CEDAR RAPIDS — Some restaurateurs dream of their own place as soon as they’re old enough to help out in the kitchen. Others grow up in the family business.
But one new food truck owner shows that it’s never too late to discover your talent.
Cassandra Webb’s children’s response has been encouraging, as she’s been cooking more at home for her nine foster children in recent years.
“I didn’t know I had a knack for cooking, but in the time of COVID-19, I had to figure out what to spend my time on,” said Webb, owner of The Licking’. I was.
But after years of anxiety as a family and church cook, she made some signature spring rolls with ginger sauce for an event hosted by her sister. I let her know I was taking advantage of something big.
Her new food truck, which opened April 15, is named after the response her food has gotten in recent years from the Clean Plate Club, of which her children have become enthusiastic members.
Webb’s pursuit of a new food truck, which began as a side hustle while working full-time as a project manager for Transamerica, brought another kind of joy to his job by offering that joy to others in a tangible way. hope to find the At age 50, it has the potential to become something more, a passion project he spawned after a year of his private catering.
“We want to create food that you eat to enjoy and taste, rather than just eating for the sake of eating,” said Webb.
what: Lickin’ Food Truck
where: Parking lot at 279 Collins Road. Cedar Rapids NE (previously Hy-Vee next to Lindale Mall)
time: Thursday – Sunday 11am – 8pm
Website: See menu on Facebook
phone: (319) 210-5660
menu
A fusion of Mexican, Asian and soul food with something for everyone during opening hours on weekends.
Webb’s most popular signatures include fried rice with shrimp, tilapia spring rolls, and burritos. Cedar Her Rapids Her Soul Food Her Market has recently opened up, so her Fried Her Fish might also get some attention.
“A lot of the time when you’re with a group, everyone might want something different, and that’s where the concept came from,” explained Webb.
If you’ve never tried fish spring rolls, Webb admits it’s an unusual choice given that meat is rarely used in spring rolls. But for repeat customers, it’s a gamble that pays off. With tilapia cooked in olive her oil, cabbage, versatile spice her blend, and powerful ginger her sauce, this dish is known for her catering that keeps many coming back soon.
Her burritos stand out from Cedar Rapids’ crowded Mexican food scene, she said, with an emphasis on her own cumin spice blend. Burritos, quesadillas, and tacos are available with steak or chicken, balanced with vegetables, rice, and homemade salsa.
“We use more seasoning to really enhance the flavor of the meat, burrito, or taco,” Webb said.
The menu continues to evolve as the food truck base grows. Cedar After establishing his Rapids presence, Webb hopes to make appearances in Iowa City, Waterloo and Des Moines.
why now?
Having invested heavily in a high-risk industry, Webb puts money in his mouth to provide the food he believes in. Cedar Her Rapids Only Cloud With her kitchen temporarily closed, Food her truck was the smartest way for her to enter the market. .
“When you eat something good, it changes your whole personality and everything,” she said.
Inspired by his father’s approach to the construction business, which gave chances to others who were selected in the job market, Webb eventually hoped to hire people from disadvantaged backgrounds who wanted a start in the restaurant industry. is.
“To be able to give life to that person, to be able to encourage that person…that’s actually my goal,” she said.
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