Pimento’s Pizzeria: Chef Mario’s Truck

I decided to check out the fireworks at Globalfest’s 10th Anniversary Celebration in Elliston Park this year. It was a beautiful evening! There were a lot of people out to support the multicultural festival. Tents from all parts of the world came together to showcase “One world”. Kids of all ages had come out to see the show. Mayor Nenshi even had a little speech prepared for the occasion. Apparently, he grew up in that part of the city, and he is proud to see this annual event as such a success. Love that mayor!

With such a great event in progress, I knew that food trucks would also be there, so I scoured the grounds. I came across a silver food truck with quite a crowd. I saw that it was a pizzeria! Perfect. That’s exactly what I had been craving that evening. The chefs inside the truck were laughing, and joking. They looked like they really enjoy what they do. I ordered the 3 Cheese Basil Pesto Pizza. It was so delicious. The crust was nice and thin to make way for the big flavour of fresh basil pesto, tomato and cheese. One of the best pizzas I have ever tasted! It had no meat on it, and it really didn’t need it. This came as quite a big surprise to me and my companion, as we are both meatatarians. What an accomplishment to have such basic ingredients taste so amazing! We finished off the meal with some delicious mini donuts. You know those addicting donuts they have at the fair, doused in sugar and cinnamon? Yeah. Those ones, except Italian.

Theme/Truck Design – The simple silver truck leaves a bit to be desired in the way of creativity. Maybe there was something I missed on the other side of the truck?

Food – Such great Italian pizza makes you want to hide the frozen pizzas in your freezer in shame.

Service – Fun loving Italian jokesters with a dash of charm.

Price - $10 for a personal-sized pizza, $4 for a bag of a dozen mini donuts. Is it just me or are food trucks in general just more expensive?

Wildcard – Pimento’s is run by an expert pizzaiolo, Chef Mario. That means he uses only the finest Italian ingredients in his pizzas, including organic tomatoes, fresh basil, and premium meats. Each pizza is hand tossed, and freshly prepared. Like their website says “Pimento’s pizzeria is all about an Italian guy having fun making great Italian pizza.”

3/5 Ninja Stars

The Naaco Truck

 

So, Naaco was my first food truck experience. I show up to the Kingsland Farmer’s Market with my companions, and realize the line is already over a 100 people long. We chose to come on a day where the hit Food Network TV Show Eat Street was filming. As we waited in line for about an hour, we danced to Bollywood music, made equally hungry friends, and received free gelato samples from the local vendor. There were also some local kids selling lemonade to thirsty patrons in line, and a henna artist on-site. We watched different customers get filmed scarfing their faces with naacos. Pretty sure I saw a guy lick butter chicken off the ground. We were in the background for a few shots, so maybe you’ll get a glimpse of us in the next season of the show. When I was looking at the menu on the side of the truck, there was a faint red x through the butter chicken dish. I assumed outloud that they ran out. Four girls in front of us heard me, and let out a cry of panic. I quickly confirmed with one of the employees, and she told me it was from yesterday. Disaster averted! There was a communal sigh of relief. It was finally our turn at the front of the line. We were greeted with friendly smiles, and they thanked us for waiting so long in line.

I ordered the The Desirable Delhight (Butter Chicken). At first glimpse, the dish looked like a flatbread pizza. But, you fold the naan bread up into a sort of taco, and there you’ve got a naaco. The naaco barely fits in my hands. The first bite is oozing with flavor! Ground chicken mixed with carrot, radish, poppy seed and mint basil dressing. Add some fresh sprouts, toasted coconut, candied fennel and raisins, and top with yogurt chutney, and you have delicious! I also tried their popular dessert, the S’moresa. Think s’mores ingredients, samosa style and dusted with chai icing sugar. No campfire needed!

Theme/Truck Design – Neo-retro organic naacos. Very unique. Truck is bright purple and orange with a cute Indian girl on the front and mustaches. Not on the girl, just everywhere. Also, how many trucks do you know that have an edible garden on their roof?

Food – A fresh, delicious, and modern fusion of Indian and East African food.

Service – Apologetic, friendly, energetic, efficient, and having them call your name out makes you think they know you!

Price – I have to pay $9 for a naaco on its own, and to build a meal box pay *$3-$5 extra. Hmm.

Wildcard – The Naaco truck is committed to social responsibility. Not only do they use organic, locally grown food where they can, but they also have eco-friendly merchandise, support a monthly charity, and are the first LEAF certified food truck in Canada. Truly, a truck that cares.

4/5 Ninja Stars   

*since this post, The Naaco Truck has informed me their prices have changed to better serve their customers. Creating a combo now ranges from $2-$4. 

Welcome to The Food Truck Ninjette Blog!

Food trucks have taken the city of Calgary by storm. If you are new to the concept, think of kitschy fast food on wheels. Ever since our proud Mayor Naheed Nenshi okayed the food truck pilot program a year ago, their popularity has exploded! Our local food trucks are even being featured on popular national television shows like Eat Street on the Food Network. 

With over 30 food trucks operating in the city, someone is going to have to try them all and review them! Its hard work, but this ninjette is willing to step up and make the sacrifice. Each mobile truck will be reviewed, using the 5-star ninja award system. The five categories represented will be theme/truck design, food, service, price and one wildcard star. The wild card can be anything that makes the truck unique/extra cool! Food trucks are always on the go, so each blog post will divulge their last location so you too can track them down for some good eats. Know a new truck in town? Let me know! Comments and suggestions are always welcome. Arigatou!