Tag: catering

Catering, Food Trucks, Fun Story

Top 10 Food Trucks You Must Try

28 December 2024
ENG9INE The Fire Truck Food Truck

Food trucks have taken the culinary world by storm. Gone are the days when they were just a convenient way to grab a quick bite. Today, food trucks offer a gourmet experience on wheels, serving up everything from artisanal tacos to decadent desserts. If you’re a foodie on the hunt for the best eats in town, you’re in luck. Here is our curated list of the top 10 food trucks you absolutely must try.

1. The Rolling Gourmet

Gourmet Food Truck

by Brooke Lark (https://unsplash.com/@brookelark)

The Rolling Gourmet is a must-visit for anyone who loves gourmet burgers. Their signature burger, topped with truffle aioli and crispy shallots, is nothing short of divine. The truck’s sleek design and friendly staff only add to the experience. Whether you’re a burger aficionado or just in the mood for something indulgent, this truck delivers.

2. Taco Twist

Taco Twist takes the humble taco to new heights. Known for their innovative fillings, like Korean BBQ and spicy mango shrimp, this truck offers a fresh take on a classic favorite. Each taco is a burst of flavor, and their homemade salsas are the perfect accompaniment. If you’re in the mood for a culinary adventure, this is the place to start.

3. Sweet Wheels

Dessert Food Truck

by Chase Baker (https://unsplash.com/@sandbarproductions)

For those with a sweet tooth, Sweet Wheels is a must. This dessert truck specializes in gourmet ice creams and pastries that are both beautiful and delicious. Their lavender honey ice cream is a fan favorite, and their chocolate-dipped cannoli are the stuff of dreams. With rotating seasonal specials, there’s always something new to try.

4. BBQ Boss

If you’re a fan of smoked meats, BBQ Boss is the food truck for you. Their slow-cooked brisket and pulled pork sandwiches are legendary. The rich, smoky flavors are complemented by their homemade sauces, which range from sweet and tangy to fiery hot. This truck is a carnivore’s paradise and a staple at local food festivals.

5. Vegan Voyage

Vegan Food Truck

by Odiseo Castrejon (https://unsplash.com/@edgarraw)

Vegan Voyage proves that plant-based food can be both delicious and satisfying. Their menu offers a variety of creative dishes, like jackfruit tacos and quinoa-stuffed peppers, that are sure to please vegans and non-vegans alike. With its commitment to fresh, local ingredients, this truck is a hit with the health-conscious crowd.

6. Pita Patrol

Pita Patrol brings Mediterranean flavors to the streets with their fresh and flavorful dishes. From gyro wraps to falafel bowls, their offerings are packed with taste and texture. The truck’s homemade tzatziki sauce is the perfect finishing touch. For a quick and healthy meal, Pita Patrol is a top choice.

7. Noodle Nirvana

Craving some comfort food? Noodle Nirvana has you covered with their delicious array of noodle dishes. From spicy ramen to creamy pad thai, there’s something for every palate. The truck’s generous portions and bold flavors make it a favorite among locals. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy or savory, Noodle Nirvana won’t disappoint.

8. The Catch

Seafood lovers rejoice! The Catch offers fresh, sustainable seafood dishes that are sure to satisfy. Their lobster rolls are a standout, packed with tender lobster meat and a hint of lemon. The truck’s fish tacos, drizzled with a zesty lime sauce, are another must-try. With its commitment to quality and flavor, The Catch is a seafood haven on wheels.

9. Curry Caravan

Curry Food Truck

by Katie Smith (https://unsplash.com/@kate5oh3)

Curry Caravan takes you on a journey through the rich and diverse world of curries. Offering both traditional and fusion dishes, this truck is a spice lover’s paradise. Their butter chicken and chickpea curry are crowd favorites, each one bursting with flavor and aroma. For a taste of the exotic, Curry Caravan is a must-stop.

10. Grilled Cheese Guru

Grilled Cheese Guru elevates the classic grilled cheese sandwich to an art form. With options like the brie and apple melt or the jalapeƱo cheddar crunch, this truck offers something for everyone. Each sandwich is perfectly toasted and oozing with cheesy goodness. It’s comfort food at its finest and a must-try for cheese lovers everywhere.

Conclusion

Food trucks offer a unique dining experience that’s both fun and delicious. Whether you’re in the mood for gourmet burgers, exotic curries, or sweet treats, there’s a food truck out there waiting to serve you. The next time you’re wandering the streets in search of a meal, keep an eye out for these top 10 food trucks. Your taste buds will thank you!

