By Jim McCarthy
EMERGING JOINTS OFFER MORE TO THE CUISINE SCENE MIKE’S BBQ A stomach-satisfying barbecue is no longer difficult to find thanks to Mike’s BBQ 101 food truck in Key Largo. Owner Mike Porcari made his entrance into the Keys food scene in early 2018. He wields more than 20 years of culinary experience and is mastering his own barbecue brand. Finger-licking feasts include the Carolina pulled pork, Texas beef brisket and BBQ chicken, to name just a few. Love ribs? A half rack or full rack of Mike’s won’t disappoint. Side item choices include macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, green beans, corn bread, chips or a roll. All are made from scratch.
SANDBAR DONUTS
TACOS JALISCO
Situated on the property of Sundiver Station in Key Largo, this charming little donut truck is taking the area by storm. Open during the weekends, hot and fresh donuts are made to order. Some 15 different flavors are available from Fruity Pebbles and Cinnamon Toast Crunch to chocolate bacon and Key lime. Paula and Jordan Quade opened the food truck in May 2021. Now, it’s the spot to go for a donut and gourmet coffee.
What can we say? With one food truck on the grounds of Key Largo Chocolates and the other at Florida Keys Brewing Co., Tacos Jalisco is arguably the busiest lunch spot during the week. From quesadillas and tacos to chips and salsa, all ingredients are handmade. Hungry and thirsty? Order a taco, grab a beer and enjoy it all at the Florida Keys Brewing Co. garden. Hungry and got a sweet tooth? Order a burrito and stroll over to grab some ice cream at Key Largo Chocolates.
BRAD’S FOOD TRUCK It’s one of the newer food joints in Tavernier. Located at the Florida Keys Dive Center, owner Brad Epstein and co-chef Sergio Valle serve up some of the freshest subs on freshmade bread. Subs come with a special touch of ingredients. For instance, the steak and cheese uses a special sweet pepper mix. The buffalo chicken sub (Brad’s favorite) uses a homemade sauce. There’s also the club sub that comes stacked with meats and cheese.
6 UPPER KEYS Table SUMMER 2022
Food trucks have found their way to the Upper Keys island chain. From Key Largo to Upper Matecumbe, these cuisine machines are on a roll and expanding the region’s many menu options for visitors and locals. Serving everything from smoky barbecue and authentic Mexican food to hot, fresh doughnuts and gourmet coffee, these moveable feasts offer something for everyone. The emerging food truck frenzy provides convenient options for busy, local families, while visitors traversing the Florida Keys have plenty of choices for quick and delicious meals on wheels.
ROADSIDE BBQ AT GREEN TURTLE If you haven’t tried this place on your way through Islamorada, you’re missing out. Opening roughly two years ago, the Roadside BBQ at Green Turtle offers some of the best barbecue around. Fresh off the grill are BBQ chicken, BBQ pulled pork, smoked ribs and sausage. With sweet, creamy coleslaw, baked beans, southern style potato salad and collard greens as sides, it’s everything you want and more in a barbecue.
