Maine-line This: Garbo's Lobster Truck

Last summer, two girlfriends and I headed off to Maine for a first annual girls' trip and food pilgrimage. We spent four glorious days escaping the Texas heat, reveling in the gorgeous Maine landscape, and eating lobster. Lots and lots of lobster.

One of the (many) casualties of our trip.

This summer, as the heat has slowly taken hold of our fair city, I've found myself spending an undue amount of time dreaming of Maine. I'd cast about a little for the perfect lobster roll here in hopes of transporting at least my taste buds north, but to no avail. Then, I discovered Garbo's lobster truck.

There is something to be said for doing one thing, and doing it really, really well. Garbo's has two offerings: a Maine-style lobster roll and a Connecticut-style lobster roll. On the Maine-style roll, the lobster is tossed in Garbo's homemade mayo with a bit of celery and some seasonings. On the Connecticut-style roll (my favorite of the two), the lobster is dressed with lemon tarragon butter and topped with some chopped scallions. In both cases, the rolls are made on lovely buns from Sweetish Hill. And in both cases, the rolls are ah-may-zing. Overflowing with tender lobster. Just enough moisture from the mayo or the butter to tie it all together without overwhelming the lobster flavor. In short, a $14 trip to Maine without having to jam yourself into a tiny seat for three hours.

Connecticut-style, baby.

These rolls truly rival their counterparts up north. Now if Garbo's could just bring some of that gorgeous Maine summer weather down here, I'd be the happiest woman alive.

Garbo's Lobster Truck

(various locations - check website for schedule)

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Food Photo(s) Friday - Hot Dog King

Workin' all week, 9 to 5 for my money
So when I go out to eat it had better be yummy
Rollin' down the street, I saw this food truck it was pumpin'
I winked my eye, got outta my ride, walked on over, it was jumpin'
Checked the menu; finally said, "A Deer Dog's my desire,"
She said, "One venison dog comin' up, baby doll - and these jalapenos are on fire,"
Word to the ranks: if you want a great frank, look no further than Hot Dog King
They're so all right that baby, just one bite will make you want to do the wild thing.

- Wild Thing, revised (with apologies to Ton Loc)

Deer Dog made with local smoked venison sausage (onions and jalapenos are add-ons) - $4


Chili cheese dog (Fritos added!) - $5 (without the Fritos)


The King.*

*Actually, THIS is a picture of The King. And it is awesome.

Hot Dog King
8th and Red River Streets
Austin, Texas
Their website

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Getting Peached at The Peached Tortilla

It used to be that the American Dream was defined by the small business owner who became successful by virtue of hard work and clean living. For later generations who were fortunate enough to benefit from their parents' and grandparents' pursuit of that dream, another element was added to the mix: the desire to succeed at something they were passionate about.

It is obvious to anyone who's spent a few minutes talking to Eric Silverstein that he is on track to achieving the new version of the American dream. He quit a lucrative job as a lawyer in Missouri to launch The Peached Tortilla, a mobile food truck business that has spent the last four months winning the hearts of food lovers in Austin. Not only is the food being turned out of this truck outstanding, but Eric's passion is infectious, and his humble, friendly demeanor means that every visit to The Peached Tortilla is not just a food run, but a visit to a friend.

The Peached Tortilla open for business.

As anyone who knows me knows, I tend to be a little suspicious of Asian fusion. I'm not sure whether I'm a traditionalist or just protective of the flavors I grew up with, but I typically cast a wary eye upon perceived attempts to evolve Asian flavors into something different. But Eric and his chef, Louis (who has worked the kitchens at Maria Maria and Imperia), have done this right. They've captured influences from Asian, Mexican, and Southern cooking and have married them in a way that makes the finished product into something altogether new, and definitely delightful. Everything I've tasted here was busting at the seams with bright, crisp, fresh flavors. This is Asian fusion I can get behind. Their menu tops out at $3.50, so it's very affordable for upscale-restaurant-quality food. And with gluten-free and vegetarian options available, there's a little something here for everyone.

Just look at this gorgeousness. How can you not want to eat this?


Top: crunchy catfish taco (Southern spiced, cornmeal-encrusted catfish with creamy slaw, spicy mayo, and purple cabbage);
Bottom: banh mi taco (Vietnamese-braised pork belly topped with pickled daikon and carrot salad, sriracha mayo, and cilantro).


L to R: Southern squash taco (sautéed citrus-scented summer squashes and red peppers, sweet onions, spiced pecans, basil aioli);
chicken pad thai taco (chicken sautéed in pad thai sauce with bean sprouts, peanuts, and lime wedge);
banh mi taco.


Left: Banh mi slider (Vietnamese-braised pork belly, pickled daikon and carrot salad, sriracha mayo, cilantro)
Right: BBQ brisket slider (brisket, creamy slaw, smoky roasted peach BBQ sauce).


Belgian fries - served with your choice of dipping sauces (peach mint, truffle mayo, bacon ranch, smoky roasted peach BBQ, or sriracha mayo). All of the ones I've tasted have been wonderful, but the peach mint is their special, and it is AMAZING.

Want to get peached? These guys are on the move, so check the truck schedule on their website to find them. You'll be glad you did.

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