Temporarily Halifax's newest food truck until some others hit the scene this summer, Firefly Feast…read morehas set up shop on Gottingen directly across from the North End Memorial Library, in between the creeping gentrification south of Cunard and the infamy of Uniacke Square, to dole out sandwiches and baskets of its sure to be menu staple "firefries". After showing up just a little bit too late on their opening day, I popped back over on a lovely Friday afternoon. Firefly's fire engine red trailer is cozied up with some hanging plants, making their corner of the parking lot a homey one, if your home is on wheels and smells like a fryer. Their menu was compact, comprising of four sandwiches - a Monte Cristo with berry compote, jerk chicken with pineapple slaw, hoisin pulled pork, and a steak sandwich - and their firefries which are a mix of thin shoestring fries, sweet potato fries and crispy fried onions. You can get a combo with a sandwich, firefries and a drink for a respectable $12, taxes in. I went with a Monte Cristo combo, because who doesn't like what is effectively a ham and cheese between French toast? It was a short wait as things were pretty quiet towards the end of their business day, and soon I had a basket of firefries and one for my sandwich in hand(s). I went across the street to sit on a library bench since the gravel parking lot and grassy abandoned lot weren't particularly inviting. The fries were fantastic - all crisp and well seasoned with sea salt, and the rich, creamy aioli on the side was great for dipping. The Monte Cristo is typically a ham and cheese, dipped in egg wash and fried. Mine seemed to be ham-less, but the cheese was plentiful, and nicely melted and stringy. The egg wash added another layer of flavour and the strawberry and blueberry compote was sweet and delicious. It made the sandwich soggy and messy, but that's what napkins are for. If you're in the neighbourhood or even in the proximity, swing by for the firefries for sure. Myself, I'm looking forward to trying more of the menu and continuing to watch this area evolve.

Ok....I am a huge supporter of local, food trucks and this one deserves to be talked about! I was…read morelucky enough to try it at the North by Night Market and was sooo happy I did! They typically have 2-3 food trucks and I had already tried the others, so why not...I thought. First off...the selections of sandwiches were incredible. The flavor combinations and ingredient choices are obviously done by someone who really loves food and understands it. That is most definitely what I am looking for in any food service establishment. Then I tried the firefries, which are an upgrades version of normal food truck delicious fries...if you can imagine. Combining regular and sweet potato fries and with a delicious garlic-y dipping sauce...YES PLEASE! Their prices are completely reasonable and for what you get, it is definitely worth tracking them down!

I came upon this brand new food truck, er trailer, at July's food truck rally. Their shtick seems…read moreto be a rotating fusion egg roll option, along with some other deep fried fare, like the fish and chips and arancini when I saw them that day. Despite my love for fish and chips, you can get that at many an old school chip wagon, and their turkey dinner egg roll was too enticing to turn down. The line up at Roll With It was blessedly short when we were there, almost non-existent in fact. This probably had to do with them being so new on the scene and the line up of 50+ people for Ol' School Donuts which went past their trailer and may have obscured them or made people think that RWI was busy. Not so good for their business, but it worked out for my tight schedule that evening. My egg roll was served up quickly, a nice brown to the wrapper, drizzled with cranberry sauce and a little cup of gravy on the side for dipping. Inside the egg roll was a generous portion of very tender and moist turkey breast, along with a savoury dressing that gave more depth of flavour to each bite. The wrapper was amazing, one of he best I can recall having. Thin and super crisp despite the moist filling, there was no doughy layer at all on the inside. Perfection. Normally I don't go out of my way to have cranberry sauce with my turkey dinners, but I enjoyed the sweet but tangy flavours that it added, and they didn't go over the top with the portion. The gravy was decent; it didn't blow me away but it was alright and made for good dipping. The $7 price tag for an egg roll had me a bit concerned at first, but it was a hearty roll and well worth it quality wise, so don't let it put you off. Roll With It is surprisingly lax in their social media presence, so it's harder to track them down than many of their competitors in the city, but I definitely want to have more of their menu to really understand how they roll.

