It’s a cold night in February and my wife and I and several friends are standing around in the darkened parking lot behind the failed Greens mini golf course restaurant on Valencia and McBean. The only thing we can really see is our breath and countless people tapping furiously on their touchscreen smart phones. People are cursing. Some are smoking…stuff. There’s a general atmosphere of impatience, but we are all like-minded and share certain interests. There are hundreds of us milling about in the darkness, hours after all decent SCVers have gone to sleep. What were we doing there?
Food truck mania had hit the SCV and Kogi BBQ, a “Korean Fusion” truck, was on its way to town.
The experience back then in February underscores in my opinion what food truck dining is all about. It’s somewhat edgy. You need to be dedicated to be a food-trucker. It requires work, patience, skills and sometimes sprinting, Usain Bolt-style, to get in line. In other words, you have to be a true believer: a believer in the food truck scene, a believer in your friends’ recommendations, and a believer that you’ll be satisfied after consuming a tasty treat. There’s a lot of risk involved (like will the truck even come to the location you’re at? Will they run out of food before you get to the front of the line?), but sometimes the reward is really great.
Indeed, standing there in the dark with hundreds of other culinary comrades, hidden from the street, the Sheriff’s Deputies and all reputable SCVers, you almost got the feeling that you were an outlaw. “Hahaha,” you laughed, “I’m not eating at the SCV’s shitty chain restaurants tonight and none of my tax dollars are going to the City! Haha!”
All that’s changing now though. What was once authentic, underground, viral, the domain of the young and young-at-heart, the pride of the internet-connected SCV food snob, is now going mainstream in the worst possible way. Behold the death of an original SCV underground tradition: corporate multi-headed hydra and internet-savvy Newhall Land, the pater familias of the SCV, the very definition of the SCV Establishment, is organizing a “food truck festival” next month at Bridgeport Marketplace:
They just couldn't resist putting "Awesometown" in the ad, could they?Also, food trucks don't have hours. They start serving food whenever they get there, they stop serving food whenever they run out.
What was once in the dark will be in the light. What was once the domain of hipsters and cool people will now become the domain for khaki-wearing SCV dads and overprotective SCV moms driving their gigantic SUVs.
There will be bounce houses for the kids.
Clowns who tie animal balloons.
Who knows, there might even be a petting zoo. I’m sure the ducks in the Bridgeport Pond will be a hit with the kids.
And that ever present feature of the SCV events scene: the ubiquitous vendor booths- they will stretch for miles around the vacant Bridgeport Marketplace parking lot. While they try to sell you on a new mortgage, or new lawn care products or some new wonder car, they will hand out free schwag, schwag which you will only be too happy to take.
And like all scripted events in the SCV, this one will finish at 9pm so that little Riley and his sister Savannah can get a good night’s sleep before church the next morning. Speaking of, there’s a church right next door in case you want to say grace before you eat.
Oh woe is my generation. Our new-found, authentic tradition, which we lobbied for, created, and sustained for countless hours in the dead of the night -by ourselves- is being co-opted by corporate titans. Legitimized by the founders of Squarville. First the City took over our libraries, now Newhall Land takes over our food trucks. I dare ask, what’s next?
I am despondent. Along with scrappy, bohemian Old Town Newhall (which the food trucks started visiting recently, but I suppose that’s over as they abandon us for the squares in Valencia), the food truck scene was one of the few authentic aspects of life in this town. And now, like so many underground trends before it, it’s gotten too popular and it’s being brought out into the open. Sadface.
That said, I can’t wait. Hey Mike, Scott or NickelDime, save me a space if I’m late. See you there!
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Festivals like these are very much a part of the life of the food truck in Los Angeles. Don’t fear it. In fact we need this more than anything else to show these trucks that a)we’re not too far and b)we can make your trip worthwhile. These trucks drift between the mainstream and the underground with ease. The trucks remain authentic and delicious. As Omar would say, it’s all in the game.
When we get a Panera bread truck and a Salt Creek Grille truck and the City Council passes an Emergency Ordinance protecting those trucks, I’ll start worrying.
Mike,
Lets stop perpetuating the lie that food trucks like this have been banned by the City. (Sept 13th article and the August 31 article “Rogue Auto Dealers were first, are food trucks next?”) If anyone would take the time to read the actual code, you would see the truth:
11.37.080 Peddlers of prepared food products from motor vehicles permitted.
A. Peddling of prepared food products is permitted from motor vehicles used for the transportation or preparation of such prepared food products when conducted on public streets, but not including public sidewalks or parkways.
If you read the definition of “prepared food” you will see that the food trucks are covered:
“Prepared food products” means any liquids or edibles for human consumption that are prepackaged or in sealed containers, or are prepared for consumption at the location of the sale. For the purposes of Section 11.37.080, the term “prepared food products” includes the incidental sale of fruits and vegetables that are not prepackaged or in sealed containers; provided, that such fruits and vegetables consist of no more than ten (10) percent of the peddler’s total prepared food products offered for sale.
