January 16, 2024

It feels strange to be typing 2024, almost surreal, like I am in a sci-fi show. By the time I get used to it, though, I know I will have to start hitting 2025! Meanwhile, in reality, it is VERY cold. I went to the food truck today to check things out after a week’s absence. I have both a freshwater tank and a gray water tank onboard. To keep them from freezing, I have an electric space heater inside. I am happy to announce all is well. While it may not be toasty, it is warm enough inside that nothing is frozen. YEAH!

While we were in Asheville, I told you I would let you know more about Japanese street food. Well, I looked. However, I couldn’t find them. There were other trucks of interest, but they were closed. All the rest that were open were taco or BBQ trucks. I certainly wish all of them well, especially in winter, I really was looking for more of an educational experience.

We did eat out a few times. We went to a fabulous French restaurant. I don’t know that we will be serving Duck A La Orange or escargot any time soon, but they were certainly delicious. They did serve Frites. What the French call Frites, we call thin French fries. They were perhaps a little crispier than what we are used to, probably because they were thinner. And, there may have been a slight coating on them. They were nicely seasoned with salt, pepper and herbs. I definitely saw some potential there.

We also ate at a place called Blue Sky Café. I really have to give a big shout out about them. They seem to have been around for…ever? They have an array of really good sandwiches featuring ingredient combinations I had never seen before. The prices were good, the service was quick, and even the seating area was decorated in a fun and quirky way. I feel sure that we may adapt a few of their concepts to something we can do on our food truck.

We didn’t go to Asheville, though, for the food or sightseeing. We went to spend some quality time with people that are near and dear to our hearts. We stayed a few nights with one couple, then a few with another. It was great to see them without the pressure of deadlines and reservations. It was nice to sit around a table and chat, to have a bottle of wine, to play cards, to talk about battles of squirrels and bird feeders, to share life’s challenges and joys. Real friendships aren’t always about what we do together. Sometimes it is about doing nothing, just being there for each other.

In late fall, folks started asking us, “Are you all going to stay open in the winter?” It’s a legitimate question. I usually responded in my most jovial, optimistic voice, “Of Course! If there are several inches of snow on the ground, then we might discuss it, though.” I believe it was the right decision. We are thrilled to be serving our downtown community that has embraced us, and our catering has picked up. Even if people drive past the food truck, they can see we are open for business. So, we have gotten calls from people looking to book functions. And, we LOVE catering!

Speaking of snow… Tomorrow is Wednesday. Normally, we would be down at the truck doing our best to get open at 7:30. However, as previously noted, there are several inches of snow on the ground. The forecast for tomorrow morning is 5 degrees. Yes, that is a single digit. Also, I need to get the snow off the sidewalk in front of the truck. We have amazing food, but I don’t want anyone to get hurt trying to get some. So, we will get there tomorrow to get things set up for the new menu and I will deal with the snow on the sidewalk and put a generous amount of salt down for everyone’s safety. We will be open at 11:00 for lunch. So, come by and get something hot to eat, and top it off with a delicious hot chocolate!!

January 17-20

Breakfast 7:30-11:00

Kitten Head Biscuit Menu (Kitties)

• Plain Biscuit with butter and/or jelly $3

Raspberry, Blackberry or Apple Butter & Sharp Cheddar Cheese

• Cat Head Biscuit Sandwich $8

Fried Egg, Homemade Sausage, Apple Butter

& Boursin

• Hash Browns $1

• Omelet Tortilla Wrap $8

Seasoned Egg, Arugula & Walnut Pesto,

Roasted Tomatoes, Lemon Goat Cheese, Za-tar

• Homemade Cranberry Walnut Granola Bars $4

Lunch 11:00-3:00

• Rosti* Cakes with Whipped Seasoned Ricotta $8

Chive & Garlic *(Crispy Hashbrowns), Black Forest Ham

• Greek Chicken & Saffron Rice Soup $8

Lemon, Garlic, Egg, Spinach

• Fried Potato Ribbons w/ Sauce $5

Choice of Ketchup, Mayo, Chipotle Honey Mustard or Malt Vinegar

• Soft Pretzels $5

With New Beer Mustard Dipping Sauce

• Broiled Smoky Mahi Mahi Sandwich $14

Avocado, Lemon Pepper Aioli, Cheese Polenta Cake

• Homemade Pappardelle with Wild Mushroom $12

Cream Sauce and Chestnut

• Triple Chocolate Bomb $5

Chocolate Cake, Cookie, Sauce!

January 24-27

Breakfast 7:30-11:00

Kitten Head Biscuit Menu (Kitties)

Plain Biscuit with butter and/or jelly $3

Raspberry, Blackberry or Apple Butter & Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Cat Head Black and Bleu Sandwich $8

Fried Egg, Steak, Bleu Cheese

Hash Browns $1

Omelet Tortilla Wrap $8

Seasoned Egg, Spinach, Tomato Chutney, Cheddar Cheese

Pancakes $5

Lunch 11:00-3:00

Smoked Chicken Wings $8

Got a smoker…why not? Served with siracha aioli.

Bacon Cheeseburger Soup $8

Found a great recipe in an Amish cookbook.

Fried Potato Ribbons w/ Sauce $5

Choice of Ketchup, Mayo, Chipotle Honey Mustard or Malt Vinegar

Soft Pretzels $5

With New Beer Mustard Dipping Sauce using beer from the Friendly Fermenter

Caprese English Muffin $10

A classic combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil put on an English Muffin as a great handheld! Served with potato ribbons.

Spinach and Cheese Ravioli $12

We are having fun making pasta by hand and realizing the endless possibilities this canvas provides.

Served with a sherry cream sauce and a piece of garlic bread.

Cheesecake Cookie Cups $5

Cheesecake flavored with Grand Marnier in individual cookie cups! Brilliant!

As a reminder, on the 27th we will be at Brother’s Craft Brewing, 800 North Main Street to enjoy a fun night with them and Pure Shenandoah from 12:00 until 7ish. We hope you can come enjoy food, beverages, mocktails, and friends.

Stay warm. After writing this, I am going to build a fire in the fireplace, have a glass of wine, enjoy time with my wife and our cats, and relax. A new week begins tomorrow!

Johnnymac