Food truck festival comes to Westbury
When it comes to culinary trends, food trucks are one that won’t go away. Rather, if events like Smorgusburg and our affinity for halal carts have taught us anything, it’s that food trucks are becoming welcome parts of our diet, offering quick cuisine that ranges from guilty pleasure to artisanal delight.
And for diners who relish the experience of transportable treats, the Westbury Food Truck Festival is sure not to disappoint. The inaugural event, which takes place at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury on Oct. 7, assembles a dozen mobile master chefs to unleash their specialty fare on the hungry masses.
“This is our first ever food truck festival. We always wanted to utilize our large parking lot for unique outdoor experiences that all types of people can enjoy,” said Tim Crowley, marketing manager at NYCB Theatre. “We thought this would be a great way to kick off the fall and try something new.”
The vendors, which hail from Long Island and the Greater New York City area, will offer a variety of cuisine including gourmet ice cream, artisanal doughnuts, made-from-scratch Mediterranean street food, Caribbean bites and more. The venue’s back deck will also serve as the space for a wine tasting, as well as feature an Oktoberfest Fair with German food and beer.
And as diners stroll around the lot to digest, they can enjoy a variety of activities, including giveaways from the New York Jets Street Team and New York Islanders, cornhole, balloon animals and a fire prevention trailer and truck courtesy of the Jericho Fire Department. WBAB and WBLI (who, in partnership with Live Nation, are presenting the event) will also provide the soundtrack to the afternoon’s affair.
Attendees are asked to bring a nonperishable food item, to be donated to Long Island Cares.
The Westbury Food Truck Festival takes place Saturday, Oct. 7, from 3 to 8 p.m. Admission is $3.50, plus cost of food and drink at each truck. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000 or by visiting the Westbury box office. For more information, visit www.thetheatreatwestbury.com.
All American Wontons
These are not your typical wontons. They are crispy, handmade and filled with delicious flavors such as buffalo chicken or bacon mac and cheese.
Bona Bona Ice Cream
Bona Bona is Chef Nick Di Bona’s line of restaurant crafted ice cream. Bona Bona is an evolving collection of delicious, imaginative flavors, currently being sold out of the Bona Bona Ice Cream truck, at Smorg Square (Smorgasburg Soho), at Nick’s restaurant, Madison Kitchen, local food fairs, country clubs and restaurants.
On the Scene Cuisine Gourmet Italian Catering
Celebrity Chef Gail Chandler, “The Queen of Mobile Cuisine,” also known as “A Cake Lady” brings her Mobile Italian Restaurant for the most incredible gourmet party you will ever have.
Dough Me A Flavor
An eclectic shop with a welcoming feel best describes Dough Me A Flavor. Privately owned and operated, we pride ourselves on offering freshly made signature doughnuts sure to please any palate. From the Candied Maple Bacon and everything in between, only the freshest and highest quality ingredients are used for our mouth-watering creations. And of course, not forgotten is the jelly doughnut for that traditional doughnut lover.
Gyro Uno
Classically trained chef making scratch-made Greek/Mediterranean inspired street food with kicked up flavors. Gyros, souvlaki, falafel and more.
Kona Ice of Long Island
Kona Ice Long Island is devoted to bringing the very best tropical shaved ice treats to all Long Islanders, with a colorful, family-friendly mobile truck creating an exciting and delicious Kona experience anywhere.
Nao Caribbean Flavors
Nao Caribbean Flavors is a tasting menu that is inspired by nature and plays out through the five senses. Impeccable visual compositions and unique flavor profiles entice emotion and excite of the Caribbean Island.
Gorilla Food Trucks
Chef Joel Santiago is in love with food and eating. This passion led him to study at the French Culinary Institute and he has been working as a chef in the TV/movie industry for more than 10 years. Make sure to try the Chorizo on a Pretzel bun with Mango Slaw.
Jericho Cider Mill
Jericho Cider Mill has been providing Long Islanders with fresh apple pies and cider for more than 150 years. Today, the tradition continues with employees that grew up at the mill and Agnes Zulkofske, the wife of the late George Zulkofske, can be seen making candy apples in the kitchen. You won’t want to miss their Cider Donuts, Candy Apples, Apple Strudel bites and more.
Farm to Truck
Executive Chef Jason Tepper is taking local to a new level with Farm To Truck. Partnering with Long Island farms and local purveyors has allowed us to create a rotating menu that is #freshAF.
Mr. Smith’s Seafood and More
Mr. Smith’s Seafood and More, as you may have guessed, specializes in all things seafood. Make sure to stop by the truck for your fill of catfish, scallops, shrimp, clams and more.
DLS Events
DLS events will provide an Oktoberfest Fair complete with an entire Oktoberfest menu including brats, schnitzel and your choice of German beers. For those that prefer to drink from the vine, DLS will feature a wine deck complete with tastings, cheese plates and a sommelier discussing the different options.