2020 Food Truck Update: New Trucks Rolling Into CT...or Just New To You

AS IF…..Just when we think we’ve caught wind from every CT Food Truck rolling by, there are new ones popping up, or ones we’ve yet to try [too funny, didn’t plan that rhyme there!]. So, in the effort to always share what we love about CT food inside, outside, or on four wheels, here are a few great trucks that have launched in 2020, and a nice long list of mobile food options that will serve as a reminder to those of you who were already in the know! [For yet more mobile food options you can also refer to our recent guide to CT’s favorite food trucks here.]

Taco Guy, Stamford

Taco Guy will bring classic flavors of Mexico with a modern twist to your next event. Combining knowledge from years in the hospitality industry with a long family legacy of cooking, Taco Guy aka Adrian Hurtado will ensure your next event is restaurant caliber. Each taco starts with a tortilla hand made from Masienda masa, heirloom corn imported directly from Oaxaca, Mexico. A range of proteins created with highly refined modern and classic cooking techniques will satisfy everyone from the pickiest eater to the highly trained food critic. Choose from a family recipe pork carnitas, a classic chicken tinga, a rotating seasonal vegetable and more. Topped with hand made salsas--from mild to spicy--every taco explodes with incredible flavor from the first bite. Feeling thirsty? Years of experience at top bars in NYC (PDT, Pouring Ribbons and ATLA) allows Hurtado to curate a beverage experience that fits any event. From classic margaritas to innovative aguas frescas (mocktails), Taco Guy will keep you quenched.  

Using classic techniques honed over generations and modern methods learned at high end NYC establishments, at Taco Guy each taco and drink is created with one goal: to put a smile on your face.

Pink Elephant, Danbury

Guess  what? Not only are they a striking truck in black and pink but the flavors coming out of the window are as bright and vibrant as their logo rolling along the streets of Fairfield County.Want to know what sets them apart from the rest? Pink Elephant cuisine encompasses the fusion of high quality asian and Mexican Ingredients and is inspired by the storytelling of food. The history behind every dish, year round celebrations, and cultural expression through food brings everyone together, and creates more memories.Pink Elephant dishes are a unique BLEND of two different worlds using high-end, locally sourced, all-natural organic produce. Bringing fine dining at a convenience to you “What makes the human race so different, but the same on a plate?”

Fuego Picante,  West Hartford

For locals, “foodie Heaven” is Fuego Picante’s Mexican Food Truck, a place where your taste buds transport you to the best street taco stands in Mexico.   And it’s no wonder, because Chef Omar Bello grew up learning the secrets of his mother’s family recipes while he helped her run her humble eatery.  Back then, “Farm to Table” was the way good food was made.   As he grew older, he looked to expand his culinary experiences. Bello went to New York  to experience the diverse food scene. He thrived with any challenge. This was great, but it wasn’t his own business.  So, with the support of his wife, Jackeline Garcia, they left New York  and moved to Hartford. Committed to preparing fresh and authentic Mexican food, Fuego Picante starts out early each morning and preps for the day’s menu.  The freshness and the taste of the food have made Fuego Picante, “fiery spice” a favorite of Hartford area foodies.  Aside from the basic steak, chicken, and chorizo fillings, Chef Omar Bello enjoys featuring on certain days great specials.  On a given day you can enjoy a Quesadilla with Langosta/lobster, Shrimp Tacos on a bed of guacamole, or Carnitas.   Recently Chef Omar added Beef Birria to Saturday’s menu.  This is a traditional dish from Jalisco, Mexico which includes tacos and a side of the savory Birria Consommé, topped with a wedge of lime and of crunchy toppings.    

So, what’s on the next taquito?  Fuego Picante will be the first Food Truck in Connecticut to feature the original “Tacos al Pastor,” prepared in the traditional method.  “Al Pastor” meat is sliced and stacked on a vertical skewer. The large mounds of pork steaks that have been marinated will slowly cook as the meat gently cooks before a fire.  The juicy cooked meat is shaved off the skewer and placed on a corn tortilla along with slices of roasted pineapple, and trimmings.  Two authentic salsas are offered: avocado/tomatillo (mild) and a guajillo with chile de Arbol salsa (hot), both made daily.  

A meal cannot be complete without dessert.  Fuego Picante recommends those with a sweet tooth, to try their Churros sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, served with a side whipped cream, and a dipping sauce of the day! Enjoy their food, consider having Fuego Picante cater your next family or private event.  Provide the location, invite the people, they’ll bring their truck loaded with authentic appetizing food.

On The Fly, Bethel: If you haven’t already been swept away by Jeff Taibe’s Taproot in Bethel, then get ready for he and his team’s newest venture, On the Fly. Tempting tummies with all sorts of specials, especially dipping into his roots and training in Singapore with Southeast Asian inspired Rice Bowls and Tacos.

