Following the Tamarindo Truck to OC Leads to a Delightful Experience at the Orange Home Grown Farmers Market

I recently dined with my cousins and I was poked about not reviewing a gourmet food truck recently. I had been eyeing a number of Orange County trucks and his ‘poke’ motivated me to take a drive to the OC.

You may be wondering why I would consider driving to Orange when we have an outstanding farmers market in Torrance. In summary: I enjoy adventures, learning new things, and experiencing what people in other areas appreciate and enjoy.

Home Grown Farmers Market in Orange

Home Grown Farmers Market in Orange

The ‘Home Grown Farmers Market’ in Old Towne Orange is held at Chapman University each Saturday morning from 9am – 1pm. Only a single food truck is invited and another vendor, Front Porch Pops, a handcrafted popsicle vendor, is also usually on-site. The city of Orange has successfully beautified the Old Towne area and people were milling about, walking to restaurants and shops.

The market is closely tied with the local community. Volunteers were present to collect canned goods for the local food bank. Everything was locally sourced and geared towards healthy nutrition. Even a local nursery sold potted soil and plants.

Fresh produce from a certified organic farmer

Fresh produce from a certified organic farmer

Grampy Pat's almost famous sourdough

Grampy Pat’s almost famous sourdough

I purchased a number of fresh vegetables: vine ripened tomatoes, carrots, purple potatoes and green beans. I was delighted to discover an artesian baker: Grampy Pat’s Almost Famous Sourdough. Passion in his product was obvious. His breads were made with ingredients such as King Arthur’s flour, filtered water, and Sicilian sea salt. From speaking with Pat, I learned that much of the commercially available sea salt is purified to remove chemicals and pollutants. Sicilian sea salt is made from Mediterranean waters and is entirely natural. I purchased a sourdough baguette as well as some hamburger buns.

Chef & Proprietor Erin Whitcomb sells her handcrafted popsicles and pies.

Chef & Proprietor Erin Whitcomb sells her handcrafted popsicles and pies

I finally met Erin Whitcomb, chef & proprietor of Front Porch Pops. They are one of the vendors I follow on Twitter and I happened to noticed that they also feature fresh baked pies. They made it easy for me to decide as their pies are available in individual sizes and so I purchased one of each: pumpkin, double dutch apple, salty dog, pecan, and chocolate caramel smores. The crust is very crisp and buttery – absolutely delightful.  In fact, Erin let me know that they would be chairing “The Great Crust Throwdown” on Saturday Nov 16, a blind taste test competition between them, Marie Callenders and Polly’s Pies. Follow this link for details on Facebook.

Fresh baked pies by Front Porch Pops

Fresh baked pies by Front Porch Pops

Besides the other joys of the market, the real reason I made the drive down to Orange was to sample the food from Tamarindo Truck. Local, sustainable, anti-GMO messages are regular themes on their website and since the truck typically is in the Newport Beach-Laguna Hills area, the drive to Orange was a lot more desirable.  Since my wife and daughter were due home soon, I had everything packed to go. Everything was prepared very well and it was obvious that they used fresh ingredients such as farm fresh eggs and farmers market quality produce.

Tamarindo Truck - Gourmet Mexican using local ingredients

Tamarindo Truck – Gourmet Mexican food using local ingredients

Grilled chicken chilaquiles with housemade tomatillo sauce, scrambled eggs, Mexican crema, cotija cheese and cilantro.

Grilled chicken chilaquiles with housemade tomatillo sauce, scrambled eggs, Mexican crema, cotija cheese and cilantro

Drunken Torta: Flank steak marinated in Dos XX lager, Oaxan cheese, caramelized onions, avocado, arbol salsa on fresh baked Bolillo bread

Drunken Torta: Flank steak marinated in Dos XX lager, Oaxacan cheese, black bean spread, organic tomatoes, caramelized onions, avocado, arbol salsa on fresh baked Bolillo bread

 

Ceviche tostada: white fish 'cooked' in lime juice and manzano peppers. Topped with fresh avocados and hot sauce.

Ceviche tostada: white fish ‘cooked’ in lime juice and manzano peppers. Topped with fresh avocados and hot sauce.

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About the Author

Follow Bryan on twitter for the latest and greatest in food trucks and street food. @btsunoda.

2 Responses to “Following the Tamarindo Truck to OC Leads to a Delightful Experience at the Orange Home Grown Farmers Market”

  1. Curious. I don’t see an update on how the food was from the Tamarindo Truck. Although might not be fair if you didn’t consume it till later.

    Just curious! I file your opinions mentally & would use them when I run into a food truck or restaurant. Very helpful!

    Thanks, Bryan!

  2. Doug, glad you called me on this post because I normally provide my feedback on the food I purchase and feature. I will take this feedback and ensure that I provide my comments when appropriate. Thank you so much for taking the time to provide your comments! They are GREATLY appreciated! ….Bryan

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