Winter Park Food Truck Stop is Place to Be

Peak Season Pops

While I love all the other Central Florida food truck events - including Food Truck Bazaars, Tasty Tuesdays, and Lake Lily in Maitland - the Winter Park Food Truck Stop on Thursdays has a vibe all its own. Located on 17-92, next to Tom n Jerry's Lounge, this is a fun spot to hang out with family and friends and listen to live music, while trying food from 15 or 20 different trucks. 


I went to the Winter Park event last Thursday, and was able to try delicious food and desserts from some very unique trucks. While they rotate their schedules, a few of the trucks at last week's event were: Monsta Lobsta, Gator Country BBQ, Tastebuds Catering, TJ's Seafood Shack, Shred-a-Bowls, SwedeDish, La Empanada, and Peak Season Pops. 


As usual, I wanted to try one dish from every truck: everything looked and smelled so good. Since that is not possible, I tried Venezuelan arepas - kind of a corn pancake - from Tastebuds Catering. Mine was stuffed with shredded chicken (I could also choose beef or shrimp), sauteed bell peppers and onions, and cheese. The chicken was moist, and the flavors all came together. They really did a great job! Tastebuds' Beef Tostones and Chicken Empanadas are also very popular.

Tastebuds' Chicken Arepas

Gator Country BBQ had gator virtually any way one would like to eat their alligator, including Gator Burgers, Gator Empanadas, and Gator Fritters ($7-$8 each). I opted to try something that I had never tried before: Gator Sausage and Fries. The sausage was a nice mix of ground pork and sausage, and was very spicy. Unfortunately, even though the flavor was good, the sausage was dried out and the fries were not great.


At least I was able to get a great dessert from Peak Season Pops. They make fresh artisan popsicles weekly from fruit grown locally. The menu changes often, but some of the great flavors were Christmas in July: White Chocolate Candycane, Pineapple Mango and Peach Raspberry. I opted for the Cantaloupe Coconut Pop, made with fresh cantaloupe, coconut milk, and coconut flakes. It was so smooth, and tasted exactly like the ingredients in the pop - a refreshing change from chemical-filled commercial frozen treats.


When: Every Thursday night, from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. Tip: Arrive between 5:00 and 6:00, so you don't have to wait in line. 


Where: 1127 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, Fla.