The food truck craze has finally taken Montreal by storm! Ever since these trucks have become popular amongst foodies, many Montrealers have been dying to try a sample. Street food has been prohibited in Montreal since 1947, but city officials agreed to re-examine the issue this past summer. For now, the prayers of adventurous eaters have been answered, seeing as food trucks are allowed during festivals and on government owned property.
On the first Friday of every month, a variety of food trucks gather at the Secteur 300 in the Olympic Park for a night of food, drinks and music.
The ambiance at the food truck gathering is lively and enthusiastic, reminding me of the summer festivals we all remember so fondly. There were people everywhere, upbeat music playing and activities for people of all ages. Not only could you eat a variety of different foods and try local micro-brewed beers, you could also ride a Segway.
There was a variety of cuisines, ranging from authentic tacos to ice cream trucks to fresh seafood. There is something there to please every taste bud.
First off, Lucky’s Truck was delicious. I tried the canard confit served with arugula, radicchio and an orange vinaigrette. It was absolutely scrumptious; the sweet vinegar was perfectly balanced with the bitter radicchio.
One of the more popular food trucks in Montreal also made an appearance, the Grumman 78. This truck asserts that they are not Mexican food, but Mexican inspired food. I tried the beef taco filled with thick strips of meat and fresh guacamole. The raspberry lemonade was refreshing, and oddly enough, served in a plastic bag.
Another truck, Pas d’cochon dans mon salon, was shucking fresh oysters throughout the evening.
The lineups can be long and the trucks often run out of food towards the end of the night; however, it’s worth the wait. I would recommend you start your culinary experience at an earlier hour if you want to beat the lines and enjoy the rest of the night. The prices are very reasonable considering the quality of the food being served. A dish will cost anywhere between $5-20.
There were 11 food trucks in total and beverage stands with a choice of beer, wine, ice cream and smoothies. Well-known restaurants amongst Montreal foodies also introduced their own food trucks, such as Lucille’s Oyster Dive and Marché 27 who changed their name to Route 27 to suit the occasion.
While we may not be New York or Los Angeles, with food trucks parked at every corner, having them once a month is better than nothing, so I’ll definitely take it!
