UNIONLEADER
UNIONNEWSDAILY.COM
MARCH 2024
VOL. 09 NO. 01
Easter hunt Locals thrilled about Food Truck Thursdays is scheduled
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Riding with Warriors
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Filmmaker is selected
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By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent “I love food!” declared Isabella Villanueba. The Union resident was waiting for a strawberry/banana/Nutella crepe from Batter Me Up. “I’m here every Thursday,” the young foodie offered. It was hard for her to say which truck is her favorite. She said, “It’s so hard to choose. I really like the lobster dogs and the shrimp dogs (from The Green Dog Mobile). The whole environment is so open and fun. It’s so nice.” Food Truck Thursdays is offered on Thursdays through May 30, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Town Hall front parking lot, 1976 Morris Ave. Several trucks feature a variety of foods, including vegan options. Genaro Ticona, also from Union, favors tacos from The Box Mobile. He came with his family and said, “Thursday is the day we treat ourselves.” Maria Pinhancos, another Union resident, said, “I love food trucks. It’s good they have it in town. I treat myself once a month. I’m always looking for food trucks on my way home from work. I love the variety.” Marsha and Kelvin Arrington, who own the Green Dog Mobile, started their truck as a second career. “I was always a foodie,” Marsha said. Their truck features lobster dogs, crab dogs, shrimp dogs, southern baked mac ‘n’ cheese and lobster bisque soup. “We have a great client appeal,” Marsha said. “We’re generous. We’re always nice and friendly. We have cheaper prices. Our lobster dogs are cheaper than lobster rolls.” Served with warm butter, their lobster dog is their No. 1 best seller. David Gray, owner of Gray’s Area Grille, has been cooking for decades as a chef. The Vauxhall resident offers smoked beef brisket and other smoked barbecue entrees, including sides such as vegetarian baked beans, collard greens and homemade banana pudding. “My passion is for my product,” he said. “Dad taught me to smoke food when I was a kid. He did fish fries for the family and local bars and restaurants. Mom made breakfast, omelets and quiche.” Johnny P. is the owner of Latin Bites. He has five trucks, with two in stationary locations — Woodbridge and South River — one in Hazlet, one in Roselle Park and a floater truck without a location. He said the focus is on very traditional dishes and the Pernil rice dish is his best seller.
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Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Above, Marsha and Kelvin Arrington, owners of the Green Dog Mobile, started their truck as a second career. They can be found on Thursdays at Food Truck Thursdays at the Town Hall front parking lot, 1976 Morris Ave. Below, David Gray, owner of Gray’s Area Grille, has been cooking for decades as a chef. The Vauxhall resident offers smoked beef brisket and other smoked barbecue entrees, including sides such as vegetarian baked beans, collard greens and homemade banana pudding.