Look out Richmond, there’s a mashup of historic proportions coming to dinner this summer at the Virginia Historical Society, 428 N. Boulevard.
The RVA Monster Food Truck Rally, Richmond’s first food cart food court, rumbles into the parking lot of VHS this April 27 with even more food, more trucks and more fun at Richmond’s premier free history museum and research library.
The action returns to the Boulevard each Tuesday and Friday, as the best food trucks and food carts in Richmond go head-to-head. The Monster Food Truck action includes nearly a dozen vendors offering everything from seasonal soups and sandwiches to vegan gourmet to fruit smoothies to Asian-American fusion finger food. This partnership between the VHS and GrowRVA, operator of the South of the James Farmers Market, is a sure taste-bud crusher.
Adding to the rally excitement, the VHS remains open until 8 p.m., bearing historical witness to all the action — and letting Richmond families order up a side dish of more than 16,000 years of Virginia history along with their turkey burgers and truffled tater tots.
Gaining steam from the region’s new love for gourmet and fresh, local foods, Richmond’s food trucks and food carts have already become a staple at farmers markets like the South of the James Farmers Market. The VHS food truck court first rolled out at the beginning of April, drawing huge crowds to what may be a new summertime Richmond tradition.
Nearly a dozen vendors already have participated, with more lining up weekly.
• Boka Truck: Asian-Mexican-American fusion takos with French technique and seasonal menus
• Sustenance Truck: Fresh, local, seasonal gourmet sandwiches, soups, and chef’s creations
• Dressed & Press Truck: Gourmet salads, truffled tater tots, gourmet paninis, and chef specialties
• CrossRoads Truck: Hot and iced gourmet coffee drinks, fruit smoothies, and Italian sodas
• Flynn’s Food Truck: Turkey burgers, veggies burgers, and vegan friendly fare
• Habanero’s: Authentic Mexican tacos and burritos, chicken, steak, al pastor, and carnitas
• Mister Softee Truck: Premium soft serve ice cream sundaes, cones, banana splits, shakes, and more
• Thai Cabin: Traditional Thai and Japanese dishes like teriyaki chicken, hibachi shrimp, and pad thai,
• Rooster Cart: Mobile Vegan from the folks that brought you Cafe Gutenberg
The Virginia Historical Society is the only museum that explores all of Virginia’s history under one roof, from prehistoric times to the present. With thousands of objects on display, the VHS features one-of-a-kind items such as Patrick Henry’s eye glasses, a button worn by Pocahontas, a late 19th century horse-drawn hearse, a 7.5-foot-long musket, a 17th-century dugout canoe, George Washington’s diary, Robert E. Lee’s love letters, and so much more. The museum is entertaining and educational for visitors of all ages.
GrowRVA, formerly The Market Umbrella, promotes and operates farmers markets and events throughout Richmond, including the South of the James Farmers Market in Forest Hill Park. GrowRVA provides assistance and promotion to businesses and farms that offer locally grown, produced and sourced items.
Contact: Karen Atkinson, GrowRVA, 804-513-3100, www.growrva.com