Catering, Equipment, Event Planning, Food Trucks

Hire a Fire Truck Food Truck

26 December 2024
Fire Truck side Cranwell

Imagine this: a roaring red fire truck pulls up to your event, but instead of hoses and water tanks, it’s loaded with delicious street food. Sounds like a scene from a movie, right? Well, it’s not! Hiring a fire truck food truck is a reality and an exciting way to add a spark to your next event. Whether you’re organizing a corporate gathering, a wedding, or a community festival, a fire truck food truck can bring a unique and memorable experience to the tableā€”or should we say, to the street.

The Allure of the Street Food Truck

Street food trucks have taken the culinary world by storm, offering gourmet meals on wheels and a taste of diverse cultures. Theyā€™ve become the darlings of food festivals and street fairs, serving everything from tacos to artisan ice cream. But what if you could take this concept up a notch? Enter the fire truck food truckā€”a fusion of nostalgia, innovation, and mouth-watering cuisine.

A Unique Twist on Traditional Food Trucks

The charm of a fire truck food truck lies in its ability to capture the imagination. As children, many of us were fascinated by fire trucksā€”those shiny red behemoths racing down the street with sirens blaring. By transforming them into mobile eateries, we combine the excitement of childhood dreams with the adult pleasure of good food.

These converted fire trucks are not just about the novelty; they offer all the functionality of a traditional food truck. Equipped with full kitchens, they can serve up a variety of dishes, ensuring your guests have plenty of options to choose from.

Why Hire a Fire Truck Food Truck?

A Memorable Experience

Events are all about creating memories, and nothing sticks in the mind like a unique experience. A fire truck food truck is not something people see every day, and it adds an element of surprise and delight to any occasion. Your guests will likely be snapping photos and sharing their experiences on social media, giving your event extra exposure.

Flexible and Versatile

Fire truck food trucks are versatile and can be customized to fit your event’s theme or cuisine preference. Whether you’re looking for gourmet burgers, vegan delights, or international flavors, there’s a fire truck food truck to meet your needs. Plus, they can serve in various settings, from urban landscapes to rural retreats.

Cost-Effective Catering Solution

Hiring a fire truck food truck can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional catering. You avoid the costs associated with renting a venue or setting up a dining area. The trucks come fully equipped, reducing the need for additional rental equipment. Plus, the simplified setup and tear-down process means you save on time and labor.

How to Hire a Fire Truck Food Truck

Finding the Right Fit

When hiring a fire truck food truck, it’s essential to find a vendor that aligns with your event goals and budget. Start by researching local vendors and reading reviews to get a sense of their reputation and service quality. Donā€™t hesitate to ask for recommendations from friends or event planners who have experience with food trucks.

Ask the Right Questions

Before you commit, ask potential vendors about their menu options, pricing, and availability. Inquire about any special requirements they might have, such as permits or power sources. Itā€™s also worth discussing their experience with similar events to ensure they can handle your specific needs.

Planning and Logistics

Once you’ve selected a fire truck food truck, coordinate with them to plan the logistics of the event day. This includes determining the best location for the truck, scheduling arrival and departure times, and setting up a system for serving guests efficiently. Good communication with the vendor ensures that everything runs smoothly.

ENG9INE The Fire Truck Food Truck
ENG9INE The Fire Truck Food Truck

Fire Truck Food Truck: A Marketing Manager’s Dream

For marketing managers, the fire truck food truck offers a golden opportunity to create standout content. Imagine the buzz you can generate on social media with photos and videos of your event featuring this eye-catching attraction.

Crafting a Unique Story

The story of a fire truck food truck is inherently captivating. Use it as a narrative anchor for your event’s marketing campaign. Highlight the novelty factor, the delicious food, and the fun, interactive experience. This approach not only entertains your audience but also aligns with your goal of increasing brand awareness and customer engagement.

Leveraging Social Media

Encourage your guests to share their experiences on social media by creating a unique hashtag for your event. You can even run a contest for the best photo or post featuring the fire truck food truck. This user-generated content can amplify your marketing reach and create a sense of community around your brand.

Measuring Success

After the event, analyze the engagement metrics from your social media platforms and gather feedback from attendees. Look for increases in brand awareness, website traffic, and customer interaction. These insights will help you gauge the success of incorporating a fire truck food truck into your event and refine your future marketing strategies.

