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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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José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.

The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnewsItalian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.

Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her. Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝

Support 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.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bio!Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝 Support 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. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio!The Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️

Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. 

MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN:
@agustinkitchen 
@seiskitchen 
@prestacoffee 
@laestrella_tucson 
@dolcepastellocakes 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@santacruzriverfm 

MSA ANNEX:
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@kukai___ 
@bosburger__ 
@hidden_hearth 
@rolliestucson 
@westbound_tapandbottle 

THE MONIER:
@wholeslvcepizza 
@81barbersofficial 

Share your favorite stops with us!
More details on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucson #tucsonfoodieThe Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️ Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN: @agustinkitchen @seiskitchen @prestacoffee @laestrella_tucson @dolcepastellocakes @zumitosjuicebar @santacruzriverfm MSA ANNEX: @decibelcoffeeworks @kukai___ @bosburger__ @hidden_hearth @rolliestucson @westbound_tapandbottle THE MONIER: @wholeslvcepizza @81barbersofficial Share your favorite stops with us! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucson #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. 

The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. 

Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛

From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

WEEK 6 WINNERS
Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week:
* Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia
* Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
* arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
* donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe
* Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card
* Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card 

PRIZES
This week’s prize pool includes:
* Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets
* $100 Visa gift card
* @eljefecatcafe pass
* $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
* @desertmuseum passes

Presenting sponsor: @visittucson
Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollectiveHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛 From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. WEEK 6 WINNERS Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week: * Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia * Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival * arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum * donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe * Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card * Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card PRIZES This week’s prize pool includes: * Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets * $100 Visa gift card * @eljefecatcafe pass * $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe * @desertmuseum passes Presenting sponsor: @visittucson Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollective

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!