VICTORIA
Photos by Evan Lewis/elewis@vicad.com
Lindsey Ellisor, 27, and Ernest Ellisor, both of Victoria, discuss dinner options before ordering from El Huarache Loco at Curbside Cuisines, 4208 N. Navarro St. The couple said this was the first time they stopped by for dinner to go.
FOOD TRUCK GARDEN OFFERS WIDE SPECTRUM OF CHOICES BY JON WILCOX jwilcox@vicad.com
Despite the occasional spring shower, a group of friends were enjoying an evening of warm conversation, cold beer and boiled
crawfish at an outdoor food truck garden in Victoria. “This is the only place in town where you can go with five or six options,” said Victoria resident Armando Leos, 37.
Crawfish is offered at one of the food trucks at Curbside Cuisines, which recently opened at 4208 N. Navarro St. It offers diners a variety of food from crawfish and seafood to barbecue, Mexican food, gyros, burgers and pastries. An ice cream vendor recently opened. 24
DISCOVER 2019
On a rainy Thursday evening, Leos and his wife brought their in-laws from Baytown to Curbside Cuisines, a dining space at 4208 N. Navarro St. that features half a dozen food trucks. Attracted by a variety of menus that included traditional Tex-Mex, homemade ice cream, gourmet hot dogs, gyros, street tacos and other tasty diversions, the friends planned to stay until closing time. That opportunity marked an exciting change for Baytown resident Cheyenne Phinney, who was visiting Leos’ family for vacation. “When we used to come, it was like all we can get is McDonald’s,” said Phinney, a self-described foodie. “We don’t want to eat fast food on vacation.”
But Curbside Cuisines offers more than just food. With picnic tables, live music, games like cornhole and checkers, a dog-friendly atmosphere and a BYOB policy, it’s not uncommon for diners to linger. “We’re just here hanging out,” Leos said. “I got a couple more friends on the way. Everyone just comes and eats.” Stephanie Beltran, 29, who owns El Huarache Loco with her family, agreed the garden is a one-stop dining opportunity with enough options for everyone. The truck’s name, which translates to “crazy sandal,” also doubles as a moniker for their menu’s signature item – a long homemade tortilla with grilled meat and veggies made from her mother’s recipes.
