Coconut banana fritters by Vilai's Spice Box, ManyFest 2014's Food Truck Wars. (Photos by Robin Summerfield)
Winnipeg's second annual Food Truck Wars wrapped up this weekend after thousands of urbanites loaded up on the city's best street eats.
The food truck contest was just one of the events held during ManyFest, a yearly street festival that celebrates life in the city.
This was also the second year I offered my services (and stomach) to judge Food Truck Wars. This year, 25 trucks parked along Memorial Drive, serving vittles to the teaming crowds. Diners feasted on a cultural miss-mash of eats including Greek, Italian, Japanese, Filipino, Caribbean, Southern Barbecue, Mexican, Mediterranean and good-old hamburgers and fries, among many other foods.
This year's mobile food purveyors went all out for Food Truck Wars. The field doubled from last year and everyone put their best to the test. The enthusiasm of the cook/owners and the crowds speaks to the health of Winnipeg's growing and vibrant food-truck scene.
The food was impressive, ambitious and creative. As a judge, it was hard to pick favourites. It was so hard this year that I awarded second and third place winners. Even though they weren't the grand prize winners, their efforts must be acknowledged. With that, here are the winners and runner ups of ManyFest 2014's Food Truck Wars.
Sake Salmon Roll by Waki Temaki.
Best Presentation
Winner: Sake Salmon Roll by Waki Temaki
Second Place: Crab Rangon by Vilai's Spice Box
Third Place: Special pizza with thick-cut ham, parmesan, baby arugula and beet sauce with roasted garlic cream sauce by Fired Up
Food Truck Wars 2014 Winners: Roddy Seradilla from Pimp my Rice (left); Robin Summerfield, Peg City Grub; Derrek Collins from Poutine King; and Edward Lam from Waki Temaki.
Best Bang for Your Buck
Winner: Filipino Sampler by Pimp my Rice, $5
Second Place: Shredded beef, pulled pork and shredded chicken tacos by Habanero Sombrero, 3 for $9
Third Place: Roasted turkey wrap by Healthy Eats, $8.50
The Fisherman by Poutine King (left).
Most Original
Winner: The Fisherman by Poutine King 2nd Place: The Beatle by Tot Wheels 3rd Place: Island Taco by Island Fusion
People's Choice
Winner: The Red Ember Runner Ups: Tot Wheels, Stuff It and Island Fusion
And here are a few more shots of all the action at Food Truck Wars 2014. See you next year!
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ's managing director Jason Syvixay chowing down at Food Truck Wars 2014.
Peg City Grub is your ultimate source for everything foodie in Winnipeg. From the hottest chefs to the best new restaurants to the most delicious events, we’ve got you covered. Follow us on Twitter @pegcitygrub and visit www.tourismwinnipeg.com for more on the city’s fabulous dining options.
Peg City Grub is a Tourism Winnipeg culinary initiative.
