Food Truck Crush

Waffle Crush

There is a new truck crushing the food truck scene and they have made quite the impact since they've hit the streets. Waffle Crush is a unique food truck featuring traditional style liege waffles. With the use of authentic imported Belgium cast iron waffle irons and pure natural Belgium sugar, Waffle Crush has been able to create a waffle unlike any other in Arizona.

However, being the best waffle truck in AZ is no Sunday drive. The Waffle Crush Crew has spent countless hours working on making their truck look just as delicious as their waffles. Then, even more hours coming up with their perfect recipe for waffles and topping combinations. Together, best friends, and truck owners Rachel and Erica have traveled around the US eaten stacks of liege waffles which has since sparked a dream for both of them. And thanks to the support of their friends and family, they have been able to bring Arizona the first ever liege waffle truck.

Each week they spend the trucks downtime mixing up the dough for the liege waffles and making sure their truck stays clean and pretty. Then, when they aren’t mixing dough or being full time mothers, they are on the truck dishing out hundreds of waffles to the hungry residents of Arizona. But, in the end they love spreading joy through biscoff and Nutella with fruit on top of a fresh warm waffle and seeing people faces light up with each bite.

Waffle Crush has truly pioneered waffles in Arizona and all from inside a food truck! Needless to say, go check them out and once you have a waffle you’ll be able to taste the hype.

Also follow @MyWaffleCrush on Facebook, twitter, and Instagram so that you can see where they are parked and track them down for a waffle of your own.

And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, twitter, and Instagram too! For pictures and new places to eat all in the state of Arizona!

#DishingItOut

The Gilbert Farmers Market

The Gilbert Farmers Market

Gilbert Farmers Market

  Every Saturday Morning, Downtown Gilbert becomes flooded with excited local business supporters and their hungry stomachs. With the combinations of perfect Saturday morning weather and the smell of food in the air, the market is hard to avoid. The Gilbert Farmers Market hosts a large variety of food trucks and other vendors who set up shop around the Gilbert Water Tower Plaza. Here you can find the freshest produce from The Farm at Agritopia, Bravo Farm, Jeff’s Nursery, and so many more. While doing you weekend grocery shopping, you can swing by the nearly 50 other food vendors offering everything from pies and cookies, to salts and olive oils.

My Waffle Crush

  Then, if you didn't eat breakfast or are a major foodie, you can get fresh made liege waffles from My Waffle Crush. Or even some Arizonan inspired food from Luncha Libre and Short Leash Hotdogs. There is even the Uprooted Kitchen providing a unique cuisine of all natural and local Vegan/Vegetarian favorites. But, if you become so full you couldn't even take One More Bite from the One More Bite Bakery, you can still stroll around the goods and services providers offering everything from dog training, artwork, to soaps and so much more.

  Another great thing about the Gilbert Farmers Market is that they support local charities such as the Arizona Adopt a Greyhound and the East Valley Young Marines. The Gilbert Farmers Market has played a huge roll in revitalizing the original Downtown Gilbert area. Then with the growth of other great business along the historic Gilbert Road area, the town is continually attracting more and more attention. The Town Of Gilbert has been named one of the fastest growing towns in the US and it’s no wonder why. Gilbert is home to some of the most diverse people from every walk of life. When walking around The Gilbert Farmers Market you can really feel a sense of community and even the nostalgic feel of what Gilbert used to be like in its early ages. So if you haven’t stopped by yet, or even if you have, come check out The Gilbert Farmers Market every Saturday from 8am to 12noon and enjoy the wonderful weather, food, and shopping.

For more information check out The Gilbert Farmers Market Website and their supports pages such as Local First AZ and Get Local AZ.

