Gear Up for the Catskills’ Best Food Trucks
Looking to grab some grub on the go? Roll up to one of these Catskills food trucks where local vendors pull out all the stops.
Catskillette
Catskillette is the brainchild of Atossa Kia, who grew up in France skiing in Val d'Isere where crêpes were a staple comfort for lunch and après-ski. After moving to Hunter and realizing the mountains were missing this simple pleasure, Kia took tradition into her own hands: Kia’s 15-foot food truck churns out sweet and savory crêpes all year long. “Summer is my favorite season as my favorite local ingredients are back,” says Kia. For something bright, her Tuscany crêpe channels a classic Margherita pizza with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. For an all-time favorite, the Portland is stuffed with local mushrooms sautéed in garlic butter and Herbes de Provence (with a helping of creamy goat cheese and chives). Or, sink your sweet tooth into the Georgia crêpe, a seasonal showstopper with caramelized peaches coated in a salty butter caramel sauce from Brittany. Sticking to tradition? The Val d'Isere (butter, sugar, and Grand Marnier) will do the trick.
Visit catskillette.com to find Catskillette’s current location and menu.
Baba Food Truck
When it comes to fresh produce, Baba, a pastel and sherbert painted food truck that parks at Kerhonkson’s Starlite Motel, harnesses the season’s bounty with a fully plant-based menu. Founded by Erica Lavelanet along with her partner, Greg Zizza, the community-focused concept highlights black-owned or local brands all throughout its rotating menu. “The Food Truck uses its mobility to decentralize the food system and bridge access to 100% seasonally farm-fresh, plant-based cuisine,” says Lavelanet. In alignment with the seasons, Baba’s menu changes on the regular, but the staples are next-level comfort foods. Get your hands on Baba’s signature Jerk Tofu Sandwich, featuring fried Jerk tofu pressed between a plump bun that’s slathered with chickpea mayonnaise and red cabbage slaw. In the past, summer meant refreshing dishes like a cucumber and peach gazpacho alongside an heirloom tomato and peach salad, while the crowd-pleasing Pizza Romano (complete with pools of almond ricotta and splashes of basil verde) is a year-round favorite. This is feel-good food that’s made – as Baba says – with plenty of love.
Find Baba's Food Truck at The Starlite Motel in Kerhonkson, or visit thebabasocial.com for more information about upcoming locations and menus.
Village Coffee and Goods’ Coffee Cart
If you’re planning to visit Red Hook’s historic Rose Hill Farm to pick fruit this summer, consider doing so with a pick-me-up. On most weekends, the owners of Kingston’s Village Coffee and Goods arrive with their coveted white coffee truck (a miniature version of their brick-and-mortar) from which they serve bold espresso drinks (anything from a cortado to a flat white) along with house-made baked goods and hearty sandwiches. “Our Choc Maple Cold Brew is one of our specialties… think of it as a cold brew chocolate milkshake,” recommends co-owner Anthea White. “We make our own cold brew concentrate, cut it with any milk of your choice, add local choc maple syrup, shake it up with ice, and yum!” Need some extra fuel as you forage the fruit trees? The truck’s batch of fresh, rotating pastries (picture croissants and paleo chocolate donuts) or hearty Power Jars (like an Avocado Parfait) will get your heart pumping.
Find Village Coffee and Goods’ Coffee Cart at Rose Hill Farm on select weekends; visit villagecoffeeandgoods.com for more information.
Jonesin’ Food Truck
A true labor of love, Jonesin’ is the brainchild of Marta Eisner and Eli Jones (who goes by EJ), a Hudson Valley couple that cranks out fried foods from their tomato-red truck. Expect a balancing act of flavor: Jones has a knack for fiery seasoning while Eisner has a gift for perfectly-matched sauces. Together, their menu pops with punchy, crunchy dishes that hit the spot when you need to indulge. “We have a few top sellers and the secret to all of them is the seasoning and sauces,” says Eisner. Try their crisp Fish Tacos (made with seasoned tilapia in a buttermilk marinade that’s served with a spicy house-made remoulade sauce) and double-fried wings (seasoned with Jones’ signature spice blend and tossed with one of their specialty sauces) to start things off.
Follow the truck’s Instagram (@Jonesin_Food_Truck) or their Facebook (@Jonesin) for updates on their menu and location.
By Keith Flanagan