Ta-Que CT, Simsbury:  Bringing together Tyler Anderson’s favorite foods, tacos and bbq, and doing so in the most mobile way possible, Ta-Que is stationed in the Millwright’s parking lot with picnic tables. You can also bring your own chairs to the nearby lot and tailgate and hang with Ta-Que’s tasty treats. Just opened this week!

Kawa Ni, Westport and Darien: The amazing flavors of Bill Taibe’s Japanese pub has gone mobile. I’ll travel any distance for that pork rib confit, dumplings or that crab fried rice. Sign me up!

Los Mariachis on Wheels, Wallingford: With two trucks on hand Los Mariachis on Wheels, will offer  authentic Mexican flavors, and signature margaritas and cocktails at your next event. Or, keep tabs on where they’ll be and you can roll on up for delicious street tacos, burritos, quesadillas, chips and salsa, or tamales. Who gets tired of these? 

Lil’ Chip’s Pancake Truck, Voted Connecticut’s Best Pancakes more often than we can count, you can now stay in pjs and have them at your doorstep or for your next brunch at home. From your favorite toppings and syrups to actual healthy fruits you’ve had at the big Chip’s, there are endless fix-ins for your pancakes on the truck as well.

Queenie’s Cocktail Bar, Simsbury: With a bit of a false start due to the pandemic, Queenie’s is now officially official--ribbons were cut and everything--and ready to serve you with tremendously clever cocktails and, what else? Charcuterie! You’ll want to eat, drink, and merrily take a selfie in front of this adorable vintage truck.

Savory Smoke Barbecue, Norwalk: You can’t miss this splash of neon on wheels and the intoxicating smell of smoke….the delicious kind. Ryan Cuber’s  pop of color at farmer’s markets or the Norwalk green may be new to us but he’s certainly not new to barbeque. 

Chris and Roy's Brotherly Grub, Wallingford: With an endless menu of your favorite party foods, especially the carbo-filled fried stuff we all crave like mozzarella sticks and fried pierogies to wings, hot dogs, and pasta. There’s something for everyone’s cheat day cravings.

Tavern On The Go (from Greenhouse Cafe & Tavern), Burlington: From the beloved tavern and lush green patio, and nearby pond and waterfall, the Tavern is taking their popular items on the road. Ask about their Summer Picnic Packages and Taco specials for parties.

Backroads Smokin’ BBQ, Ellington: You might want to check out all the comments from customers just strolling by to the newlyweds who just had these guys cater their wedding. Nothing but finger lick happiness coming out of this smokestack on wheels.

Disco Forno, Hartford: First of all, their name translates to Party Oven, so we can probably all stop there. Then...well. Pizza. So there’s that. They are supplying CT, Mass, and NY with much needed, DELICIOUS, wood fired carbs.

Dino Bites, Stafford Springs: You might just learn more about dinosaurs when grabbing a hot dog at this wacky popular new truck, then you could anywhere else. With fun dinosaur names like the Raptor, T-Rex, and Carnivore, what a hoot for a kids party or your pal over there who just loves a good dog.

Blue Chip Creamery, Glastonbury: Blue Chip takes the ice cream truck from yesteryear to a whole new place. With fresh, fresh, fresh ingredients and generous servings bigger than the cup can hold, you might just need to have them at your next party. Check out their signature ice cream sandwiches like the Husky or the Black Sheep.

Cinnamon Churros, Danbury: You might just smell them before you see them--meant in the best way possible! Cinnamon is just one of those aromas that sends you into a state of yummy indulgence; then bam, you see the black and neon truck and the smell of fresh churros. Haven’t seen anything else like them around. From traditional to wild combos and toppings.

EP Local, Stratford: Vegan friendly and farm fresh but certainly no stranger to flavor, check out this newest venture by Chef Kevin O Neil an his ep experience team. Serving punches of deliciousness in sandwiches, salads, tacos, and sides and still sneaking in some of the Caribbean flavors he’s known for

Donato’s Pizza Truck, Hamden: Personal size pizzas from traditional to build your own flavors. Grab a Margherita, Chicken Parm, Escarole & Beans, or even a pie for dessert with chocolate and strawberries.

Cool Runnings Jamaican Food Truck, New Haven: Everyone knows New Haven’s got flavor and soooo much variety. But is there ever enough curry, pepper steak, or jerk chicken. Don’t think so! And this is on wheels. Can’t miss them with the bright Jamaican colors and their great tag: “Taste the Love!”

