The siren song of sizzling meats and savory sauces drew me in long before I even reached Bowl in the City food truck. Wedged amongst the lively bustle of Goat Patch Brewery Co. on a crisp Wednesday, this unassuming kitchen on wheels promised a symphony of Asian flavors. Forget fancy frills - a brightly colored cartoon noodle bowl emblazoned on the side was all the advertisement this diminutive giant needed.
A symphony of aromas danced in the air, a tantalizing preview of the menu displayed on a small chalkboard easel. With four rice bowls, a classic lo mein, five appetizers, and a lone dessert soldier, the bill of fare offered a concise yet enticing selection.
Our culinary adventure began with lumpia, the Filipino answer to the egg roll ($6.99). Five golden beauties arrived nestled on a bed of shredded cabbage, each a testament to the art of crispness. A delightful crack revealed a savory filling of ground pork and diced vegetables, perfectly complemented by the sweet and spicy chile sauce.
Next up was the pork belly rice bowl ($14.50), a dish that defied the sometimes-negative reputation of its star ingredient. Cubes of melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, marinated in a rich soy sauce glaze, were the undisputed stars. But the supporting cast - tangy kimchi, refreshing pickled onions, vibrant shredded carrots, and pops of green onion - played a crucial role in creating a symphony of textures and tastes. While undeniably decadent, the pork belly lacked the processed quality of bacon, offering a more guilt-free indulgence.
For a taste of Korean tradition, we ventured into the realm of beef bulgogi ($15.50). Thinly sliced, marinated perfection awaited us, boasting a complex interplay of sweet, savory, and salty notes. Hints of brown sugar, red pepper paste, and ginger danced with the familiar comfort of soy sauce, creating a marinade that whispered of Seoul. Just like the pork belly bowl, it was accompanied by a vibrant array of kimchi, pickled onions, and shredded carrots, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the savory meat.
The lone non-rice dish, the classic Chinese beef lo mein ($15.75), was a comforting embrace of familiar flavors. A stir-fry ballet of tender beef, colorful vegetables (carrots, bok choy, red pepper), and chewy noodles, all bathed in a savory symphony of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions added the finishing flourish to this textural and flavorful masterpiece.
While we opted for savory exploration this time, the menu beckoned with other rice bowl options – the promise of chicken teriyaki ($14.75) and glazed teriyaki tofu ($13) lingered in our minds. For those seeking appetizers, crab rangoon, sesame balls, gyoza, and even shrimp tempura offered a delightful prelude to the main course. And for the truly adventurous, tempura-fried ice cream, available in two flavors, taunted us with its promise of sweet, cold, and gloriously fried indulgence.
Portion sizes were more than generous, ensuring a satisfied sigh with every bite. The two-person team, though bustling with activity, exuded warmth and efficiency. A friendly heads-up about a 15-18 minute wait was softened by a handy buzzer that would signal our culinary treasures were ready. The wait, however, proved a mere hurdle in the face of those intoxicating aromas, and true to their word, our food arrived right on time.
Bowl in the City is a testament to the magic that unfolds when fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and friendly service collide. It's a food truck experience that tantalizes the senses and leaves you wanting more. So next time you find yourself yearning for an Asian fusion adventure, seek out the brightly colored noodle bowl and embark on a delicious journey.