Hear ye hear ye all couples and singles (swallow that self-pitying sigh), because February 1st will soon be upon us. We all know what that means, because every February delivers the same order- dwindling bank accounts, sky-rocketing expectations, chocolate binge eating and a February 15th hangover so crippling that you question the location of your soul. It doesn’t have to it be this way. The onset of February and the excessively anticipated Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to monopolize your month. Instead, let me suggest celebrating and indulging in everyone’s favorite seventh sin, gluttony.
This Saturday, February 1st, High Dive will be hosting the original Gainesville Food Truck Rally. Don’t get it twisted. This may be the one year anniversary, but it’s actually the seventh in total, and there are rallies every six weeks or so. I had the chance to talk with Pat Lavery, the expert on everything High Dive related, who gave me the run down on what to expect this year.
Besides the most crucial element, food trucks, what else can rally goers expect at the one year anniversary?
Well, the best part is that this event is completely free and no tickets are needed. The outside bar at High Dive will be fully stocked with beer, wine and liquor along with lots of tables and seating. Both inside and outside High Dive will be live, local music playing all night.
Live music and ridiculously awesome food? What more could you want?
Since it’s the one year anniversary we had to do it right. There will be two stages, one inside and outside, that will feature about nine local acts. The music outside will begin around 5:30 pm and the big stage inside will happen at 10:30 pm. It’s an acoustic showcase, so come out and support your local talent.
So, back to the trucks, everyone’s favorite part. Will be there any newcomers?
We mix it up and have different vendors and combinations at each rally we do. Some newer vendors we brought in the last 2 rallies include Baboyz Truck (Philipino), Soup to Nuts (sandwiches and soup) and for this one coming up Blackbeard BBQ. There’s a full vendor list on our Facebook event.
Are there any fan favorites? Or do you have any personal recommendations?
Some of my favorite dishes include pizzas from Humble Pie, the BBQ pork & mac and cheese sandwich from Soup to Nuts, Baboyz’s meat kabobs, and Sizzle Wagon’s breakfast wraps. Everyone’s favorite is the chicken and waffle slider at Pelican Brothers and if you’re a seafood lover definitely check out the lobster rolls at Monsta Lobsta.
What about the desserts?
For dessert its hard to beat Charlie’s Snow Shack for the biggest snow cone you have ever seen, drizzled in marshmallow cream. Most of the trucks have some kind of dessert option on the menu.
Ever since its launch last January, the Food Truck Rally at High Dive has served over 10,000 people and inspired a local food truck culture in the process. No matter if you’re a foodie, rally newbie, vegan or just looking to jam to awesome local music, The Original Gainesville Food Truck Rally has both your stomach and heart in mind. For more details, boogie on over to the Facebook event page where you’ll find the full food truck roster, live music lineup and some crucial tips to guarantee your success. Oh, and I’ll catch ya Saturday, you’ll most likely find me munching beet fries curbside at Off The Griddle.
