When Guillermo Gonzalez Jr. heard his family was opening a food truck in Gainesville, he knew he had to be a part of it. El Punto food truck opened less than a year ago but already has a steady following, and it’s easy to see why.
Upon first glance, the menu seems limited, but it features all of the Puerto Rican staples. I had the Pollo al BBQ (barbecue chicken), which is a combo plate that is served with the rice of the day, and I thought it was incredible.
I also tried the yucca frita (fried yucca), which is similar to French fries, bacalaito, which is a pancake-like fritter and mofongo, which is deep-fried green plantains mashed together with other ingredients. The menu is continuously changing, which sets this food truck apart; the rice changes daily as do the specials, and there’s always something new to try.
My personal favorite was the barbecue chicken. The barbecue sauce was unbelievable. It was smooth and sweeter than most barbecue sauces and I will have dreams about it for many nights to come.
There are a few picnic tables set up where you can eat your meal by the food truck, and they are also able to wrap up the food for you to take it to go.
One of the key aspects you’ll notice about the atmosphere at El Punto how important family is to the owners. The family can be seen laughing and joking around with each other, and are very willing to talk to you, too.
They can help you make sense of the menu if you’re unsure about a particular food item, and they are willing to answer any questions you may have.
“We’re trying to get more people to put thought into the Hispanic culture,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez and his family believe that there needs to be more of a Latino presence in Gainesville, especially around the university, considering there aren’t many options for authentic Latin American food in the area.
We’re trying to get more people to put thought into the Hispanic culture.
El Punto has plans to expand in the coming months as the food gains popularity, starting with a bigger truck.
You can try some of this amazing Puerto Rican food for yourself Thursday through Sunday at 1207 SW 16thAve.
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