Wow, why have I not visited this truck sooner? While I'll only be basing this review off of one…read morevisit, first impressions are the ones that stick, right?
I've seen this truck a few times before and have been wanting to check it out to see what's what. A friend of mine recommended Third Coast, giving it a pretty glowing review of all things meaty. Today, the line was short, so it was now or never.
There's a picture posted of the regular menu board that I glanced at when walking up to the truck before my attention was drawn to the white board with today's special: The Thunderdome. With a name like that, of course I'm going to try it. A quick review of the ingredients, chopped ribeye, grilled onions, sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, and their mustard cheese sauce, solidified my decision. Oh, add-ons, you say? Gotta get my fried egg for the day! The girl who took my order was extremely sweet and commented on how the addition of the egg was going to make this sandwich extra delicious. I was excited.
Only a few moments went by before my name was called and my gaze laid upon the sandwich I had so hastily, but confidently, chosen. It. Was. Beautiful. Piles of meat mixed with beautifully cooked onions and mushrooms, smothered in a hot yellow river of magical cheese sauce; and ever so delicately laid on top, a perfectly fried egg, yolk ready to burst and reveal an entirely new dimension of color and flavor over the already inspired lunch selection. My eyes teared in anticipation. Was the first bite going to deliver the promise that was made to my stomach?
Yes. It absolutely did.
Picking up the sandwich was not meant to be an easy task. The juice of the meat, cheese, and veggies tore through the perfectly crispy, yet soft insides of the french bread. The filling spilled out of the bottom, begging for forgiveness that it must wait for another bite before met the same fate as its comrades that remained between the slices of bread. I was not upset. In fact, I was quite happy to be able to try the medley of meat, onions, and mushrooms on their own, unadulterated by the delicious bread that the filling had escaped. The occasional jalapeño made its way into my mouth as I devoured the food equivalent of happiness, adding a bit of excitement with every bite.
But what of the egg?
The sandwich had been cut into two, and in preparation for my path to cheesesteak enlightenment, I moved the egg to the second half, saving its golden, creamy treasure for the second part of my experience. And I could not have been happier for doing so. A slight poke to the top of the egg allowed for the yolk to gush out enthusiastically over the entire last half of the sandwich. I had thought the first bite I took of my sandwich was the apex of my meal. It wasn't. The addition of the egg not only lent itself as another flavor to liven the mix, but it seemed to organize the flavors into something... Elevated. It was like I was speaking to a higher being. The sandwich itself was the cross, and the egg the Messiah. I was saved.
My only recommendation to you, potential patron, is to be prepared to make a mess. With every bite, it seems the sandwich produces more of the steak-veggie concoction than it started with. Wait until the very end of your journey before using your napkins as you'll want to lick you fingers clean of the juices from the meal; why waste perfectly good flavor on the unappreciative bundles of paper? They serve only as chains to your dedication to civilization, so break free! And live as a beast as you gorge on your feast. Allow yourself the freedom to express your love for food, and the meal from Third Coast will reciprocate your kindness by offering you the momentary bliss that can only be found when eating something you love.