a standout dessert of fried tomato topped with goat cheese ice cream and balsamic glaze. With the victory, Dromgoole joins Ryan Clark as the only chefs to win @theironcheftucson three years in a row. Here’s hoping OBON brings these dishes back for a special dinner. 🍅 Photos by @jackie_tran_ #tucsonnewsBreakfast & Brunch Week starts today and runs through July 26 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer! 

🏆🍳☀️❤️🥞THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival 
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards 
• $20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• $25 gift card to @beyondbreadbakerycafe 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @lovinspoonfulstucson, @delcielotamal, @hotelcongress, @prepandpastry, @cafealacarttucson, @tooleys_cafe, @localetucson, @teaspoontucson, @theofficialbreadandbutter, @losmilicsvineyards, @cafepassetucson… More suggestions on the website. Link in bio. 

Let’s support local 💝

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazBreakfast & Brunch Week starts today and runs through July 26 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer! 🏆🍳☀️❤️🥞THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • $25 gift card to @beyondbreadbakerycafe ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @lovinspoonfulstucson, @delcielotamal, @hotelcongress, @prepandpastry, @cafealacarttucson, @tooleys_cafe, @localetucson, @teaspoontucson, @theofficialbreadandbutter, @losmilicsvineyards, @cafepassetucson… More suggestions on the website. Link in bio. Let’s support local 💝 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim 

@bellasgelatoshoppetucson 
@bisouburger 
@blueicegelato 
@brooklynpizzaco 
@azbrucha 
@cerestucson 
@chillonsunrise 
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@frostgelato 
@frozendelight520 
@hubdowntown 
@lickscatalina 
@littleanthonysdiner 
@noodiestucson 
@okashi_ice_cream_confections 
@thescreamery 
@treat_byciaodown 
@varietyh2o_icecream 
@zio_peppe_az 

See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim @bellasgelatoshoppetucson @bisouburger @blueicegelato @brooklynpizzaco @azbrucha @cerestucson @chillonsunrise @decibelcoffeeworks @frostgelato @frozendelight520 @hubdowntown @lickscatalina @littleanthonysdiner @noodiestucson @okashi_ice_cream_confections @thescreamery @treat_byciaodown @varietyh2o_icecream @zio_peppe_az See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝

THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia 
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival

Let’s support local this summer💞

@anello_pizzeria 
@brooklynpizzaco 
@charredpie 
@ciaodownpizza 
@embersmobilewoodfiredpizza 
@empirepizzatucson 
@falorapizza 
@fentonellispizzeria 
@fiammepizza 
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@penelope.woodfired 
@reillypizza 
@reneestucson 
@roccoslittlechicago 
@serial_grillers_az 
@timemarket 
@uglybuthonestpizzeria 
@veroamoretucson 
@wholeslvcepizza 
@zio_peppe_az 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝 THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉 • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival Let’s support local this summer💞 @anello_pizzeria @brooklynpizzaco @charredpie @ciaodownpizza @embersmobilewoodfiredpizza @empirepizzatucson @falorapizza @fentonellispizzeria @fiammepizza @frescotucson @tucsonjaimes @localetucson @penelope.woodfired @reillypizza @reneestucson @roccoslittlechicago @serial_grillers_az @timemarket @uglybuthonestpizzeria @veroamoretucson @wholeslvcepizza @zio_peppe_az #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌

Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 

11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌 Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonFoodie Dinner at @Sonoranhouse_samhughes! 

Executive Chef @Culinarycowboy86d showcased delicious new dishes while guests enjoyed tastings and shared feedback. Thank you to Chef Gabby, @sonoranhouse_samhughes, and everyone who joined us!🥂

Want in on more foodie experiences? 
Here’s what Tucson Foodie Members get:

• $6,000+ in gift cards & perks
• Free monthly Foodie Hours
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#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieFoodie Dinner at @Sonoranhouse_samhughes! Executive Chef @Culinarycowboy86d showcased delicious new dishes while guests enjoyed tastings and shared feedback. Thank you to Chef Gabby, @sonoranhouse_samhughes, and everyone who joined us!🥂 Want in on more foodie experiences? Here’s what Tucson Foodie Members get: • $6,000+ in gift cards & perks • Free monthly Foodie Hours • Exclusive R&D dinners • Festival discounts • Help keep Tucson Foodie free #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!