Just because a food cart advertises a gourmet burger does not guarantee safety or quality.
The stigma that once surrounded food carts has finally been lifted. People are passing up fast food joints in favor of a burrito or burger from their favorite food truck. The battle to overcome the negative connotations of food carts has been long, a hard fight waged by vendors who are making superior products. But not all vendors have proved their mettle in the food cart scene. It is important that consumers be able to differentiate between good food carts and sub-par carts.
Instructions
1. Read reviews from local and national publications. For example, "The Wall Street Journal" published an article in June 2009 that listed the best food carts in the country. The carts hailed from big cities like Los Angeles, Austin, Manhattan, and Washington D.C. On a smaller scale, "The Oregonian" published a review of a Portland food cart called PBJ's.
2. Look for health inspection stickers on the cart to ensure that the vendors are following safety procedures. In July 2010, the Sacramento Business Journal reported that a bright green sticker affixed to a cart in Sacramento County means that the cart and its contents have been inspected by the health department.
3. Look for the cart with a big crowd of smiling customers, suggests Andrew Zimmern, the host of a television show called "Andrew Zimmern's Bizarre Foods." Avoid the carts that have no customers.
4. Ask friends, family members, and acquaintances which food cart they like best and why. An article from "The Austin Chronicle" stated that positive word of mouth is the best indicator of food cart excellence.
Tags: food cart, food carts, Andrew Zimmern