Betting Big on Culinary Delight's

The food trucks rolled in and gathered at Monmouth Race Track, Oceanport, NJ for one of the biggest weekends at the Jersey Shore. Off and running at 11:30 sharp on Saturday. May 23rd, came around the stretch ending Sunday at 5:00. If you have never made it to this event, I suggest you put it on the calendar for next year. Go early, bring your appetite, plenty of cash, and patients, the lines were long. But it is a great day out to enjoy some really fantastic fare along with maybe putting in a bet or two on a few races...

We have come a long way as far as street fare and the plain old hot dog & saurkraut that you can buy for a buck or two depending. These trucks are tricked out, bumped up and literally a resatrant kitchen on wheels. Some even including an ATM machine embedded into the side of the truck, next to the serving window, just in case you run short on cash, due to the prices of what your paying is comparable to going to a restaurant and sitting at a table. But hey, lets face it, why not go to enjoy something just as good being in a restaurant, and be able to sit outside on a beautiful Spring day.

With over 40 trucks serving everything from prime rib sanwiches, empanada's, ribs, sliders,and Paella, to desserts that included cupcakes,waffles, ice cream, and so much more.

My top five picks:

1. Prime Kutz, taking that traditional cheese steak and bumping it up quite a few notchs. Famous for their primerib sandwich, topped with a mix of their own cheese sauce, there is no wonder why Prime Kutz, Gourmet on the Go is an institution around the Rutgers collage campus . Owner; Christopher Ives, has been in the catering business for over 30 years. Wanting to expand into the food truck business he got together with his longtime friend Jimmy, and the rest is history. These guys are doing it right, taking pride in their product. Primerib cooked to perfect medium rare hearty sandwichs, meaty wings, fish taco's, hand cut french fries, even penne with vodka sauce. Everything coming out of this truck is made from scratch with no short cuts, standing by their name prime, primo quality. Located at: 192 Ridge Rd South Brunswick Township, New Jersey (732) 266-9437

Check out there catering site http://sirives.com/wordpress/

2. Carlos Serrano, aka, The Empanada Guy, had a dream, a passion when he started out about 5 years ago under a pop up tent. Now with three truck locations and a storefront in Freehold, NJ, he has creating a following for these delectible pockets of goodness. Chef Freddy was manning the truck today and the line had to be a mile long. This is not your typical empanada, these are packed with spicy caribbean flavors incased in a delicate pastry dough. With choices to chose from like beef, chicken, or mexican chorizo, they even specialize in sweet empanada's like apple cinnomin or guava & cheese. If you have not tried these, it is time you find yourself a location and go enjoy a few. There storefront is located at 568 Park Ave. Freehold, NJ 732-333-0082, 3 truck locations; Old Bridge, Port Reading, and Morris Plains, http://www.empanadaguy.com/home.html

3. The Outslider, specializing in sliders, brings a combination of meats together for their number one seller, the bourbon bbq burger, topped with applewood smoked bacon and cheddar cheese, But that's just the beginning, they also have pork, chicken, turkey, and fish sliders and if thats not enough try there garlic parmasan fries!!

4. My Holla Paella, Owner/operator Hida has been dishing out authentic Spanish Seafood Paella from her truck for the last year and a half. Rich in flavors and not shy on the assortment of Shrimp, Calamari, and Mussels. If you have never had this before, I would hope you find Hilda and her crew at one of the local food truck festivals.

5. Chimney Cakes, are these delightful pastries that are savory or sweet. Originated in Transylvanian, one bite and you will be hooked. Owned and operated by husband and wife team Angella & Denes, they have come along way from home and there is a great joy in being able to serve this traditional pastry of their country, something they grew up with, to us here on the Jersey Shore. http://thechimneycakefactory.com/about-us/