Newly launched ESPN Food Truck brings quite the scene with global cuisine from the chef at Kogi BBQ Food Truck & World Cup Games playing on the truck-mounted Flat Screen TV.
The Grubdown:
- delightfully fresh greens, but kinda bland Italian Arancini Bastardo Rice Balls ($4) with Baby Arugula, Fava Bean, Green Bean, Radish, Shaved Parmesan & Buffalo Mozzarella Salad
- you'll want to order more, definitely Kogi bbq style Korean Yaki Mandoo Pork Dumplings seasoned with Sesame, Ginger, Garlic & Rice Wine Vinegar-Soy Sauce (3 for $4, 6 for $7)
- heavy on the garlic & lime, super-charged Mexican Carne Asada Burrito with Pinto Beans, Cotija Cheese, Chopped Onion & Cilantro ($5)
Yesterday was a beautiful day on the 5900 Wilshire Blvd. block of Miracle Mile in Los Angeles. The ESPN Food Truck was parked right in front of the wide open grassy lawn, making it a perfect lunch-hour picnic to watch the World Cup Games – specifically Mexico beating France 2-0 – from the truck's very own Flat Screen TV.
My hand model, Evan, and I kicked off our global tour, via mouth, with Italy – the Arancini Bastardo Rice Balls & Veggie Salad. As soon as the whistle blew I headed straight for the field greens – my personal mantra is, "Always eat your greens first!" I was very impressed by the freshness and variety of veggies – snappy Haricot Verts, Buttery Fava Beans, peppery Baby Arugula & crisp Radishes. The creamy fresh Buffalo Mozzarella does a nice job of balancing out the sharp Shredded Parmesan & tangy Lemon Vinaigrette. Next up, the Rice Balls. They have a good sear and buttery flavor, but the Toasted Breadcrumbs & Sesame Seeds wrapped inside were very hard for my palate to find. To break up the monotonous flavor fight, I recommend spreading the rice players evenly amongst the field.
After Italy, we headed straight for Korea – Yaki Mandoo Pork Dumplings. As soon as the tender Pork Dumpling entered my goalmouth I knew the Kogi Chef was behind the shot. If you love Kogi BBQ, you will definitely love these, because their signature Rice Wine Vinegar-Soy Sauce is always in play. I recommend ordering 6 for $7, because three is not enough, especially if you're splitting (1 1/2 each, math done.)
We ended the game with the Carne Asada Burrito. While it may seem normal in size, this monster burrito packs in so much bang for your buck, you might wanna get your vuvuzela out and jump for joy. Each bite launches Pinto Beans, tangy Cotija Cheese, Chopped Onion & Cilantro, and borderline offensive Garlic & Lime chunks of Carne Asada. Also representing Team Mexico is the Huevos Rancheros ($5), but after splitting the Burrito we both needed a rest.
More teams include U.S.A.'s Mini Sliders ($6) and Silver Dollar Pancakes with Hash Browns ($3), Spain's Tortilla Espanola ($4), Greece's Lamb Gyro ($6), and South Africa's Bunny Chow ($6).
Other than the yellow card I give the Rice Balls, the Salad it comes with, the Mandoo Dumplings & the Carne Asada Burrito all scored major points in my book.
Tonight the ESPN truck will be parked next to The Brig on Abbot Kinney in Venice.
Follow @ESPNWCTruckLA for Your Next GOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL!
Comments