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Paletas Betty: Keeping it Fresh for the Summer

It is nearly summer time in Arizona, which means the heat is coming back. Fortunately Paletas Betty is serving up handmade paletas and Agua Vita all across the East Valley. These frozen treats are the perfect way to cool off in the upcoming heat. And lucky for you, Paletas Betty is conveniently located in historic Downtown Chandler and in the middle of Mill Avenue in Tempe, which are two of the best places to walk around and visit in Arizona. Aside from their storefronts, Paletas Betty can even be found at farmers markets, banquets, and other community events. At Paletas Betty they strive to create a traditional treat for the community while utilizing the skills they have learned throughout years of traditional home cooking and culinary school. So what is a paleta? A paleta is a Latin American frozen treat on a stick that is made from either fresh fruit and or cream. Then, nuts, chile, and other unique ingredients are added in for some extra flavoring. With this, they truly have become an Arizona favorite.

Paletas from Paletas Betty

But, what Makes Paletas Betty unique is their use of all fresh and natural ingredients. There is always real fruit in the paleta treats.  There are never any frozen or canned fruits added, no preservatives, and no coloring. Even the spices used are ground from whole. While only using fresh seasonal fruit, this means you will always have a chance to try a new flavor all year around. Some of the flavors currently in stores include: Chocolate (Mexican chocolate and spices), naranja (orange vanilla cream), lemon amarillo (tart lemon with lemon zest sugar rub), nuez (roasted pecans in a cream blend), and many more! These frozen pops are so different from any regular ice pop or something you can buy in the freezer aisle. When eating a paleta, the true natural flavors are what make this treat so good to eat. And with the signature taste-test “bite” already taken out you will know, “the bite means its ok to eat”.

Agua Vitas from Paletas Betty

So what if you’re not an ice pop kind of person? Well, Paletas Betty also serves another traditional favorite they call Agua Vita, which is their take on an Aqua Fresca drink. An Agua Vita is a combination of fresh fruit and white tea used to create a cool and refreshing drink. They are high in antioxidants and other nutrients thanks to the use of real fresh fruit and fruit juices which are never from concentrate or powder. Another thing that makes these drinks so great is the fact that they are individually mixed for each serving cup. This helps to ensure the best taste for each individual drink. Some of the flavors they have are: Brisa Vita (a blend of fresh lemon syrup with fresh strawberries mixed with refreshing white tea. Pepinto Vita (fresh cucumber syrup mixed with fresh cilantro and chile powder blended with refreshing white tea). Aguita Classica (fresh lime syrup mixed with fresh raspberries topped off with seltzer water). Tropical Vita (fresh pineapple syrup blended with fresh orange juice mixed with refreshing white tea). These drink are perfect for the upcoming summer heat and even all year round they taste great.

So, rather you looking for something cool to nibble on or a refreshing drink to help rid your thirst (or maybe even both), then Paletas Betty is the perfect remedy for you. Go ahead and check them out! You can even follow them on Twitter (@PaletasBetty) on Facbook,  and even Instagram (@paletasbetty). 

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Phoenix Street Eats: Food Truck Festival

  This past weekend (January 25-26, 2014) Phoenix New Times hosted one of the year’s first largest food truck festivals at Salt River Fields of Talking Stick Resort and Casino. With over 50+ food trucks in attendance, live music, games, and perfect weather, this was a great event that you hopefully didn't miss out on.

Inside the Chedda Truck

  During this weekend, Dishing It Out had a wonderful opportunity to help the one and only Chedda Truck at the event. This was a unique experience into the food truck world and gave me a new perspective about food trucking functions. I was able to see firsthand how fast placed the kitchen must work to ensure all the food is being made to customer satisfaction. I saw how the wonderful burgers are made to order. I also realized how communication between all the staff plays a large role in functionality. To the Chedda Truck and all other food trucks, I really respect all of you as you have such a small space to work with, yet you are always dishing out wonderful works of edible art.

  As for me, this was really different from working in my kitchen at home. I found myself making a huge mess of food as I tried to prepare the Chedda Tots to go out. Pouring the dipping source into the dip cups also wasn't that easy in the mobile kitchen.  Another huge challenge for me was the fact that all this food was in front of my face and I became extremely hungry as more food passed by me.

