Introducing: Gourmet Gringos, a new food truck serving Latin American fare (including handmade empanadas)

| September 6, 2012

Joining the ever-expanding herd of food truckers, the Gourmet Gringos (not to be confused with the Gourmet Bitches, or the Food Dudes, for that matter) are keen to make their mark on the scene. After noting the relative scarcity of empanadas in town, longtime friends Krystian Catala and Terry Nicolaou decided that they’d take things into their own hands and open up a Latin-inspired food truck. In all, the duo has a combined 30 years in the food biz, and with the addition of chef Arturo Gress (Le Select, Maléna, One), the Gringos were ready to go.

The truck serves up their beloved empanadas, alongside burritos ($8), tortas ($8), quesadillas ($7) and, of course, the ubiquitous taco (two for $6). When we swung by the truck’s perch across from Union Station, Catala was pressing empanadas by hand. He explained just what makes a proper Argentine empanada, the kind he’s been inhaling his entire life: good beef, caramelized onions, hard-boiled egg, olives and cloves ($3). The truck also serves an Ecuadorian version, packed with cheese, fried and then tossed in sugar for added crunch ($2.50).

There’s a roster of fillings available for the various tortilla-based meals, like cochinita (slow-roasted pork) and mole-braised short rib. When we visited, there’s was also a fish taco special: beer-battered mahi mahi, packed with cabbage and carrot slaw, smeared with guacamole and finished with chipotle aioli (two for $9). With a rotating menu planned, expect to see all manner of Latin favourites, like tamales, arepas and pupusas, making guest appearances.