There is a growing food trend outside of Fort Collins. It's not even growing, it's exploding. It's the food cart scene. Made famous in New York with their vast array of hot dog stands, then elevated to the next level in San Francisco and Portland, Oregon with the use of locally grown ingredients for creative concoctions, food carts and trucks are a great way to find some cheap eats. And the best part? Cheap eats don't have to taste cheap.
Fort Collins is very slowly beginning to tap into this food trend. We have a handful of food carts and trucks around town and I have this feeling that it's about to grow even bigger next year (or so I hope!!). PJ's Curbside Grill in Old Town Square has been grilling up some tasty street meats since September of 2009, setting a mark for food carts here in town.
Bringing some of the classic flavors of The Bronx with him after his move to Fort Collins, PJ grills up some great hot dogs. He serves Nathan's 1/4 pound all-beef hot dogs on Coney Island buns, brats and sausages from Canino's resting on toasted Italian bread and Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches.
The tricky thing about having a food cart is that you are subject to the elements of the weather. So if it's a crappy day, windy or rainy (or both), don't expect to see him out there braving the storm to satisfy your lunchtime meat craving. Fortunately, Fort Collins is a pretty sunny city.
Sadly though, summer is on its way out. School will be back in session and we'll be back to shoveling our walks soon (yes, this is me crying on my keyboard). Hit up PJ's curbside grill while you can and enjoy the tail end of the summer with great street meats in hand. read more