The cover story in the recent San Diego Reader is titled, “I Like My Truck, But I Miss My Cart” and is a lengthy article with interviews from MIHO Gastrotruck, Tabe BBQ and Manny’s Taco truck.
Some observations and interesting points from the article:
The author, who is visiting Tabe as they are parked behind The Office bar in North Park, asks why they can’t park where the public can see them:
“I’ve been given a ticket for ‘selling on a public road.’ You’re not allowed to do that. You could be blocking a public right-of-way. That was $258, in Hillcrest. That scared me from parking near the city on the streets. But I don’t know why we should be hiding back here.”
Great quote from Tabe: “And, yet, we add life to the city. It should be welcoming us.””
It also tells the story of Manny’s Taco Truck. The owner (Manny, of course) apparently used to own a taco cart then the city told him he had to get a truck even though he didn’t want to. The cost of the truck and the difference in the work environment sound like they have been tough for him. The title of the article, ” “I Like My Truck, But I Miss My Cart” is his quote.
An interesting read.
I remember Manny’s old taco cart on Adam’s Ave right next door to LeStat’s Coffee Shop. The tacos weren’t as spicy as I liked but he offered some serious options including lots of cuts of meats which typically get over looked north of the border; where Manny excelled though was with his divine TJ style bacon wrapped hot dogs. I honestly thought Manny’s was out of business but it is good to know he’s made the transition to a truck. It’s just too bad that the brick & mortar restaurants have resorted to legalistic restrictions against the competition in order to restrict consumer choices.