I have currently been a steady follower of this newer food truck for the last number of seasons!…read moreIt's extremely welcoming owners cater to a niche the Halifax street food scene has been missing... you certainly don't want to pass up an opportunity to sample and devour some of their delicious eats. Most recently I have sampled the turkey dinner egg roll (which by far is a crowd fav) this is basically my childhood dream wrapped up in bite sized portions of goodness. The egg roll wrapper itself is not overwhelming rather crispy and delicate with moms fixings in the middle! It can't be beat! The side of gravy melts in your mouth with the detailed cranberry sauce on the side to boot. They offer a simple yet eclectic menu of fusion egg rolls, arancini, fancy fish (also a fav), speciality burgers and much more. I have been a major groupie chasing this truck from various food truck rallies and events as well as all the way out to rainbow haven beach last summer. I am not totally sure where they plan to set up shop this food truck season but tracking this truck down is a must!

When I heard that a new restaurant was opening up in downtown Dartmouth with a Mexican head chef…read moreand the backing of Oxalis' owners, it was an easy call to expedite Tulipan's nudge to the top of my "To Eat At" list. Sampling their tacos at the Downtown Dartmouth Food Crawl was a delicious teaser as well. As of booking ourreservation, they were only booking two weeks in advance, so you have to be "on it" to get a spot. When we showed up, the restaurant was in the process of filling up with the first round of reservations, and some walk-ups found themselves SOL. The space was lively and loud, with some changes made to the bar and grill area since the previous occupant, Sip. We were kindly notified that the last three of their steak taco special were ours if we wanted - and we were wanted. The menu is generally shareable, with a handful of small bites, slightly bigger veg and taco dishes, and then larger, a la carte, proteins. We settled a fun selection of dishes - the Caesar de Pepino (a cucumber Caesar salad), grilled asparagus, yuca fries, and the grilled Cornish hen. Before our food started streaming in, we were given a little appetizer of a bean dip and house-made tortilla chips. The crunchy chips were perfect for dipping in the smooth and savoury spread. The Caesar de Pepino was an impressive sight when it arrived, with a mountain of whisper-thin pecorino cheese topping the hidden chunks of cucumber, and itself topped with a corn gremolata. I really liked the crunch of the cucumber as a base for a Caesar salad, and the sauce packed a fishy punch with an authentic sardine in the mix. The gremolata added its own crunch and savoury depth to the salad. Next up was our round of tacos, and we were all very impressed (and thankful our server got them held for us!). This was one of the best tacos I've ever had. The tender cubes of steak almost took a backseat to the excellent blue corn tortilla and the charred onion sauce, with further green onions and micro greens for garnish. Taco perfection. I may have undersold the grilled asparagus earlier, because it comes with a hefty dollop of burrata, and we all know that burrata makes everything better. The creamy cheese paired perfectly with the light char of the vegetal asparagus. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the yuca fries. They're a common sight on Central and and South American menus, but they're often dense and not at all crispy. I don't know what fancy chef stuff is going on behind the scenes, but these were the best yuca fries I've ever had! Light and with impossibly crisp exteriors, they were eminently dip-able in the confit garlic and jalapeno aioli. Last, but not least, was the Cornish hen. Cooked sous vide and then finished on the grill, the meat was ultra tender and the skin was crisp, and a bright salsa verde provided a little contrast for our taste buds. I also tried their tequila flight, which was a really great way to contrast the three main grades of tequilas (Blanco, Reposado and Anejo) and a mezcal. It was really interesting, but I highly suggest having a full belly or sharing with someone (I did both, and still felt it haha). I'd be really pressed to think of a restaurant as new as Tulipan that's doing so many things so well right out of the gate. If they can keep this up, they'll quickly, and rightfully, become a fixture of the city's food scene.

Located on Sackville Drive at what seems like their permanent location in the parking lot of a dog…read moredaycare, The Ultimate Fry is a small fry truck that's been slinging their deep fryer and flat top fare for 17 years. Their location seems like an odd one, being past the main commercial section of Sackville Drive, but it is just a couple blocks from a junior high school, and they've surely benefited from the provincial government moving to make school cafeteria menus healthier. Ultimate's own menu is what you would expect - hamburgers, sausages and hotdogs, onion rings, the namesake French fries, and poutine (albeit with shredded mozza instead of curds). I was here to try out their much lauded fries, but wanted something more substantial with it so I got a single cheeseburger as well. As they use 4oz patties, I figured that this would be a more than adequate meal. I asked for my fries first since my burger was going to be about 10 minutes, and in a couple minutes had my tray of fries and took up residence on one of their three bright yellow picnic tables. The fries were of a medium thickness, golden brown and skin on - classic hand-cut fries. They were fairly crispy, but it's next to impossible to get fries this thick as crispy as their thinner brethren. They weren't as ultimate as advertised, but were still quite good. Several minutes later I had my burger. It was served simply on a piece of aluminum foil and open faced so I could dress it myself. The toppings were typical for a place that sells tubed meats - chopped onions, banana pepper rings, sauerkraut and pickles. I loaded up with some onions, relish and pickles - the ultimate breath enhancers of toppings. They're not big patties once cooked, and the bun was just your typical small-ish commercial bun. The meat had a good beef flavour and didn't seem like it was from frozen, but it would have benefited from a better crust and some more seasoning. While their name sets a pretty high bar, I feel "The Decent Fry" doesn't play as well, so I'll give them that.

