All Images: Feastro Fans
There’s one city in this country that’s miles ahead of others in the food truck game, and that’s Vancouver.
While it’s rare to find a gourmet food truck in any city that’s even cracked their two-year anniversary, many on our west coast have been pushing food out a tiny truck window for several years. Feastro — The Rolling Bistro is going into its fourth season serving up gourmet tacos, Dungeness crab and shrimp cakes, Oceanwise tiger prawns, and sweet delicious Fanny Bay oysters. A seafood-lovers good-eatin’ kind of dream.
Business partners Paul Fenton and Chef Steve Myddleton like to describe their truck grub as “best of B.C.” It’s fresh and local, sustainable and organic, whenever possible. The menu changes with the seasons to use what is available locally. Feastro also does something many other trucks don’t: breakfast. As the most important meal of the day, wouldn’t it be swell to start it with a Truck Smoked Salmon Barney? Or perhaps a Maple Grilled Ham Steak Benny. I say ‘yes’ to all of that along with the freshly baked Jalapeno Corn Bread that comes with it.
Like most food truck owners, Paul welcomes the addition of new trucks on the streets saying, “it heightens awareness and gives everyone a higher profile.”
What surprised you about owning a food truck?
Paul Fenton: Virtually every day there is a new surprise, we’ve learned that you must be extremely adaptable.
What would you say to potential customers?
Paul Fenton: Just have an open mind as to what you might be able to experience. We’ve had food critics tell us that some of their best and most memorable meals have come from street food including ours.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a food truck?
Paul Fenton: You better have deep pockets and be prepared for long, hard days and a long uphill climb.
What Canadian city has the most progressive food truck scene and how would you like to see it evolve?
Paul Fenton: Vancouver and Calgary come to mind. I’d like to see increased awareness and grassroots movements similar to how things have evolved in say Portland, Oregon or Austin, Texas.
To own and operate a food truck you need…?
Paul Fenton: Serious dedication.
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Pay Chen is a TV host, writer, and producer who puts a lot of things in her mouth. If you have a favourite spot in the city to share, follow her on Twitter at @PayChen.
