(Dined 06/12/23 MO @ 5:00pm): Pretty cool eats at this food truck!…read more
In celebration of the live return of "2023 LA Beer Week" after our recent COVID pandemic closure lockdowns, I was first introduced to Cool PlanEat Food Truck at North Hollywood's Lawless Brewing Co. as I attended a panel discussion on the current state of the L.A. County brewery scene. Although I frequently attended, worked, or volunteered at the myriad of year-around events throughout Southern California, this was my very first encounter with this meals-on-wheels establishment. With a cool name in place and my plan to eat whatever they served, was their food out of this world!?
QUICK BIO
"Born from a trajectory of NY, VT to now sunny Sherman Oaks in California, Cool PlanEat germinated as a vision that would bring together and align a socially conscious food business concept with owner Sandy's personal convictions. Cool PlanEat is about starting with thoughtfully sourced ingredients that create wonderful dishes while utilizing sincere eco-friendly business practices. Though they are very VEG forward, there truly is something for everyone's appetite. Come try their Cuban Sandwiches (NY Magazine 2004...one of NYC's Best), or their signature superfood "Fat Yam"; and top it all off with a Dark Chocolate Flan or Coconut Chia Pudding! The salads and Gaia Bowls excite all the senses and leave you feeling especially happy. Keeping the PlanEat Cool, while warming up your tummy, book Cool PlanEat for any and all your catering occasions."
PURCHASE
Signature Cuban Sandwich w/Side Asparagus Spears ($15.00): Fresh French bread mojo'd, a thin drizzle of mustard, sliced Swiss cheese, house-made thin pickle slices/ham/house roasted pork-griddled and flattened to garlic heaven, the crusty bread collapsed into the layers of flavorful meats, while the seasoned asparagus acted as a palate cleanser. A tad on the pricey side but very tasty nonetheless https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=cDoMD4PC3KW2cwc05PXXNg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Guava Cream Cheese Bread Pudding ($7.00): Homemade custard-drenched breads baked with cream cheese and guava and served with whipped cream, every bite of this tantalized your taste buds with sweetness and varying degrees of textures. This easily could've acted as a meal on its own, and honestly, they had me at guava https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=IeLfCK5RhEsRIAre31QdOg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
SERVICE
A friendly woman (Sandy) greeted me as I approached the truck, quickly took my order, and a little over ten minutes later my food was delivered to me inside the brewery by the same kind woman. All was straightforward and greatly appreciated - thank you!
PARKING (FREE)
Being a food truck, they were at the beck and call wherever the event was held. In this case, the event took place at Lawless Brewing Co. with a small private lot and plenty of free parking along the main drag of Craner Ave. and all nearby residential streets. Another option was a driving service like a bus, taxi, Lyft, or Uber (no nearby Metro train station) - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
Your standard self-sufficient food truck with an exterior food menu, separate order and pick up windows, no specific area for condiments, napkins, and utensils (these items were given to you) https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Td3-hYvFzZSXrfJc710UxQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, no designated seating area except for the brewery itself, and natural lighting was prevalent during the daytime while minimal electric street and truck lighting glowed at night. There were no TVs nor any background music except what was playing inside the brewery. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=wlvUzsjPt2jx2xuw1XMiBw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Cool PlanEat Food Truck was a nice relatively healthy alternative to the plethora of options out there, and I would consider them again (at the very least the bread pudding!). The menu was extremely limited, leaned more towards being health-conscious, and probably rotated quite frequently. The prices were a tad on the higher end, the food and portion sizes were good, and the service had a lovely personal touch. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $22.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX! 4.0 STARS