It looks like food prepared for consumption at the location of the sale qualifies for these trucks.
Kids?! I like ducks too Jeff. They’re great in a panini with grilled duck breast topped with arugula, Gruyère and pesto aioli. Yummmmmm.
Sorry dude, no cutsies.
Other than the Awesometown reference (which is a big joke to most Santa Claritains) I think this is a great idea.
Great little op-ed in the LA Times by Jonathan Gold this weekend:
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/sep/12/opinion/la-oe-gold-food-trucks-20100912
You’re killing me Jeff!
Did you get a pass to come to Awesometown?
Why would you want food trucks here? That’s part of the fun that you go down to LA for!! People here like home cooked meals and an occasional night at CPK. Growing up in Santa Monica, I know how crazy the food truck “craze” is. I wouldn’t go up here. But I’m sure many hipsters and those types will. Let’s just turn SCV into an extension of LA. People move out here to get away from that stuff.
Speak for yourself! BRING THEM ON.
“People here” – Thanks for speaking for me and the other 100k+ people in Santa Clarita Valley. What is acceptable for me to have for breakfast this morning?
Silly hipsters!
uummmm, I thought I was speaking for myself. lol Maybe I was talking about myself and other families that don’t want that crap up here- I know many!!! Maybe you should get in your Prius and take a trip to LA.
The Prius will only drive local that weekend. We will honk as we pass you lunching at BJ’s.
BJ’s have good fries.
*snicker*
LOL
Ummm…I’m a recent L.A. expat, and admittedly, the family and I do hop in the Prius and take trips to L.A., sometimes even for the food trucks, so actually, I am all for food trucks up here.
Crap? Since when do you get to decide what kind of “crap” comes up here? I would like to decide what kind of “crap” can come up here. We can start with the extremist religious organizations.
So let’s open up the strip clubs and the bars. Can’t wait for the paparazzi to pull Paris over for DUI while on cocaine. That’s the kind of crap I meant. When the hell did my religion come into this conversation??? Weird.
Oh! so you were talking about something else but didn’t let anyone else know subject had change. “Crap” is such a technical term, I was getting lost in your intellect. So foodtrucks are not “crap?”
BTW Religion is “crap”, and so long as we were talking about “crap” we think is ruining our beloved Valley I thought we would talk about the “crap” I don’t like being RAMMED DOWN MY THROAT.
But my point is that SCV is a more boring place. Not in a bad way, just in a way that I like the simplicity of living up here. I like to have fun, and when I want to have fun (without the kids) I go to LA. There, I don’t mind waiting for the Kogi truck at all hours of the night on Sawtelle and Pico, or the Mac and Cheese truck at the Brig in Venice. I like to think of SCV as a family oriented place. So what if there are only horrible chain restaurants. That’s why I cook at home. I love going to Sunset too, but that doesn’t mean I want that kind of sh*t here. Maybe it is the single, young people that are for this. But then my question would have to be: Why the hell are you living in such a boring town? If I was in my 20′s, sans kids, you wouldn’t catch me living here- ever!!!!
” I like to think of SCV as a family oriented place.”
I see what is going on here… Food Trucks like Kogi attract “THE GAYS!” Batten down the hatches ladies and Gents, and get your posters boards ready to make “GOD HATES KOREAN BBQ” signs!
LOL! You said it, not me!!! You are the kind of person I dread! Oh please, cry me a river!! I don’t care that there are gay people here! Just don’t shove it down my throat. I don’t like taking my kids out and having to explain why two men/ women are smooching it up in public. The same way I hate it when two teenagers of opposite sex are doing the same thing. Leave that type of behavior at home. Christians don’t hate gays! We just don’t belive in gay marraige! Why don’t you throw a pity party for yourself. Why does it bother you that I call it a family oriented place? So you can talk about how stupid Christianity is and how horrible a person I am because I drive an SUV. Well, I’m not your typical teabagger here. You would probably be suprised that I am young- 28 to be exact, and I don’t give a damn what people think, I will say what comes to my mind. So go ahead and keep sounding silly and putting words in my mouth. You sound as though you have an anger problem.
Oy how ignorant you sound.
Most Teabaggers do dread me, it could be my IQ over 100, it could be because I don’t put up with their “crap”
I love how a gay persons existence and personal relationship is the equivalent to shoving it down your throat. I also love how you “don’t like” having to explain why two men are smooching. But you HATE IT when teenagers smooch! Funny how neither of them concern you nor is it your business.
The great thing about Gay Marriage is your don’t have to believe in it. I don’t believe in straight marriage, yet I am not ARROGANT enough to try to stop people from doing what they want to do, sighting some ancient mythological book and manipulation from a religious leader.
You can call me angry, just like every other teabagger does to people who disagree with them. Everyone knows teabagger rallies are nothing but joyful smiles, rainbows and happy face signs. So Am I angry? Generally no, but I get angry when a group of hateful Relgious-nuts pushes their WILL and Agenda on my fellow Americans! Because I believe taking liberty from one American weakens ALL AMERICANS! I believe in LIBERTY for all, even people I can’t stand like you.
