GEDDES, N.Y. — The 2024 Foodfest season kicked off this weekend with the annual Food Truck Battle at the New York State Fairgrounds.
On Fridays and Saturdays, about 60 traveling chefs set up shop at Chevrolet Court, reminding foodies of what Central New York truly has to offer. These food trucks offered fixed-price menus and offered starters samples for $3 to $6.
Thousands of customers sampled their favorites and tried new ones over the past two days. He then voted his favorites in two categories: salty and sweet. All the while, a team of seven judges sampled everything and lobbied for the top picks. The judges included food writer Charlie Miller of syracuse.com and restaurant critic Jacob Pucci.
The winners are:
Judge's Choice: Sweet Category
1. Spaghetti Ice Cream Capri Melt. No, it's not pasta. Vanilla ice cream made into noodles by squeezing it with a potato ricer on top of whipped cream. Next comes a sauce of fresh strawberry puree sprinkled with grated white chocolate that resembles Parmesan cheese. Ferrero Rocher serves as a meatball and is usually served with Margaret cookies instead of bread sticks.
From the judges' notes: This is certainly the most appealing dessert we sampled today, but it's also the most delicious. I think a potato ricer should be a must-have piece of equipment in every ice cream parlor. It takes hard ice cream and makes it fluffy, making it look like soft serve ice cream.
MELT's Spaghetti Ice Cream Capri is a contestant in the Food Truck Battle on Saturday at the State Fairgrounds. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)
2. Leo's Donut Factory for strawberry shortcake donuts.
From the judges' notes: Instead of shortcake, there will be small fresh donuts. Great portion size. So for just $5, you can sugar it for hours.
A strawberry shortcake donut from Leo's Donuts is a contestant in Saturday's food truck battle at the State Fairgrounds. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)
3. Wild Berry Vanilla Draft Latte with Blueberry and Lace.
From the judges' notes: A cup of coffee at the fair costs between $3 and $5. This is quite an upgrade for the same cost. Hmm, do you know what this can actually be used for? Suggestion for next year: Make an “adult” version of this. Halfway through the judging, we're about to go into a food coma. A little alcohol goes a long way now.
Wild Berry Vanilla Draft Latte from Blueberries & Lace, a contestant in the Food Truck Battle on Saturday at the State Fairgrounds. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)Judge's Choice: Savory Category
1. Grilled Chicken and Coleslaw Congo Box.
From the judges' notes: This perfectly smoked chicken cost $2. Come on, Congo Box. No need to bribe us. I got a perfect score even though I sold almost nothing.
Chicken and coleslaw from Congo Box, a contestant in the Food Truck Battle on Saturday at the State Fairgrounds. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)
2. Dirty Bird Chicken N' Waffles are chicken sticks and waffles.
From the judges' notes: These stick meals aren't very portable unless you don't mind them getting soggy. Honestly, this food truck in Niagara Falls should save money and go stickless. The meals are hearty and satisfying. This one might win both the savory and sweet departments. That's very good.
Chicken and Waffles on Sticks from Dirty Chicken and Waffles, a contestant in the Food Truck Battle on Saturday at the State Fairgrounds. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)
3. Mamacita's Korean beef tacos.
From the judges' notes: Owner Sarah Lewis has come up with yet another unusual combination that will likely win more awards for her food truck. Yes, she can cook. we all know that. But what draws people's attention to her is the food she cooks. She came up with an unusual combination of caramelized beef and coleslaw wrapped in a lightly fried taco shell. Once you've reviewed all of this food, be sure to buy these tacos for dinner.
Korean beef tacos from Mamacita's, a food truck battle contestant Saturday at the State Fairgrounds. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)People's Choice: Suite Category
1: Leo's Donut Factory
2: Blueberry & Lace
3: Oh Crepes & Waffles
People's Choice: Savory Department
1: Bald Coast Lobster
Butter-poached shrimp tacos from Bald Coast Lobster, a contestant in Saturday's Food Truck Battle at the State Fairgrounds. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)
2: Mamacita's
3: Tropical Street
Judge for the 2024 Syracuse Food Truck Battle. (Photo by Dan Ostaszewski)
Charlie Miller finds the best food, drink, and fun in Central New York. Contact us at (315) 382-1984 or email cmiller@syracuse.com. You can also find him at @HoosierCuse. twitter And also on Instagram. Sign up here for his free weekly Where Syracuse Eats newsletter.