It’s finally here. Its murmurings are faint, but if you stand completely still, and are completely quiet, you’ll feel its presence – Spring. Flower buds are pushing through the cracks in the pavements, birds are again chirping loudly at inappropriate hours of the morning, and food trucks are all gussied up and ready to serve hungry hibernators. This year, there’s no shortage of mobile restaurants each with its own individual spin on the food we all crave. Here’s a look at some of the newer ones you can enjoy while you soak up Spring’s stingy rays:
Dr. Mom’s Tasty Bites
When Ousra El Gamal came back to Columbus with her husband to be nearer to her family, the OSU graduate with a degree in Nutrition needed something to do to occupy her time and challenge her creativity. The family had already experienced success running a food cart, and when Ousra – Dr. Mom to her children, and now to everyone, because of her dietary knowledge and natural maternal instinct – wanted to become a part of the business, they upgraded to the food truck now known as Dr. Mom’s Tasty Bites. A permanent fixture at 868 W. Lane Avenue, Dr. Mom’s offers tasty and healthy paninis, burgers, and sides all with a Mediterranean flair. Determined to provide customers with “good food prepared in a healthy way”, the Veggie Panini, a large sandwich comprised of nut-free pesto, grilled onions, eggplant, zucchini, roasted red peppers and mozzarella cheese, is indicative of what Dr. Mom stands for. She is dedicated to serving food low in sodium, fat, and general badness, so her ingredients are fresh and local, and she takes her time to make every component every day. There’s a delicious Baba Ghanoush plated aplenty per serving, a Philly Cheesesteak loaded with grilled peppers and onions, and Hawawshi, seasoned ground beef served in a perfectly toasted pita with pickles and tahini sauce. Originally a soup and salad venture, Dr.Mom’s will feature a seasonal menu that promises to be light but satisfying. To check out the evolving menu, visit www.facebook.com/DrMomsTastyBites.
Street food is here to stay, further evidenced by the emergence of these new mobile restaurants. Whether you’re into grandma’s comfort food, international cuisine, or good ole fashioned American grub, there’s a truck with your name on it. So get out there and eat – Spring demands it!