Vegan Ahava, New Haven: Rolling around in neon green, also known as the Green Machine, Vegan Ahava, celebrates the vegan plate with fresh soups, sandwiches, wraps, salads, and finger foods. “Ahava” means Love in Hebrew. I’d say, with just over a year out of the gate, this truck deserves the attention.

Low N Slow Catering, Torrington: They practically have flames coming out of the roof, you can’t miss the truck. With items like pulled pork and mac n cheese, pig rig sandwich, or redneck nachos, they are in your face with flavor.

Taco Shack, Torrington: Ready to “Taco Dirty” to you through their tremendous list of Tex Mex favorites, including piled high tacos and rice and bean bowls. Likely at your favorite CT brewery some time soon.

Street N Savory, Serving up the brightest dishes blending flavors from Asia, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean, find out where they are rolling by, or have them cater your next party.

Sonny’s Grinders, Southbury: Have you ever had a Hibachi Shrimp Grinder or Korean BBQ Steak & Cheese? We know the term fusion gets knocked around too much but Sonny’s style of fusion is the way to go. Get the above flavorful plates or poke bowls to California rolls.

Hot Z’s, for the tastiest in egg sammies, burgers, wraps, hot dogs, and grilled creations like the piglet grilled gruyere cheese with onions and peppers, contact Hot Z’s or find the truck. 

Alphonse’s Italian Street Food,  New Haven: delicious restaurant style Italian plates, but through a window of a truck. From Paninis and fresh pasta by the pound to their own jarred sauces, tell Nonna you’ll be with Alphonse next Sunday.

Proof Pizza, Bridgeport, Trumbull, Monroe: Out of a 1971 Superior Coach, the Pizza Company, now Proof Pizza, was born. Spreading their love for pizza around the  CT roll up for a classic pie or book ‘em for your next event.

Get Stuffed, Rolling all over the ‘Havens, they just might win for one of the best named trucks. Simple and to the point, you will truly roll away from the truck stuffed to the gills but with a smile. Piled high burgers and sandwiches with a splash of New England flair, Get Stuffed with….well, you get it. Who would  turn down a combo of Bourbon & Bacon? Ever?

New England Apple Fritters, Various: Ok, many of the trucks listed will emit aromas that wake you up and whet your taste buds, but I think the aroma from this truck might send you to a whole other dimension. You know, where the unicorns live. Cinnamon + cooked apples + fried dough + sugar? HELLO, you with me? FIND THEM or have them over for your next party.

Rustic Streats, Southington: New American street food, highlighting local and seasonal products. Featuring made-from-scratch cuisine ranging from soups and salads to skewers and sliders. All freshly prepared and made in-hand approachable.

Ice Cream Emergency, Oxford: Dolled up in Emergency Red and disguised as a mobile rescue unit, Ice Cream Emergency will come to you and save the day. With a loaded list of ice cream, even the low-fat kind, or frozen yogurt.

Los Garcia Mexican Fusion, Waterbury: Stroll up for the juiciest, authentic flavors from al pastor, steak, pork tacos to tortas, tacos, burritos, flautas, and quesadillas. There’s a reason their tag is “Explosion of Real Flavor!”

Naples Pizza Truck, Guilford: After 35 years in business, they are ready to bring delicious wood-fired pizzas, salads, and dessert to you. Ready in two minutes flat, take a look at their extensive selection of pizzas, and other tasty dishes.

Shoreline Prime Food Truck, Branford: Ok, now these guys know meat. From their famous steak tips to anything their butcher shop supplies, they’ll bring into. But, not just the meat, they throw the sides you crave like potato salad and baked beans.

Caribe Soul, New Haven: Repeat after me: Pernil, Jambalaya, Ceviche oh my.  Some of your favorite vibrant, delicious caribbean flavors roll up just for you. Find them at festivals, markets, or have them come to you. They even host classes!

Miss Bao, Danbury: Bao, Bao, and more Bao. Pockets of yumminess like beef and chicken, pork belly, shrimp or vegan. And hold on, sesame fries! Last place I checked I haven’t seen those anywhere else. Track ‘em down or have them cater your next party.

Rita’s Pitas Gyro Grill, Stratford: With hashtags like #GetYourGreekOn and #YouFetaBelieveIt you will be transported by the treats Rita’s has to offer. Gyros, Pita Chips, Season Fries and more.

Jonz N’ BBQ, Waterbury: Listen to this: Caribbean infused barbeque. Turmeric tortillas and pineapple glaze, alligator or smoked lamb. That’s enough to lick your lips and stand in line!

Shake and Stir Bar Trucks: What a fun, visual and tasty experience. Let their vintage 1950s trucks roll up and cater your next wedding, backyard party, or birthday.  They provide everything from the service and booze to speakers and food partners to work alongside your event.