#GetTruckedUp - How to hit the StrEAT right

Friday, August 14, 2015

Conquering the Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest

Here's the secret to trying ALL the trucks at Columbia StrEAT on Saturday August 22, make the most of the largest one-day food truck fest in Canada!

1. Take the Skytrain

How often have you wasted precious time that could have been spent stuffing your face with the most delicious food that Metro Vancouver Food Trucks have to offer, trying to find parking? Oh no – not this time. To conquer this Food Truck Fest right, you need to arrive right. Skytrain = Food Truck Fest freedom, especially if you're looking to properly enjoy the beer gardens, if you know what I mean...

2. Plan your route

I know it's tempting to beeline it to the first truck you set eyes on, but exercising some discipline will help you hit the StrEAT right. Look for Food Truck sandwich board maps located along Columbia StrEAT, directing you to all your favourite trucks and those trucks you've been dying to try. Can't wait till event day? Check out the map now! Take a minute to plan your route so you're not weaving back and forth, in and out of the crowds like a newbie. Stride along one side of the StrEAT and down the other like a seasoned pro, hitting up all the trucks you want in half the time and with half the effort.

3. Bring backup

Friends don't let friends come to Columbia StrEAT alone. Here are just some of the benefits of bringing backup:

• Conquering the lines – with 75 000 people, you can bet on lineups. If you come with backup, you can divide and conquer.

• Trying more trucks – with backup, everyone can hit up a different truck for an even wider variety of dishes to share and enjoy. Come together at one of the conveniently located seating areas and gorge!

• Designated food-baby nurse – with over 70 food trucks, you're sure to leave the event with a food baby. Accept it. This is the ultimate cheat day, people! Bring a designated food-baby nurse to help you get home safe after eating A LOT more than you should (we don't judge).

4. Order small, order lots

I know it's tempting to order the 'large' from the first truck you come across because you've been dreaming of this day for so long and been training your stomach to accommodate , but proceed with caution. Instead of ordering large plates from a few trucks, order small signature dishes from multiple trucks so you can satisfy your craving and your sense of adventure. Check out the full line up here.

5. Bring Tupperware

Even if you bring backup, with backup AND Tupperware, just imagine how many food trucks you can try! You may even get close to trying them all (insert clapping emoji here!) You're going to find yourself surrounded by more food than you can possibly eat, even with the best backup in the world, so bring some Tupperware and save it for later!

6. Bring Cash

I know carrying cash is so old school, but so are some of these trucks, but that's no reason to avoid them. In fact, some of the best things in life are old school. There are ATMs located in some businesses along Columbia StrEAT, but spare yourself the trouble and plan ahead.

7. Wear stretchy pants (or stretchy shorts)

One of the worst feelings in the world is growing a food baby while wearing tight pants. Save yourself the discomfort and come wearing pants that are conducive to consuming large amounts of food. Even better, wear shorts because it's August, and August is hot. But please, make sure you are wearing something on the bottom!

8. Expect the heat

It's summer. Don't be that person whose face matches their cherry red sneakers 30 minutes in because you forgot sunscreen. Don't be that person who buys out a food truck's entire supply of water because you weren't prepared for the heat. Smarten up: expect the heat and stride the StrEAT like the ultimate foodie you are.

9. Put waste in its place

We're busting out the big guns with sorting stations, allowing you to properly dispose of your garbage, recycling, and compost. Volunteers will be out in full force, but please, do your part.

10. Mindset is everything. You WILL conquer the StrEAT

#GetTruckedUp for the largest single-day food truck fest in Canada, folks! Mindset is everything. Come prepared to conquer the StrEAT and you WILL conquer the StrEAT.