Fork in the road

Indianapolis has quickly warmed up to the concept of slow food fast with several food mobiles emerging around the city. The food carts dish out fresh and tasty food in locations such as gym parking lots and farmers markets. The new popularity of food mobiles in Indiana might be credited to California’s craze over food truck culture over the past few years. In a recent Bizarre Foods episode, food adventurist Andrew Zimmern explores alternative food gathering methods. His search includes dumpster diving, food mobiles and an understanding of food gathering for the homeless.

Jon Ban, owner of Indy’s West Coast Tacos food truck, returned to Indianapolis after living some time in Los Angeles. He wanted to start his own food cart after falling in love with the concept in California. West Coast Tacos serves some of Indy’s hottest tacos, as well as burritos and quesadillas using Korean spices, marinades, and flavors. The Korean influences and background of Indy’s West Coast Tacos were featured in an article by The New York Times. You can follow the food truck on Twitter and Facebook to find out where they’ll be serving.

A vegetarian and carnivore combine their strengths inside the Duos mobile kitchen in downtown Indianapolis. Vegetarian chef, Becky Hostetter, prepares veggie dishes such as white bean soup with parsley sauce and upmas (toasted farina with veggies and tomato chutney). Her carnivore co-chef, John Garnier, prepares alternative options for those looking to take a healthful approach to meat. Out of interest in Indiana’s culinary environment, the two have combined their powers to reach a wide audience with their food mobile.  Duos’ locations can be found daily on Twitter.

Why slow food fast? Food mobiles seem to be growing in popularity as consumers become more interested in the story behind their food. Consumers are seeking to answer questions like: Who is making my food? How is my food being made? Food mobiles also offer a fun and local alternative to large, fast food companies.

As the popularity for food mobiles increases, one can only imagine the possibilities to be found here in Indiana. What will be next? Farmers markets on wheels? Loaded baked potato carts? What types of food would you like to see on your neighboring corner?

This post was written by Brittany Smith, an intern with the Indiana Humanities Council. Brittany is a senior Communications major at Butler University. A strong passion for food and agriculture brought her to the Council’s Food for Thought campaign.