Food Trucks and Outlets…. that’s a Win, Win, Win situation.

Food Truck Rodeo in Mebane

Can’t remember if I did this exact one last year, but the Tanger Outlets in Mebane is having a Spring Gourmet Food Truck Festival.  Last time, a few trucks with picnic tables and a local radio DJ were parked by the Banana Republic and Tommy Hilfiger entrance.  Even though the weather was bad that time, it was still a great event.  This time the weather is in the 70’s and looks awesome from Raleigh.  Update: Trucks have posted being parked in front of Off 5th Avenue / Saks Outlet.

On Tanger’s Facebook Page, they posted the schedule (and I confirmed based on the truck’s Twitter/Facebook/Website) and added some commentary.  If you need to spruce up your Spring seasonal wear, make it out there!

o Sarge’s Chef – all weekend long

The Shrimp and Grits is my go-to, however, the recent picture of the Shrimp Po-Boy had me change my regular ordering habits.  It is by far the hottest (both in taste and popularity) food truck item out there.  Update: Sarge’s is sitting out for Sunday.  Please get well, sir.

o Hibachi Xpress – all weekend long

Great value if you like Hibachi, but don’t want to pay for the show.  Great starter truck, if you haven’t done a food truck and enjoy that cooking style.  You’ll be sold that quality is no different than a permanent store.

o Will and Pops – all weekend long

Will and Pops has good variety of sandwiches.  I particularly liked the Gangsta, Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese.  As tagged on their truck, it’s so good you’ll want to smack yo Pops.

o BaguettAboutIt – Sunday

The South of the Border is not for the weak, which includes me.  I quickly downed my beer at Fullsteam and probably emptied their water cooler.  The Habanero Hellfire turned my mouth into a five alarm fire.  This truck is on my short list of next to visit.  The sausages are good, but the bread (Baguette) is amazing!

o Gussy’s Greek Food – Check Twitter for Sunday arrival (@GreekGussys)

They are having engine troubles, but fingers crossed they will be out there on Sunday!  I am amazed there are trucks I still haven’t tried.  I hope maybe both Gussy and I will be out there on Sunday.

o Kona Ice

About as close as you can make it to Hawaii without leaving North Carolina.  With the hot weather Saturday, this will be a great treat from shopping outdoors.

o Red Hot & Blue – BBQ – Sunday only

I’ve been to their store front, but have not tried the mobile version.  The barbecue is pretty good and I am sure the truck is just as good.

o King Creole – Friday and Sunday only

I really enjoy their Etouffe, which is very filling and lots of flavor.  They are based in the Triad, so Triangle residents only see them at Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeos.

o Virgil’s Jamaican 

Have not tried this truck, but I loved Beef Patties back in South Florida.  For those familiar with empanadas, these are in the same food tree of a meat pocket.  I have to add this one

o Captain Ponchos – Friday and Sunday only

Great variety of tacos, burritos, and other Mexican fare.  Its kind of neat that this truck can offer so many options on the go.  Another great starter truck for the food truck rookies, where you can see how good a food truck compares to a restaurant.

o Caffe Bellezza – Friday and Sunday

Serving Carrboro Coffee and Viteri Chocolate, about as local as you can get.  Inspired by an Italian Cafe, this mobile cafe has to be on a coffee drinkers bucket list.

For more details from Tanger Outlets, see here.