  But, after my work was done, I was able to go explore all the other trucks meet new people with similar food passions and eat until I felt like exploding. With over 50 trucks all serving something different, I decided to just try as many as I could. And if day one wasn't enough, I returned on Sunday to continue my exploration. Sadly, I was unable to try everything I wanted since my stomach can only handle so much.  Then, there were several cooking sessions going on and even food eating competitions and friendly cook-offs between trucks.

  Aside from food, the live music was a great addition to the festival, and fun zone for kids looked like a blast. Then the VIP section featured a live DJ a covered dance area, and lots of drinks and tables. Overall, this event was a great way to kick of 2014 and I look forward to many more like it. If you want to see pictures visit out Instagram @dished_out or our good friends @FOODTRUCKSAZ.

Chedda Tots: Chedda Truck

Phx Street Eats 2014

Phx Street Eats 2014

Philly Cheese Steak: Big Boy Sandwhiches

Hey, Give me Some of Your Tots: The Chedda Truck

The Chedda Truck

Food trucks are among one of the most unique forms of dinning there is.  And the truck owners are some of the hardest working people in the food industry. They have to drive, cook, clean, and entertain all at the same time. One prime example is Nick Watts, owner and chef of the Chedda Truck. Nick Watts is a very humble and creative food trucker who opened up his Chedda Truck in October of 2013. Since then, he has started to generate a lot of interest around the east valley and people have come miles around just to eat a burger and some tots. But these are not just any burger or tots….

The "Kill Me Softly" Burger

So what makes the Chedda Truck so unique? It’s the fact that all of Nick’s burgers are inspired by something or someone from his life. With this inspiration, he has been able to create a genuine artist’s burger. Such burgers as his, Kill Me Softly, or The Green Mile. The Kill Me Softly burger is one of the most interesting burgers I have ever eaten and is one I would definitely never get tired of. It has bacon, blue cheese, arugula, cranberry gastrique, a perfect patty, and it is all between a warm Krispy Kreme donut! For many, this could seem offsetting but in reality this burger is definitely a true food lover’s paradise. Nick didn’t just mix random toppings together and call it good, but he actually took the time to create this burger and make sure the flavors would go together and still represent who he is. Now for me to describe this taste is very hard, as so many descriptions come through my mind, but none seem to do it justice. But in an attempt I will try to describe that the strong blue cheese mixed with the sweet Krispy Kreme donut match so perfectly together. And the cranberry gastrique and arugula just top it off.

Then there is The Green Mile filled with Mac-N-Cheese, roasted peppers, bacon, and whole grain mustard. This burger has also topped the charts for creativity and taste. Even the Mac-N-Cheese is enough to make you want more. The next in line is the Silly Round Eye topped with local pastrami, kimchi, Swiss, and Russian tarragon dressing.  Which this burger has really been interesting being my first burger filled with kimchi. But, if still not sold on trying something new and just want a regular burger and fries then he has that too.

Aside from burgers, Nick has a special side dish which he home makes straight from the truck. The Chedda Tots, are truck made tater tots with cheese served with chipotle crème cheese dipping sauce. Then to wash everything down  glass bottled sodas which are the perfect truck refreshment.

The Chedda Truck is definitely hashtag worthy and I can’t wait to go back again and try his other creations. For creativity, taste, and being a cool guy, Nick and his Chedda Truck get a #YES.

The Green Mile

Silly Round Eye 

Take That to the Bank: Pizza That is

Just on the outskirts of Downtown Phoenix right off Central Avenue stands the old First Federal Bank building originally built in the 1950s. Since then however, the bank has changed to a different kind of doe management and is now a modern yet comforting pizza restaurant which fits perfectly for the Phoenix night life. Specializing in wood fired pizzas and their wide drink selection, Federal Pizza is defiantly #hashtag worthy.

