(Dined 08/24/18 FR @ 8:30pm): Get out of the way...The Big Cheese was here to fill you with gooey…read moregoodness!
I recently enjoyed a viewing of "Easy Rider" during an Eat See Hear event at The Autry Museum when I finally had my first eating encounter with The Big Cheese food truck. Since I frequently attended, worked, or volunteered at the myriad of year-around events throughout Southern California, I've seen this food truck on many occasions but somehow never made it to them until now. Truth be told, by default I chose them this time because none of the other food trucks catered to my "no-meat Friday" way of living. Would they be "the big cheese" I was hoping for!?:
QUICK BIO
"The Big Cheese food truck is bringing out some of the best grilled cheese and tomato soup on the LA streets. For a great taste of gourmet melty goodness, be sure to check out The Big Cheese ASAP!"
PURCHASE
The Greener Sandwich ($9.00): A vegetarian treat that consisted of Chao cheese (I substituted for pepper jack cheese), avocado (they were out, so I substituted for grilled onions), black olives, roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts, all placed between a wheat bun, this was one healthy-tasting mofo which actually filled me up and left a smile on my face. As was usually the case, it was the cheese that made everything better and held it all together. The bread was buttered and grilled to near perfection with crunchy edges and finger-licking good. I'd consider ordering this again even if it wasn't a Friday https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=tit19h7fQqROvfkn9EuPqg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
Cheese Fries ($6.00): Smothered in hot melted house cheese sauce, these thin and crispy soft-centered spud sticks was a meal unto itself. Sure, I would've liked if the cheese coverage was more complete throughout, but at least I had a pool of it at the bottom of the paper tray for dripping. Next time, I would check if they had anything to place on top like sliced black olives, jalapenos, or tomatoes for more pizzazz https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=8Obku0Gdo9KUhwEEcMttnQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
SERVICE
The lone gentleman inside the truck and behind the counter was cool, calm, and collected with the burgeoning cheese-crazy crowd as he gave undivided attention to each and everyone one of us. My meal came out in about ten minute's time which was very reasonable. All was truckin' along here!
PARKING (Varied; FREE this instance)
Being a food truck, they were at the beck and call wherever the event was held. In this case, the venue was at The Autry Museum which had plenty of onsite parking around the entire place as well as across the street at the Los Angeles Zoo. Another option was to hire a driving service like a taxi, Lyft, or Uber.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
Your standard self-sufficient food truck https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=bWoVwIzA32jmj8JKklfzcw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw with exterior menus https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=NRDG1hSsclxqU0F1QrgmaA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, order and pick up windows, an area for condiments, napkins, and utensils, no designated seating area, and natural lighting was prevalent during the daytime while electric street and truck lighting glowed at night. There were no TVs nor background music.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Cheese always made me happy and that same sentiment lent itself to The Big Cheese food truck. Although the prices were reasonable among the food truck scene, the menu selection was limited to a handful of sandwiches and sides (at least they where true to their namesake instead of the shotgun approach), while the service was to be commended. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $15.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX! 4.0 STARS