I am not going to stand by and let you liberty hating religious-extremist tea-baggers who wouldn’t know liberty if it took a crap on their head, mess with any Americans freedom. The freedom my family has fought to protect in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Oh and I have a girlfriend we have sex, great sex actually and we are not married. Guess what? I “smooch” with her in public sometimes while getting food from Kogi. SUCK IT! GOD BLESS AMERICA! Star and Stripes and everything nice.
*fireworks go off and lee greenwood starts playing*
You are a joke. I find it hilarious that you are so determined to make a point. I gave my opinion and I’m sure many will agree. Obviously not here, as this is a liberal blog. But the fact that you think it’s ok to insult me is wrong. My IQ is over 100, why is that relivant anyways? Your an ass because I too have family members serving in the military- past and present- so who the hell are you to say anything?? That’s exactly why so many hate people like you!! Don’t you get it? I’m not an overly religious person, just someone who knows right from wrong. Taking libery away? What the hell are you talking about? Is it the gay marraige thing? I’m sorry, but we ALL have the right to marry someone of the opposite sex! They want a special right to marry someone of the same! And to say that you believe in straight marraige makes you sound pathetic! I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t be here without it! You are trying to make yourself feel better by comming here and insulting me. There is a simpler way to get your point across! You are another pathetic excuse of a person and another reason that Cali is turning into a free for all. I’m sure if we had it your way there would be no rules at all, because ofcourse you think there is no one to answer to at the end of the day.
P.S. Working in the music industry, I thought you should know that Lee Greewood is a close family friend of ours. He would be appalled at your comments.
Hilarious, teabagger are never able to pick up on sarcasm.
Love the “I know Right from Wrong,” So I am going to put on my super christian cape and save all the sinners from themselves. We have to have rules you know and they have to be from the mythological book with a talking snake.
No wonder the founding fathers couldn’t stand the Bible! They were part of the enlightenment that brought us out of the FUNDAMENTALIST Christian tyranny induced dark ages. Congrats on being part of the movement to bring it back full circle.
On and Lee Greenwood, he sucks donkey balls and so do his lyrics.
“‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,”
Guy was born in LA, why is he trying to sound like a dumb hick? Then this year he goes and re-writes a version for Canada? What a Toolbag!
I’ll stay away from the rest of it Michelle, but I guess I don’t understand your objection to the trucks coming here. I understand that you like to travel to them and enjoy the “L.A. experience” from time to time for that “crap” but if you don’t partake in them how does it harm your family quality of life if I do? The fact is that I’m 36 and have 3 kids ranging from 4-11 and I like to have some diversity of experience here. I don’t see the need for everything to shut down at 10.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand that you are OK with hanging at home and don’t need those things right now, your choice. But I don’t feel like I need to be able to take a trek into Hollywood to enjoy an out of the norm type eating experience or goofy late night excursion. I moved up here because it fit our budget and wound up loving it, but I didn’t move here to somehow shelter myself in a homogenized bubble, so I welcome the variety.
If we allow food trucks to gather in our valley, sex crazed Paris Hilton, wired on a mix of Red Bull, vodka, sharpies and Cocaine will bring her paparazzi friends for a gay orgy on Valencia Blvd!
Food trucks must be stopped!
Damageinc. That’s gum, not cocaine in her purse.
Developers will do anything to connect with potential yuppy and Gen X customers. The Food Truck Festival is, to say the least, creative.
Whatever it takes to sell that surplus.
Oh the whining!!!! If you don’t like families with kids, you’re living in the wrong town. This IS suburbia. As for the trucks, let them decide what’s best for their business. No one is forcing them to “come out of the darkness.” It’s probably just good business. Enjoy them while you can.
Michelle- The cool thing about Santa Clarita is there is something for everyone. The food trucks are coming for ONE day. After that they’ll be all secretive and twitter-y and we’ll have to go find them down in the mid-Wilshire again.
Doesn’t anyone realize this has ALREADY happened. Back in May, we had Tribute-fest in Central Park. It was adult only (insert intake of breath here) and there were at least 25 food trucks AND they let us drink BEER in the park! OH MY GOODNESS-that doesn’t sound very family friendly!
Some of us single people, sans kids, like living here because we can’t stand the douche and fake factor of LA and it’s surrounding communitites. Although, I’ll admit we have our fair share here, we also have young, single, childless people who are smart, community-minded and FUN. Yes that’s right, we want a little fun without taking the 405. Plus, I say keep the money in the SCV….drink and cab locally!
Dude…. get a life.
Michelle,
It won’t be a “special” right to marry someone of the same sex–you’ll have that right, too! (If that doesn’t sound attractive to you, then you know how gay people feel about their right to marry someone of the opposite sex).
And this whole business about not wanting food trucks to come up to SCV. You don’t have to go to them, you know? But if other people want them, who are you to deny it to them?
*applause
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