Carolyn Fath
It felt like summer at this year’s Isthmus Food Cart Fest. Temperatures were in the low 80s and skies were clear as hundreds of food cart fans converged on Madison’s Central Park. Nearly 40 vendors, five more than last year, stayed busy throughout Sunday afternoon handing out generous samples at the sold-out event. A mix of classic hip-hop and pop songs from DJ Radish kept the vibe upbeat and playful.
Lines could be long at times in front of several carts, but they tended to move quickly. Mike Dickens was committed to tasting the fare from as many vendors as possible. While in line for Cali Fresh, he was chowing down roasted brussels sprouts over rice from Soho Gourmet Cuisine. “I’m here to try everything. Even if I have to stand in line while I eat,” said Dickens.
But most enjoyed the food while socializing with friends at picnic tables in the sun, lounging on the grass or in the shade under the large tent at the center of the festival. More than one group could be seen playing euchre in between bites.
A sizable contingent of food carts that regularly sell around the Capitol Square and on Library Mall were in attendance. David Rodriguez, owner of Melted, said he participates to attract new customers and to show solidarity with the food cart industry as a whole. “If you want to be part of the food cart scene, you have to be here,” Rodriguez said.
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El Grito Taqueria
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New vendors this year including Buzzy’s Lake House, Freeman Brother BBQ, the Rigby Pub, Mary’s Egg Rolls, Mi and Cali Fresh. There were also a few vendors from outside the Madison area, including Anthony’s Concessions and Le Prince French Crepes from Appleton. El Chile Caliente traveled from Kenosha to serve its Mexican and Puerto Rican dishes.
Todd Garon, who works in the campus area, was pleased with the diversity of vendors. “It was nice to see a range of carts I’ve never heard of before. I wasn’t expecting that,” said Garon.
Crowd favorites included the falafel from the Banzo cart. “I had never had it before, and it was absolutely fantastic,” said Maria Stone, a volunteer at the event.
Anthony Cooper Sr. was particularly enamored with the plantain empanada from Caracas Empanadas. “Off the chain! Best thing I had the whole day,” said Cooper. The pork shoulder taco from El Grito was “delicious and amazing,” according to attendee Erin Miller.
JD’s employee Shamawyah Curtis said there was little downtime at her cart. “The polish sausage has been the most requested. We have also served a ton of cheese fries.”
The ginger limeade from Ladonia Cafe impressed James Bloodsaw. “Very tasty. I haven’t seen fresh ginger used like that before, and I’m a chef.”
The sunny weather made snow cones from Kona Ice very popular. Four-year old Cora Rogers was all smiles as she and her brother Nolan, 2, devoured the frozen, sugary treat. “Snow cone good,” said young Cora. Her brother, whose face was dyed bright red from his nose to his chin, nodded in agreement.
The fest was held at Central Park for the first time this year. Victor Toniolo said he prefers the location over Olin Park, where Food Cart Fest was held the past few years. “Olin is nice, but [Central Park] is close to where a lot of people live,” said Toniolo. “There should be something here every day, not just weekends.”
[Editor's note: This article incorrectly stated that Nolan Rogers' face was dyed blue from his nose to his chin. It has been corrected to say Rogers' face was dyed bright red. We apologize for the error.]