Best fries we ever had. Since we had fries here we've stopped going to other places because they…read morepale in comparison to the Ultimate Fry fries. They use huge potatoes so every fry is long,and they are cut thick, so the fries are substantial and tasty...not like some places where the fries are too small and broken up, and tasteless with lot of hard bits you leave behind. These fries are made to order...they take fresh potatoes and cut them right in front of you and put them directly in the fryer, so no cut up potatoes sitting around like some places. This freshness makes a difference...makes the texture and flavor perfect. The only way you get fries like these is to make them at home...if you know the trick of getting the oil temp and frying time just right...the folks at the Ultimate Fry got it down pat. Quick, friendly service...they're very nice people. Can't beat the Ultimate Fry!

Not sure if the same as the new BBQ spot- I ordered the Mac n cheese/ or honey glazed bread and…read morebaked beans for take out- I will say the cornbread was the highlight- the Mac was like very oily and no real cheese I could say- perhaps a sauce? Not to my liking, the cornbread muffins x 2 was great though, the beans - something out of a can it appeared anyway-, I'll look to check out their other sides/ meat-

The second of two new pizza-focused food trucks to open up in the city this year, Pirate Pizza has…read moreset up shop near the top of Kempt Road in the heart of fast food chain country. On one of my days off that had favorable weather, I bussed up from my apartment to give them a try. Their large black trailer is hard to miss, loaded up with business info and a basic menu. In contrast to their Bedford-based competition, they've taken a more typical Nova Scotian approach to pizza, serving up slices and whole pizzas, subs and donairs. Another account on Sysco's books. Arriving in the early afternoon, I was able to scoop up their meat lover's slices, and a bottle of water for $6. Being a nice day, I decided to enjoy my pie on a walk home. The slice had a generous topping of pepperoni, hamburger and Italian sausage bits, and a nice spread of cheese underneath. The crust was on the thicker side, and was airy enough to not be too dense. Pirate Pizza way not be trail blazing, gourmet pizza, but they're serving up accessible food and sticking it to big fast food corporations, so that's good enough for me.

Driver had to go back as a piece of order forgotten, good mediocre, and when I called about getting…read morea can instead of the advertised bottle, person who answered said sorry and they had no bottles so instead of sending nothing they put in a can. Yeah and no credit, and sending me nothing? Let me tell you, they would of reversed my whole order real quick, also they could of called to ask about other options, the driver had my number so why couldn't they?

This was my go to place for fish and chips and used to recommend it to others. Last night's order,…read morehowever, was very disappointing and disgusting. Not only was the fries too stale to eat, but my mother found HAIR in the fish batter!!! Never ordering from here again.

