Geddes, NY — What began as a pastime during the 2020 COVID-19 shutdown has become the winner of this year’s Food Truck Battle at the State Fairgrounds.
Callé Tropical, a food truck that specializes in homemade Latin American stuffed sweets, won the jury’s pick for best delicious food at Saturday’s food truck rodeo.
Odalys Negron, owner of Carré Tropical, came up with the Philadelphia Cheesesteak Empanada while experimenting in the kitchen during the pandemic.
“What do you do when you’re bored? Come to the kitchen,” she said after winning the No. 1 belt. “Our flavorful empanadas have shaved beef, cooked bell peppers onions, generous amounts of cheese, and special seasonings we love to blend.”
During the 11-hour festival, thousands of Mid-New Yorkers flocked to the Chevrolet Court at the fairgrounds to sample the food prepared in 60 mobile kitchens.
Nick Sanford, president of the Syracuse Food Truck Association and owner of Toss and Fire Pizza, said it’s the largest gathering of food trucks in upstate New York. Each food truck at least he offered one sample and sold for $3 to $6. Most outlets offered more extensive menus.
At the end of the meal, diners were able to vote for their favorite vendors in two categories: sweets and savory. A team of local media (93Q Radio, 95X Radio, syracuse.com) acted as judges. We sampled each track and picked our favourites.
The winner is…
Jury’s Choice of Savory Category: Philadelphia Cheesesteak Empanadas Tropical Street.
In the savory category, the winners were: The Bold Coast Lobster Co. sample was bacon wrapped scallops. At one point he had a line of over 100 people on this track all day long.
Novelty category chosen by the judges: Blackberry Italian soda melt. Made with Italian syrup, plenty of cream, and topped with club soda. Topped with whipped cream, vanilla pizzels, fresh blackberries and, for fun, a beautiful ball of white chocolate birthday cake cotton candy.
Most Unique/Creative: Blackberry Italian soda melt.
People’s Choice Novelty Category: Blueberry & Lace is a blueberry iced coffee topped with whipped cream and blueberry white chip cookies.
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Charlie Miller Find the best food, drink and fun in central New York. to contact him (315) 382-1984or by email cmiller@syracuse.com. You can also find him at @HoosierCuse. twitter and further Instagram.Sign up for his weekly free subscription Where Syracuse Eats newsletter.
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