"Meals on Wheels" - Food Truck Luncheon at MPI

Food trucks have taken a little time getting to the Jacksonville area, but like many cities, the craze has hit and big time. I attended the Meeting Planners International Southeast Conference last week and was pleasantly surprised to find that food trucks were the featured lunch event on Thursday’s agenda. Around 12:15 the clouds parted and the sun came out to allow for the special lunch to go off deliciously. Trucks offering BBQ, Tacos, Burgers, Wraps and Ice Cream were on hand for MPI attendees to sample and enjoy for a most unique conference lunch experience. “Meals on Wheels” was the appropriately named lunch theme and attendees were not disappointed.

 

Each attendee was given three meal tickets to use at the trucks of their choosing. Lines were a bit long but I was well positioned at the front of Corner Taco’s window and placed an order for their carnitas tacos. Two piping hot tacos were delivered moments later. Perfectly seasoned pork on homemade tortillas with an amazing and indescribable spicy and slightly tangy sauce graced the plate. A welcome change from the usual rubber chicken served at most conferences. 

I sat down with some fellow attendees who had each decided on different fare from the various trucks. The BBQ was a definitive favorite. Generous portions of ribs, mac n’ cheese, coleslaw and baked beans were in their containers and comments affirmed that the Monroe’s Smokehouse BBQ truck lived up to its reputation for authentic home cooked BBQ. Not to be outdone, the line at Monster Burger ‘N More was Disney-ride worthy before it even started serving. Could it have been the amazing aroma that came wafting throughout the area to entice even the most non-carnivorous of taste buds? Although I did not partake of what looked like a bit of grilled heaven on earth, I overheard two diners state that their satisfyingly huge burger was cooked to perfection and packed with juicy goodness. 

 

The Gourmet Aviator on the opposite end of the food spectrum had quite the impressive line as well. Its menu of Puerto Rican inspired sauces and recipes with an aviation theme seemed quite the crowd pleaser. And to be sure there was something for everyone, Super Food Truck was on hand offering a turkey pesto Panini, a salad wrap and a blackened fish sandwich for those wanting a little “healthier” option.

The dessert market was cornered by 3 Moms Ice Cream – traditional, organic, dairy-free, gluten-free and adventurous ice cream treats. Their selection was extensive and varied including Oreo cookie bars, organic strawberry yogurt bars, and key lime gelato graham sandwiches to name a few. I spied a colleague enjoying a Snickers Ice Cream Bar and she commented that, not only was the ice cream a nice treat, but that the service was quick and friendly, she was greeted with a smile, and had a nice chat with Sophia the owner. Clearly a lunchtime hit, 3 Moms Ice Cream tantalized and pleased taste buds while at the same time providing some conscientious treats.  

Having become a lunchtime staple in several cities nationwide, Jacksonville food trucks are a welcome change from the usual conference fare offering a fun, creative and yummy twist to lunch. It’s also a great opportunity for a business partnership: local meetings, conferences and events supporting local businesses – a definite win-win for all.

Be sure to check out the Jaxtruckies page on Facebook to find out where the Jacksonville food trucks will be setting up and serving your next lunch.