Conclusion

Hiring a fire truck food truck is not just about serving food; it’s about creating an unforgettable experience that resonates with your audience. It offers a unique twist on traditional catering, providing flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and a memorable experience for your guests. For marketing managers looking to create engaging and original content, a fire truck food truck is a fantastic tool to captivate and connect with your audience. So, why settle for ordinary when you can hire extraordinary? Get ready to ignite your next event with a fire truck food truck!

Catering, Event Planning, funfair events

New Lines For 2021, Chinese Noodle Bar

24 November 2024

We review our line up catering items on a regular basis. Some new lines we come up with ourselves. Some are because there is a market for them and we have seen competitors offering them. Others are asked for by our corporate clients. The gourmet burger service we added last December was in response to a request from one of our major clients. One of our new lines is a consequence of a brain storming session we had. One of our office staff particularly likes noodles, so she put the idea of a Chinese noodle bar forward. It made the cut as one of a number of new things we will be offering in the coming year.

Noodles

There are four main types of egg noodles you find at Chinese takaways. These are;

Thin Wonton Noodles

Very thin string like noodles. Usually found in wonton noodle soup, or other simple dishes. Usually boiled, drained then topped with a simple sauce.

Wide Wonton Noodles

Similar to their thinner brethren, but, well, thicker. Perfect for heartier soups, or more substantial dishes with beef and oiler flavours.

Hong Kong Style Chow Mein Noodles

These are more what we regard as a noodle. Perfect for stir frying and making the classic noodle dishes.

Lo Mein Noodles

A thicker noodle, again used in stir fried noodle dishes, usually paired with a heavy rich sauce, less springy than the other noodles.

Typical Menu

We are still experimenting with the standard menu we intend to offer, but here are some options we are looking at for the initial carts.

Chicken Curry

A nice simple classic that everyone loves. Well, not vegetarians obviously, and not chicken haters.

Beef In Black Bean Sauce

Egg noodles, beef, soy sauce and a mixture of chillies, peppers and ginger giving a nice spicy kick.

Vegetable Noodles

Thick egg noodles with a selection of stir fried vegetables.

Sweet And Sour Chicken Noodles

Another classic Chinese dish. Noodles, chicken and a sweet and sour sauce.

Yakisoba Noodles

A sweet Japanese soy sauce and pickled ginger with egg noodles.

Of course at this stage these are subject to change, and once the cart is operating we will drop the least popular options and try new ones. Additionally like our other catering options we can work with you to create a customised menu for your guests.

Our noodle boxes provide plenty of space for adding corporate logo’s of the names of a bride and groom. One thing we are wrestling with, is should we go traditional and issue chopstix, or stick to forks so that everyone actually gets something to eat.

Chinese Cart

Our street food style stalls lend themselves perfectly to the theme and we are working on adapting one especially for the noodles. For smaller events, or where space is at a premium we can use one of our smaller carts to host the noodle bar.

Catering, Fun Story

Easter, The First Major Funfair Event Of The Season

29 March 2024

The first of the major funfair holiday events has just kicked off.

Easter Eggs

Of course everyone is aware of the tradition of giving eggs for Easter. But have you ever thought why?

Easter is a Christian festival, and for Christians giving eggs symbolises new life. It is claimed this practice started with the early Christians of Mesopotamia who stained birds eggs red in memory of the blood of Christ.

There is also an association in Western Christians not being allowed to eat eggs during Lent, but allowed them at Easter.

A common practice in medieval England was for children to go door to door begging for eggs on the Saturday before Lent. These were handed out as special treats.

I remember during my youth going door to door. Many of the elder generation would give us hard boiled eggs that had been painted. The better of neighbours actually gave us chocolate. Many would also press a few coppers on us, when you were five or six years old, the few pounds you accrued made you think you were rich.

Antiquity

It wasn’t an exclusively Christian thing though. London’s British Museum contains some large ostrich eggs that have been carved and painted. These have been found in tombs. After investigation it is believed that eggs like this can date back up to 5000 years, well before the Christian religion. And decorated eggs up to 60,000 years old have been discovered in Africa.

Chocolate Eggs

J.S. Fry and sons of England introduced their first chocolate egg in 1873, closely followed by Cadbury’s in 1875. Cadbury’s created the modern egg with the introduction of pure cocoa butter that could be moulded into hollow egg shapes. Now up to 80 million chocolate eggs are consumed in the UK alone. It’s nice to see the steady move away from plastic packaging to more environmentally friendly alternatives.

Faberge Eggs

Personally my favourite eggs are those produced by the Russian craftsman at Faberge for the last two Russian Tsars. Masterpieces of decorative art, many contain hidden surprises such as clockwork birds or miniature toys.