The latest meals on wheels in Halifax, FoodStruck Cantina, first opened just before the second food…read moretruck rally this year after wading through the regulatory and mechanical fray that bringing a food truck to fruition entails. Based way out in Seaforth, FoodStruck seems to still be working on finding some regular haunts and more than willing to get feedback on their food to polish the menu as well. Although I was working when the food truck rally was going on, I wasn't too broken up as I wouldn't have to put up with the crowds and I knew that FoodStruck was going to be at Bishop's Landing that following Sunday for the last Brunch @ Bishop's event. When my girlfriend and I made our way down to the waterfront, you could hear the tunes coming from the live band performing at Bishop's and there was FSC, along with a few other food trucks. The first thing you notice is the size of the truck - it's a tall one and you simply can't order from the window, so they have someone taking orders from the passenger side door. The menu was compact, but had some interesting options nonetheless - a meatloaf po boy, gumbo, hot dog, muffuletta sandwich, and fries. While the gumbo was tempting, the presence of my seafood-sensitive other half prevented me from getting this, so I went with the Cajun meatloaf po boy, and Cajun fries with cilantro creme dip. My girlfriend went with the muffuletta sandwich. Being that there was no crazy line up, we soon had our food in hand and went to sit on one of the benches by the terraced area between Bishop's and the boardwalk. It was a warm day and perfect for people watching and having a bite to eat. The meatloaf was fine, not dry at all, but wasn't particularly Cajun-y. No punch of spice or pepper, and no noticeable presence of Cajun mirepoix. Topped with a red cabbage and bacon slaw, this also came not as advertised, at least to my taste buds, as there was not a piece of bacon to be found, nor even the flavour. The remoulade did add a spicy kick though, and the bun was just hefty enough to support the meatloaf and toppings without being too heavy, and was toasted nicely. The Cajun fries were just normal, hand cut fries, albeit crunchy and good, and the cilantro creme tasted more like a mild dill than cilantro, although I'm not a big cilantro fan so this didn't really faze me. My girlfriend's muffuletta (hehe, sounds kinda dirty), is an olive salad with deli meats, and although the veggie version was advertised as being out, it appears that that was what she got as the meat was conspicuously absent. Menu error? Kitchen error? Not sure. She liked it with just the cheese that was in it with the olives, but was another example of the refining that FSC needs to work out in their processes. If they can step up the flavours and their attention to detail, FoodStruck Cantina should be able to find a nice little Cajun niche.

I got a tip from a friend that this place was incredible - and he's been around the block a few…read moretimes, so when he says it's good, get your stuff and get there asap. I perused the menu online before heading down to Foodstruck, the plan was to get the Spy Boy with some fries, head home and have a good supper. That was the plan, but it didn't go over like that at all....this is time where everything I thought I knew was right, was wrong. Even though I knew what I wanted, I thought I send Foodstruck a tweet to see what they thought is good. Within minutes I get a response 'Everything's good, but we're partial to the Dux Deluxe'. I go back to the menu, read the ingredients, doesn't really intrigue me. I'm not a duxelle kinda guy unless I'm having Beef Wellington. Either way, time to go. Doesn't take me too long to find the food truck. Cozy area they picked out with a few lawn chairs around, a cute table with condiments, utensils, etc.; very quaint. I look over the menu one more time as I'm still really skeptical about ordering the Dux Deluxe. Before I go up, I notice that with fries you can add 'Pockaway sauce' for $0.50 extra. I read underneath for the main ingredients 'Smoked oyster mayo'. I'll pass on that bad boy, not a big fan of oysters, or seafood for that matter. I get up to order, I go for the Dux Deluxe, still apprehensive; with fries. I chat with the cashier for a couple minutes; she apologizes for the lawn chairs, etc. I laugh it off, I liked it. Very homey-feel. I sit on one of the lawn chairs anxiously wondering if I just ordered something I'm gonna hate. She calls me up and my heart sinks a bit. I get my food to go and as I'm about to leave, the cashier asks if I tweeted not too long ago about the Dux Deluxe, sure did. She introduces herself and husband as the owners (Kim & Joe) and mentioned that they packed in a free Pockaway sauce in my meal. I thank her, and go on my way. I get in my car and nervously open the container - at first, I thought I made huge mistake, but then after a couple of seconds, the aroma hit my nose and it was just so incredible; my car was filled with that delicious aroma. I inspect the burger and notice the provolone cheese oozing off the burger. Right then and there, I knew something that I didn't want to admit - there's no way I'm turning on my car without first devouring this masterpiece. And so I did. The perfect mix of spices on the burger along with the perfect mayo to go along with the shoe string fries was utterly divine. The bun was warm and fresh; there was a generous amount of cheese on the burger; the duxelle was prepared perfectly with just the right ratios of mushrooms, shallots, etc.; and the arugala was the icing on this burger, just so so much better than lettuce! And who doesn't absolutely love shoe string hand cut fries!? I was dipping, double dipping into the sauce, the sauce I thought I'd hate. It was a great mixture of cream and oysters. With the oyster flavour being just right (not too overpowering but enough to let you know it's there). I was wrong about everything! the burger! the duxelle! the mayo! Everything I thought I knew was shattering with every bite I took! After I was done inhaling everything I felt like I owed Kim & Joe an apology. So I marched back and did just that, they just laughed at me and thanked me. And with that, I drove home thinking about how it's always great to try something new.