And the winner is...

Momogoose!

As the bright red cart boasts, it was recently awarded the Best Food Truck of 2011, by the Boston Phoenix. It has recently made its appearance in Dewey Square, in the Financial District, and I happened upon it today. It is oppressively hot here today, and so the wonderful folks at Momogoose were handing out free cups of ice water to all their patrons. How nice is that? And by nice, I mean every single employee at that cart was helpful, friendly and engaging!

As I waited in line, and realized I wanted a little bit of everything on the menu, a lovely woman came over to offer me water and ask if I had any questions! I asked what her favorite was...and she recommended the #1 (which is a full dish of noodles, veggies, slaw and chicken, cooked in a lemongrass sauce) as well as today's special. When I got up to the counter, the special was sold out, but the #1 was available, so I went with that. I will definitely try and get there earlier than 1:15pm next time...so that more choices are available to me.

Each dish on their menu is $5 and healthy at that. From their website I learned that they are the country's first food truck enterprise, founded in 1989 by MIT alums. They specialize in Southeast Asian gourmet cuisine. The short amount of time it took for me to get my order was shocking - by the time I'd handed over my $5 bill, it was ready! I carried it back to my office and dug in!

This food is delicious! The chicken was tender and flavorful, the noodles were cooked to perfection, the veggies were nicely steamed (not soggy) and the touch of slaw with slices of mango in it was totally refreshing. Even though it's over 100 degrees outside, I found this hot meal to be comforting and filling! It was so satisfying! I would have liked to have gotten the crispy roll to go along with my meal (an extra $1.50), but they were out of that as well.

So, for all you folks that are looking for a satisfying, filling, affordable and healthy lunch, take a trip down to Dewey Square and get in line at Momogoose! And remember, get there early for the best selection!

Spring! It's-a comin'!

I think it's accurate to say that Spring is on it's way...and with Spring comes farmer's markets, and farmer's markets are one of my favorite things! The three seasons out of the year that allow for outdoor markets are a wonderful time of year because ingredients are so fresh, and it's nice to know you're supporting the local economy as well!

from Flickr - by BostonRunner

I'm especially looking forward to the Farmer's Market that sets up shop in Dewey Square (right near South Station, in the Financial District of Boston) on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are so many booths that sell breads, cheeses, local meats, and beautiful fruits and vegetables. Because I work right near the market, I alter the way I grocery shop during these seasons!

It's so convenient to stop by the market on my lunch break and pick up the freshest of the fresh! Now don't get me wrong, I still go to the grocery store, and I definitely still make a menu...but I pick and choose what I buy at the store, saving myself for those enormous heirloom tomatoes, freshly packed bags of salad greens, and locally-made feta cheese.

from Flickr - by NatalieMaynor

I'll be sure to keep you all posted on my favorite booths at the markets so that you, too, can stop and check out the goods!