Catering, Unusual Restaurants

Unusual Restaurants, Cabbages and Condoms

23 March 2024

Cabbages and condoms, as restaurants go, this one not only has an unusual name, it had an unusual beginning. Originally a small vegetable stall in Bangkok on some office premises of the PDA, a community development association concerned with family planning.

The outfit used to sell vegetables, lace panties, t-shirts, condoms and oral contraceptives! Somehow I doubt we will ever see a similar portfolio in Burger King or McDonalds.

The chairman of the PDA Mechai Viravaidya called the shop cabbages and condoms. The catchy sobriquet it seemed tended to amuse passers by, and drew people into the shop. In the seventies, a small restaurant was added serving Thai dishes.

The cuisine gained a following due to its quality, and eventually it developed into a full restaurant.

Expansion Abroad

The chain now has restaurants in Japan and England. More precisely Bicester in Oxfordshire, though I don’t think the decor etc is quite the same, being more of a vanilla style Thai eatery.

We offer a range of noodles and such like, though sadly without the condoms, for that you need to stick with cabbages and condoms.

Catering, Event Planning, Unusual Restaurants

Unusual Restaurants, La Bodega Negra

9 March 2024

Ever fancied a stroll down Soho. That side of London that was renowned for its seediness, that eventually morphed into a sort of coolness.

Whilst you are there, what about popping into the establishment below!

No, we haven’t just turned into some sort of cheap Only Fans knock off. This fine frontage is actually the entrance to one of London’s best Mexican restaurants. Oh and they make a fabulous tequila cocktail.

You walk in only to be met with a an interior exactly like you would expect a sex show to present. I have to admit, it is quite daunting, trying to figure out if you have just brought the wife to an actual Mexican restaurant. Or if you are going to have to spend the night convincing her you weren’t actually trying to drag her into a peep show.

Happily, once through the next door, you do actually find yourself in an actual purveyor of food and drink, rather than pleasures of the flesh.

If you want something a little less daring but with a touch of fabulous gourmet catering check us out.

Catering, Equipment, Fun Story, Unusual Restaurants

Unusual Restaurants, Dinner In The Sky

10 February 2024

Dinner In The Sky, another in our series looking at some of the more unusual eating establishments around the globe. This one is different because it is situated around 150 feet in the sky!

This one is present in around 60 countries. Starting in Belgian in 2007, David Ghysels who owned a marketing company and Stefan Kerkhofs, a bungee jump organiser partnered to create an aerial based dinner for the Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe association.

This led to them being contacted by people from around the world who wanted to replicate the experience. They decided to go down the franchise route.

By 2009 Dinner In The Sky they were operating in more than a dozen countries including China and Canada.

Permanent Location

Michael and Janeen Hinden discovered the concept at a trade fair in 2008. They tested the concept at a New Years party, and eventually put the plans in motion for a permanent location in Las Vegas. Costing $4 million the location was to have a ground based restaurant as well as the high flying set up.

We can take to new heights with our gourmet catering options, but admittedly not 150ft dinner in the sky.

Catering, Equipment

Burger Joints Of The World, Nathan’s Famous

20 January 2024

Another American chain tracing their history back over 100 years. Starting life as a nickel hot dog stand in Coney Island in 1916, the chain bears the name of it’s co founder, Nathan Handwerker. Nathan started the business with his wife Ida. The hot dog recipe they used was her idea, with her grandmother creating the secret spice sauce.

Although they were Jewish, their produce lacked rabbinic supervision and the meat wasn’t kosher, they advertised it as ‘kosher style.’

Handwerker was an immigrant who arrived in New York and found work at Feltman’s restaurant in Coney Island.

Going Into Business For Himself

One legend has it that Eddie Cantor and Jimmy Durante, the ‘singing waiters’ encouraged him to start his own restaurant. The official company history doesn’t mention this, but it’s a nice story. The couple spent their life savings of $300 to start the business.

When he launched he undercut his former employer who was charging 10c for a hot dog. Nathan’s came in at 5c!

At the time, food regulation wasn’t really a thing, and hot dogs were considered cheap fare. Handwerker had customers dressed in surgeons smocks eating at his place, presumably surgeons would only eat good food.

Expansion

Nathan’s son Murray drove the expansion of the chain. A second branch in New York was added in 1959 and a third in 1965. By 1968 the company had gone public.

