On a warm Friday night, in a
parking lot near Hastings Ranch in Pasadena under the warm glow of street lamps
food trucks lie in wait for hungry customers, their aromas wafting through the
surrounding side streets. This lot is home to the Chef’s Center of California.
This nonprofit center gives small
entrepreneurs the chance to start up small businesses from catering to food
truck to gluten-free desserts. Opening originally as Mama’s Small Business
Kitchen Incubator in 2009, this commercial kitchen has been home to about 150
food-related operations. This is a concept very dear to my heart. After working
in restaurants for 11 years, I know the amount of money it takes to start a
business. This center allows people to fulfill their dreams without breaking
the bank.
Starting this past week, the center
hosted a Friday Night Food Fair, chock full of local food trucks, bakers with
amazing Peach Bellini cupcakes, chocolatiers playing with amazing flavor
combinations and other culinary artisans.
One of the trucks present was India
Jones Chow Truck, a food truck with a distinct Indian flair. Amongst their many
choices is the Frankie. It’s comprised of a roti (Indian flat bread) with
cilantro tamarind chutney, onions and your choice of meat or paneer (a type of
fresh cheese). I decided on trying the lamb and I tell you, it did not
disappoint! Meaty chunks of lamb rolled in spices and grilled, with just the
right amount of heat and aromatic to boot. It was the perfect size and at only
$5.00, a really reasonable price for the amount of food you get. We also tried
the Butter Chicken and Vegetable Coconut Curry. The Butter Chicken was very
good as well. Always a favorite, it had good-sized chunks of chicken in a
savory and thick curry sauce, served over basmati rice. The only complaint,
from my brother, about the Vegetable Curry was it could have had more coconut
flavor in it.
All in all, I would definitely eat
at India Jones again. I thought the food was well made and flavorful, and the
prices very reasonable.
The atmosphere of the market was
very laid back. After trying to attend the Asian Night Market a couple weekends
ago (almost 10,000 people in attendance), we were worried it would be packed.
But the amount of people there was just right. With tables and chairs a plenty
we were able to enjoy a night out with friends and let the kids run around
while still being able to keep an eye on them.
The different type of fare
available was quite diverse, from Asian inspired tacos at Komodo to New England
style lobster rolls and chowder at the Lobsta Truck. I only wish I had enough
room in my stomach to try it all. But I was told not to worry. Starting after
Memorial Day, this quaint lot on N. San Gabriel Blvd. near Colorado Blvd. will
host this market every Friday from 6-9pm. I assure you I will return.
