el gastronomo vagabundo - help free the mobile cart industry in Ontario!

Nuno and I are huge fans of a roving gourmet truck called El Gastronomo Vagabundo. Last we visited we enjoyed a foie gras torchon sushi roll, a breakfast ingredient taco called The Hangover which included bacon, eggs, salsa, honey, jalepenos and a Hulk taco which features a green curry.


El Gastro has been getting a lot of press recently in the Toronto Star and Ottawa Citizen not only because of their outstanding menu, but for a battle to roam and cook free! There is currently legislation limiting what is sold on mobile carts in Ontario. Mostly allowing all those pre-packaged horribly over-processed foods to be sold and nothing even remotely fresh and inspired the way El Gastro does it up. So they are on a mission to change that and if you are reading this I'd like to ask you to consider signing an online petition for municipal street food vendor permits for businesses offering healthy mobile food options. Please read the two newspaper articles linked at the beginning of this paragraph or visit them online for more information about this situation.

The food industry is changing rapidly and in many ways for the better. Ever want to feel like your helping this revolution, sign on and feel empowered!

flat rock cellars + el gastronomo vagabundo = perfect summer outing

Nuno and I had a chance to visit Flat Rock Cellars Winery this weekend.

This winery is located on the Niagara Escarpment in Jordan. It's actually in an area of Niagara I've never ventured to before and is located in a very rural setting. The main reason we trekked out was to visit El Gastronomo Vagabundo.

This cart is parked at the winery selling inventive tacos, salads and desserts using seasonal and fresh ingredients. I ordered 'Last Samurai' Taco which was tempura salmon, wasabi, cucumber & pickled ginger with a dessert of banana fritters, vanilla ice cream and coconut caramel.

Nuno had the prix fixe menu which was 'Gara Yakka' Taco which was a combination of yellow curry, chicken, eggplant and crispy garlic and 'Triad' taco of san choi bao and a Heirloom Tomato salad of watermelon, cucumber, beet chips with house vinaigrette. I sampled Flat Rock's Twisted wine (love!).

Everything was incredible! Oh my gosh, seriously, if you read this you must go. Actually, first let me know you are going so I can invite myself along. Nuno and I kept saying that we felt like we were on vacation. The setting actually felt a little California-like. Not that it was dry and barren like Sonoma & Napa, but there was a nice breeze blowing up the escarpment from the lake in the August heat. Also, the tortillas were so reminiscent of what we ate while on honeymoon in San Fransicso. I think I'd recommend this experience over and above all other wineries in Niagara if you've already visited Hildebrand and Inniskillin. This is a much more personal and easy going type of winery experience and perfect for summer dining al fresco.