Whenever I mention a local food truck to a friend, I always get the same reply: “Charleston has food trucks?” I’m sure you’ve seen Cory’s Grilled Cheese on campus, but can you list a dozen off the top of your head? Probably not.

Two food trucks ready to feed the mobile masses. (Photo by Christina D'Antoni)

The Charleston food truck scene can be a real headache. If you aren’t looking for one, you probably won’t find one. Even when I do go looking, I usually run into a dilemma. For example, last week on our day off, I went to the YWCA (a hot spot for food trucks). To my stomach’s dismay, the trucks had taken the day off to vote. I’m all for voting, but can’t a girl get a banh mi on her day off?

Perhaps the problem with food trucks is their nature – they’re on wheels. This may seem silly to point out, but it may be the reason we’ve been missing out. It’s difficult to track down trucks that only stay put at various locations for just a few hours at a time. However, this Saturday, that will change. Post and Courier is hosting the Charleston Food Truck Rodeo across from the Post and Courier office building. This means no more searching; the trucks will be rounded up just for you! There will be live music, delicious food and free admission. Did you catch the word free?

So after a Friday night out, get off your bed and mosey on over to the Rodeo at 3 PM. I couldn’t think of a better way to start a Saturday morning (or afternoon, depending on how your night went). Sadly, I’ll be in Savannah this weekend and can’t go, but I’m asking you a favor: please, go and enjoy countless hot dogs, tacos, and Roti Rolls for less than $10 and report back! Here are some picks I’m drooling over:

  •  If you’re just waking up, try a breakfast burrito or homemade English muffin from Outta My Huevos, a brunch trunk started this summer. Or if you’re into baked goods, try Diggity Donuts. They claim to make donuts the healthy way and have unique flavors like Arnold Palmer or Peanut Butter and Sriracha.
  • Being a New Orleanian, I’m always skeptical when food claims to be “Nawlins Style,” but Low Country Creole looks tasty. Try their Rosie Special, a roast beef po’boy with baked ham, provolone and debris (juicy bits of meat that fell off the roast while cooking – very New Orleans).
  • The Foodie Truck offers great food sustainably. They have Asian-inspired bites like the pork belly steam buns with bok choy (delicious, Chinese dark greens), sesame and cilantro but also cook local favorites like the Down to Chuck Burger.
  •  Hello My Name is BBQ is a veteran truck with a set location on Meeting Street. Try the Holy City, a beer braised pork sandwich on a brioche bun.
  • Taco Boy, Roti Rolls, Auto Banh…the trucks and possibilities are endless!

Post and Courier Food Truck Rodeo
134 Columbus Street
http://www.postandcourieradvertising.com/foodtruckrodeo/

 Look for individual reviews of the food trucks I visit to come!

-The Frugal Foodie