Federal Pizza in Downtown Phoenix

  Federal Pizza is not like any other wood fired pizza joint, this joint makes some classic pizzas with that perfect modern flavor. Federal’s Master Baker MJ Coe can pan out a simple yet unmatchable pepperoni pizza or if you’re a real foodie then you will notice the large variety of toppings and the strange combinations that make Federal Pizza what it is today. There is the Brussels Sprout Pizza which of course has Brussels sprouts, in addition to pancetta, manchego, wonderfully roasted garlic, and some lemon zest. Then for a more subtle yet savory pizza, there is Federal Pizza’s Manifesto, which includes mushrooms, Schreiner’s sausage, red sauce, goat cheese, and fennel. Another modern pizza includes Federal’s white sauced Margherita pizza which is very simples yet its flavors go a long way. The Margherita includes house mozz, roasted tomato, basil, and some extra virgin olive oil. Then the last one worth noting (at least so far, I will go back to try the rest soon) is the Casanova. The Casanova includes prosciutto, dates, ricotta, arugula, and pecorino. This pizza really sets the bar that wood fired taste.

  Yet, what’s a restaurant without warming appetizers and a great drink to go along with it all. The Mister Mister is a blend of house mozz, baby artichokes, baby suchini, sweet potatoes, green goddess and romesco. Then to satisfy your thirst, you can order some fresh soothing iced tea or some very modern wine coolers. There is the Strawberry Rhubarb, Mango Basil, and one that is very different but seeming hard to put down is the Grapefruit Ginger.

This #hashtag worthy restaurant is defiantly something worth returning two any time of the year. The staffs are amazing, the pizza is baked to perfection, and the drinks are all perfect to help wash it down. Which all of this combined earns Federal Pizza a #YES for both #food and #drinks.

ZinBurger: at the Biltmore

Fox Restaurant Concepts is a company specializing in creating a unique dining experience for the many walks of life. FRC is known for Culinary Dropouts, Wildflower American Cuisine, and of course, Zinburger Wine and Burger Bar.

Zinburger is located in Tucson, Phoenix, and coming soon to Gilbert. Zinburger of Phoenix is located in the Biltmore shopping center off of Camelback Road and 24^th street.  This area of town offers many shopping choices and restaurants epically during the cooler seasons. However, Zinburger stand first in line for places to eat at the Biltmore. As you first drive up, you feel like a VIP with their free valet parking. Then, you walk into Zinburger and are greeted by some of the most friendly and knowledge staff imaginable. You are given your choice of indoor, outdoor, and/or bar seating. During the few cool month of Arizona, the outdoor patios are the best way to go, especially if you would like to watch the game on TV.

As you began looking over the menu, you’ll find several choices of burgers which will make any burger addict (such as myself) want to try them all! This is exactly what I have done for you. I have honorably sacrificed myself to be your taste tester of burgers. However if you do have trouble deciding or have any questions about the meal, all the staff are very well able to answer any of your questions. The Zin-Staff won’t pull the old, “I’m not really sure what that is, let me go find out.” Nope, here, the staff know just about everything in regards to the food and wine.

Breakfast Burger

As for my decision, I jumped straight to the house burger correctly named the Zinburger. Priced only at $10 you cannot go wrong with this perfectly constructed work of art. The Zinburger is layered with Manchego Cheese, Zinfandel Braised Onions, and a complimenting layer of Mayonnaise. Then to take it up a notch, you have the choice of substituting the patty for a Kobe beef patty. If that’s not enough to get you craving the burger then, you can add additional toppings such as bacon, a fried egg, or chipotle mayo.

However, the Zinburger is almost impossible to fully describe and my description will defiantly fall short of its true glory. Needless to say, I will attempt to explain that the Zinburger is one of the best cooked and well-made burgers I have ever had. The beef patty is of amazing quality, the cheese is not just a cheap alternative (like from other burger places) but actually possess flavoring. And the mayonnaise is spread just thick enough so you won’t regret eating it. Then all of this is served inside a warm and toasted bun, which doesn’t ever get soggy nor does it crumble apart. Yet, what is a burger without its sides? At Zinburger you can order hand cut fries (including sweet potato, and double truffle fries), Coleslaw, and my personal favorite, Zucchini Fires.

Now I know that description was really week, but this is a burger that you need to try and I guarantee you will not be disappointed. This burger really is the Zin of the Burger World. Needless to say, this rightfully earns a Hashtag of #YES