New Food Truck Hits Houston

The food truck craze may have slowed, but it certainly hasn’t died; and while many food trucks – like Chocolate Wasted Ice Cream Bus and The Rice Box – have transitioned to brick-and-mortar locations, Gr8 Plate Hospitality‘s Paul Miller (Paul’s Kitchen, The Union Kitchen, Jax) is doing the exact opposite, unleashing his new food truck The Rollin’ Kitchen onto the Houston streets. Chef Mike McElroy (D&T Drive Inn) will man the mobile kitchen, which will dish out cajun comfort food inspired by his adopted hometown of New Orleans (where he worked at city staples Red Fish and Commander’s Palace).

“This is real Louisiana comfort food, Cajun-style,” says McElroy.  “It’s the kind of food that locals eat, especially after a long shift behind the stove or a good day’s work. It’s got guts and lots of flavor.”

McElroy hopes to keep the dishes authentic while adding his own unique flair. Take the truck’s muffuletta; he keeps it classic with a round roll from Royal Bakery, house-made mortadella and salami, provolone cheese and fresh chopped olive salad, but he adds a twist with hickory-smoked, lavender-brined chicken. Then there’s the over-sized boudin balls stuffed with pork, rice and a surprise ingredient — pepper jack cheese. Then it’s deep-fried and served with spicy house-made mustard. If you’re craving something with a little more weight, try the short rib po’boy featuring smoked, braised short ribs that are deep-fried in a buttermilk batter.

The Rollin’ Kitchen will be parked at Sassafras Bar (55022 Pinemont) in Oak Forest on Mondays and Friday from 6 to 10:30 pm. You can follow the food truck on Facebook and Twitter to see where else it’ll be stationed.