A friend and I trekked over to the Park Strip the other day to give Wheel Good Food a try. We were already both avid Facebook followers/newsletter subscribers, but so far hadn’t done anything beyond drool over their menu and feel happy that fancy food trucks are finally arriving in Anchorage.
I was first introduced to food trucks during college, when we’d make a trip to a taco truck for the best burritos in town. Later, on a trip to Portland, my aunt took my mom and I to a place were food trucks lined up daily – it was so much fun to browse the different menus and then sit in the sun amidst the lunch rush and people watch. Wedding blogs highlighted couples who skipped traditional catering and invited their favorite food to their receptions. The food network started devoting entire shows to food trucks, and my brother-in-law in Vegas treated us to his favorite food truck sliders when we visited. The food truck craze seemed epidemic, except in Alaska, of course, where trends catch on later and our weather is prohibitive to year-round outdoor eating.
But now, at long last, our time has come!
Wheel Good Food was launched in September, and is slowly growing a loyal following (check out this fun video dedicated to their followers). When the founder, Kathy Robinson, graduated from UAA’s culinary program, she knew she didn’t want a traditional restaurant career. She launched her food truck (named the Bombolina after her signature dish) to fill a niche in Anchorage’s dining scene, and thought that she could also provide craft services to film productions shooting in Alaska and book the occasional catering gig.
We placed our orders for a fancy reindeer dog, beer battered fish, polenta fries, and chocolate ricotta donut holes, and then stood thawing out under the heat lamp thoughtfully provided for chilly customers. Our choices all hit the spot, and the polenta fries were especially delightful.
The menu generally focuses on Wheel Good Food’s onboard smoker (“The Vault”) which results in a variety of sliders and BBQ, but occasionally brings in Alaska Grown items, like on the day we visited. The daily menu is posted here: lots of yummy stuff! I will definitely be making a return visit in the near future!
Next food truck review: Urban Bamboo
I remember that day well Gretchen. What a fun day it was to spend time with you and your mom. I am glad I could show you a bit of Portland while we wedding shopped. Good memories.
We had such a great time with you that day! You were a wonderful tour guide 🙂