Waki Temaki - Upscale Sushi Food Truck

Summer is one of my favourite times of the year. With the white snow behind us and the promise of heat and sun going forward, summer is often the time when I am often the most adventurous and willing to try new things. Capitalizing on the summer air are a litany of Food Trucks who have started to adorn the streets and alleyways of Winnipeg's busiest areas selling trinkets of delicious food for would-be adventurers. One of the newer trucks this year is the Waki Temaki Sushi Truck.

The whole premise of a food truck is that it is mobile and able to set up at any number of locations throughout the city. I caught up to these guys outside the Legislature on Broadway on this specific day. The brightly lit truck and whimsical signage are all key aspects to attracting diners and customers. Appealing and attractive it was no surprise to find a healthy line of diners when I arrived shortly after noon.

Waki Temaki is owned by the family behind one of my favourite restaurants in Winnipeg, Yujiro (Edward Lam). Using their home menu as a base and the concept of handrolls, Mr. Lam has crafted a menu combining popular ingredients to create unique handrolls. Shrimp Tempura, California, Spicy Salmon all adorn those wanting the usual, while a Tuna & Green Onion or Spicy Breaded Shrimp roll await those more adventurous. On the other hand the chefs also offer small appetizers like Yakitori or Tako Yoki, an octopus donus ball. And finally for those wanting a larger meal, one can always go with a rice box featuring a small handful of protein options. Definitely enough to keep anyone happy, indeed.

The delicious Yakitori features two marinated chicken skewers fried in Teriyaki Sauce and finished with sesame. The subtlety of flavours here show the true ability of the chefs with the tender chicken holding its own against the slight saltiness and sweetness of the teriyaki and contrasted well with the crunch of the sesame seeds; all working together to form a nuanced umami taste.

Wanting something more substantial I went with the Beef Rice Box. While initial impressions might resemble that of a fastfood takeout rice bowl, the contrast of the flavours here cries against it. In actuality, the exquisitely tender beef has just a mild hint of salt and sugar which works extremely well with the bed of perfectly cooked morsels of Japanese sushi rice. Colour and textural contrasts are found in the smattering of green onions on top. Delicious.

Waki Temaki Food Truck showcases excellent Japanese cuisine that rivals most established restaurants. That it is able to perform such feats in the confines of a food truck is dazzling and incredible. While not cheap, the quality is there making Waki Temaki an absolute recommendation for anyone who sees its colourful truck parked on a streetcorner.

Habanero Sombrero - Mexican Food Truck Tacos

With spring rearing its head in Winnipeg comes, for me, a renewed interest in outdoors and physical activity. Like a bear living in hibernation, I found the cold of the Winnipeg winter to be a difficult obstacle to overcome when it came to going out and exercising. Now with the absence of the harsh wintry days and the presence of spring showers and the slight peek of green on the trees, I have taken a vow to add more exercise and balance into my life. To start, achieve a minimum of 10,000 steps per day. Thus on a warm day I took a long walk from my Osborne Village home down to the Forks and up. Wanting to make sure to grab a bite, I stopped by one of the many food trucks parked on Broadway, Habanero Sombrero Taqueria.

My love for food trucks began with The Food Network series, Eat St., which featured delectable homemade dishes out of a four wheeled caravan of goodness. Here, Habanero Sombrero is housed in a spiffy trailer. With pleasant imaging, friendly staff and a fantastic location, it has all the ingredients needed for a quality food truck stall.

As one would expect from the name, Habanero Sombrero features Mexican fare. As a taco truck, their main attraction are the variety of meat tacos (Beef, Pulled Pork, Chicken) and Black Bean all served on a six inch tortilla and topped with coleslaw, pico de gallo and queso fresco. Hungry patrons can opt for the Low Rider, a combination of three tacos along with homemade chips and salsa (or quacamole for an extra dollar).

After one orders, each taco can be topped with a bevy of salsa choices. Ranging in heat from a mild pico de gallo to medium pineapple salsa (personal favourite) to extremely hot habanero salsa, these delectable additions add not only a heat element, but also extra flavour to your tacos.

The Low Rider comes with a side of Chips and Guacamole (I upgraded). The large tortilla chips are nicely fried and extremely crisp. Delicately seasoned with a touch of salt, these chips truly are difficult to put down; especially when combined with the smooth and creamy guacamole.

The Low Rider comes with an option of three tacos, so I went with each protein (Beef, Pulled Pork and Chicken). Each taco consists of a healthy portion of meat topped with homemade coleslaw and a spoonful of fresh queso fresco (cheese). Unfortunately with all the toppings, each protein lacked uniqueness and all ended up tasting the same, with the exception of the chicken that was disappointingly dry. Nevertheless, the tacos were tasty and an excellent vehicle for the bevy of salsas available.

Habanero Sombrero is a tasty food truck that should be enjoyed for its uniqueness. While the food, specifically the protein options, leave some room to be desired, the entire meal was overall tasty enough to warrant a try. I also see a number of people at odds with the cost of the meal and while certainly pricier than most fast food options, the amount charged is on par with most food truck options, as customers must come to the reality that is the costs associated with owning and running a truck.