The family sold the chain to a group of private investors in 1987, at which point the chain was franchised and expanded rapidly. They acquired Kenny Rogers Roasters and Miami Subs Grill.

By 2001 Nathan’s Famous had 24 company owned units, 380 franchised units and 1400 stores in 17 foreign countries around the globe.

They signed a deal with major league baseball in 2017 to become the official hot dog sponsor.

The original store had remained open 365 days a year since its inception, until being forced to close due to hurricane Sandy, but six months later it was repaired and reopened.

One quirk is that the original store still served fried frogs legs which has been on the menu since the 1950’s

Hot Dog Contest

On the 4th July Nathan’s Famous hosts an annual hot dog eating contest. Starting in the 1970’s the contest sees contestants trying to eat as many hot dogs as possible in 10 minutes. The current record holder is Joey Chestnut with 76 hot dogs and Miki Sudo with 48 and 1/2 for the ladies.

Catering, Equipment

Burgers of The World, The Big Mac

13 January 2024

There are few burgers as iconic as the Big Mac. Indeed there are few products as iconic full stop.

“Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame-seed bun” as the jingle goes. Our hero burst onto the scene in the 1960’s, but it’s birth wasn’t a smooth one.

Michael James ‘Jim’ Delligatti

Our hero was a WWII veteran by the name of Michael Delligatti, or ‘Jim’ as he was known. Jim, opened his first franchised McDonalds in 1957 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. A successful store saw him eventually opening just short of 50 stores.

Jim, found that his key customers weren’t entirely satisfied by the burgers he served. After a hard shift in the local steel mills, they wanted something more substantial. Local diners tended to sell big sandwiches, and it was this he took as his inspiration.

The Boss Says No

Hard to believe given its superstar status. At first, the higher ups in the McDonalds organisation were reluctant to stray from their established formula. McD’s worked because it was a standard offering across the nation. Wherever you went, you knew exactly what you were getting, because they all tasted the same.

Jim, refused to back down, and eventually in 1967, he was given the green light to create his masterpiece. They did have one condition though, he had to use only products which were already in use at McDonalds. Being the maverick, though Delligatti replaced the existing burger buns, with a double sliced sesame-seed topped bun.

The Big Mac Is Born

After coming up with its signature secret sauce, he launched his creation at his Uniontown store for the price of 45 cents.

At its launch though it wasn’t called the Big Mac. It was at various times called the Blue Ribbon Burger and the Aristocrat. Enter the second of our hero’s in the story. A young advertising secretary, Esther Rose is widely credited with coming up with the name Big Mac.

The burger was a roaring success. So much so that the bosses at McD’s performed a 180 degree turn and decided to roll the creation out nationwide.

Today’s Big Mac, is pretty much the same as its original version. Though the secret sauce has been tinkered about with over the years, but evidentially was restored to its original recipe in 2004.

For a better than a Big Mac Burger visit us.

Catering, Food Trucks, Fun Story

New Equipment, Our Churros Box

30 December 2023
Churros Box At Night

As part of our ongoing efforts to expand our services, especially for larger events. We have added a new Spanish Churros unit.

In the past we have added churros making equipment to various of our existing catering units. This one has been purpose built especially for high volume events, although it will work just as well at a wedding or smaller event.

Our Little Blue Churros Box

High Capacity Churros Making Kit

To partner with our new unit, we selected a range of kit from J L Blanco, one of Spain’s leading manufacturers of churros making equipment.

High yield circular fryers were added in both electric and gas versions, allowing us the ability to operate with low power generators where necessary, or utilise the higher throughput of the electric fryer when adequate power is avialable.

Electric Churros Fryer
Electric Churros Fryer

Automatic Churros Dispenser

To partner with the fryer we selected a fully automatic dough dispenser. This dispenses, measures and cuts the extruded dough to the correct length, dropping a pre selected number of churros into the fryer at the touch of a button giving our churros box a super high yield potential.

Automatic Churros Dispenser
Automatic Churros Dispenser

Of course knowing the propensity of electronics to cease working at the most inconvenient of times, we also added a manual dispenser, allowing us to do it the old fashioned way.

Manual Dispenser
Manual Dispenser

Birmingham Cathedral Market

The first outing for the new churros box was the cathedral Christmas market in Birmingham. A 5 week stint serving churros at the festive event proved the units worth.

Although the unit is perfectly at home with smaller events, it is designed primarily for larger events and festival, where it can operate constantly at high speed for hours on end. If you are planning a major event, or just have a lot of hungry guests then this is the way to go.

Ask us for more details, remember all you need is love and churros.