Great place for fried artichokes. Especially good with the garlic Dijon dip. I've tried not many times and was far better than other places I've tried. The artichokes were coated with a light tempura batter and fries to perfection and the dip was more of a mayonnaise garlic sauce. Very good for a food truck. read more

The Choke Coach - Fried artichokes with garlic dijon dip - Food Trucks Near Me - Salinas, California

The fried artichokes were on point I'm coming back here, tacos...yummy, service PERFECT read more

The Choke Coach - Food Trucks Near Me - Salinas, California

I can't believe all the good reviews. I actually had to double-check to make sure we were reviewing the same food truck. Artichokes are my all-time favorite food, so I couldn't wait to order the fried artichokes. When I was a child my family would always stop at The Giant Artichoke for baskets of fried artichokes, but based on the reviews it sounds like the restaurant has seen better days. So, I was thrilled to hear about the Choke Coach. Anyway, the Choke Coach is located next to the Pezzini Farms fruit stand out in the middle of an artichoke field off of Highway 1 in Castroville. The concept is great and the truck is pretty darn cute. Even the menu looked good with a variety artichoke items and dipping sauces including Garlic Dijon and Lemon Dill mayo. There is plenty of outdoor picnic tables and the young man at the truck window was very friendly. What could go wrong? Well, to begin with the basket of fried artichokes was very skimpy, especially for the price. Still, they were the fried artichokes I was craving. However, they were tasteless and somewhat soggy with an odd aftertaste that lingered. Even the dips were bland. Dijon is never bland! I could barely get past the first choke, but I tried another and ended up dumping the basket in the trash. How is it possible in the center of artichoke country I could not find any decent fried artichokes? Maybe I went there on a bad day. Ordinarily, I would go back and give it another try, especially given the positive reviews, but I just can't bring myself to do it. read more

I come across the food truck on my way back from last chance in Marina. I usually make a stop at the choke coach on our way home. Good food and good service. read more

We might've just come upon this place by chance, but if that is the case then this is one of the happiest things for me & my wife to ever have happened by chance! My wife loves checking all of the fruit stands we pass by. So, actually, she saw Pezzini Farms and wanted to check it out. She was fascinated about this food truck next to it and decided to try it out. And it changed our lives forever! Now, while I am one who never cared about artichokes, just giving this place a try on the Fried Artichokes is something I count as one of the best decisions of my life! From the first bite, that's all it takes! It is so absolutely, supremely delicious; the breading tastes so indescribably good (with its seasonings and whatever else makes its delectable flavoring) that it elevates the artichoke (and I imagine most anything else if applied to an item) it encases that it's hard to imagine having any negative opinions on artichokes, as the breading is also crispy and not too crumbly or soggy, while the ranch dressing compliments the already extraordinary fried artichoke, and the sprinkle of dried parmesan cheese just tops it off to make an already complete savory experience wholly perfect! As you get 7 or 8 of the the fried artichokes per order, I try to control myself because I really feel I could easily get through $70 worth of this order (meaning 7 or 8 orders) if left unchecked! Considering its price, I feel it is so delicious that it doesn't reflect the price as I imagine it is worth, it should be a considerable amount more; probably around 50% more (I hope the owners don't read this part of the review at least)! As we first found this place in 2013, we have been consistently going to this place every time we go on a trip to Carmel and/or Monterey -- we are such loyal customers, you can still find us in one of their displayed photos (we're the ones holding a dachshund). And we've arranged it that all our family, friends, and out of town guests try this place (which is challenging considering we are located in the East Bay of the Bay Area; but we and they have all considered it well worth it!). And each and every single one, without fail, have reacted like I previously stated; all it takes is the first bite to understand! Every single one of them, immediately after, their order is devoured and more often than not more multiple orders are made to extend the enjoyment of the deliciousness. You can tell anyone who's come by this place while on the way to/from the area (Monterey, Carmel most likely) makes it a point to drop by here (like we do) seeing all the patrons who stand in line and order. I don't think there's ever been an instance since we've been coming a decade ago that there's not another person going straight to the food truck and putting in an order. That's the crazy (maybe unexpected) impact from eating just one order! If the breading is as divine as I've described, then it makes sense that the Lumpia is exceptional as well (along with the Artichoke Po-Boy Sandwich, and the Artichoke Wrap). I haven't tried the other items than those on the modest menu -- I'm of the opinion I wouldn't need to as everything goes to the fried artichokes -- but I can't imagine it doesn't taste great as well. The parking is make your own around the Pezzini Farms store. It's fairly limited, but patrons of both the store and the food truck are constantly coming in and out that you can count on it not being too hard to find some parking. There are bathrooms there (Pezzini Farms' makes them available), and they are just a level above porta potties. I am ultimately happy that we found this place! Anytime we go south this way and/or going to Carmel/Monterey, I look forward to having this and experiencing bliss. I can't recommend it enough; it's hard to explain & describe to people how a single bite from it is all that's needed for them to be obsessed with it and also change the way they consider artichokes (at least fried). Writing this review has me craving it to the point I'm about to drive the 2 hours out for it right now! All in all, I can't get enough of it! One bite, you'll feel the same! read more

Located at Pezzini Farm market they were inexpensive, fast and tasty! A great snack for us to share and immerse ourselves in the artichoke capital! Definitely give it a shot! Everyone was super friendly! read more

The Choke Coach - Fried artichoke hearts (lemon dill sauce) - Food Trucks Near Me - Salinas, California

Ordered fries for my sister and I while at Bingo. Lady brought us burnt greasy fries. She reluctantly exchanged them for tacos, which one hour later gave us both diarrhea, bloated and heartburn. Whether intentional or not we won't be eating from them again. Really Disappointed.... read more

The hot link was super yummy because the bread was chewy and grilled! But we thought the batter on the fried artichokes was a bit thick - no wonder the two ladies in front of us ordered the steamed artichokes! The tacos were ok. read more

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The artichoke tacos were good, but the popular fried artichokes was a miss for me. The garlic dip they had on the side was too overpowering, so I ate the rest of my fried artichokes "plain" after the first one. Tasted fine, but I think they really could've refined the recipe a bit more and have it taste more like artichokes instead of oil. Overall, an appropriately named food truck worth a try but probably wouldn't come back for seconds. read more

I haven't been a huge fan of artichokes but I also never turn down a good eat even if artichokes are involved. Lol. I must say this is a gem of a find. They have a good menu but my family and I were curious about the french fried artichokes. I must say they were so good! We're definitely coming back to The Choke Coach soon! read more

The Choke Coach - Food Trucks Near Me - Salinas, California

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A trip to the Monterey Peninsula is not complete without our favorite foods. With restaurants only serving take-outs, it's getting trickier to eat while traveling. Fried artichokes was our craving for a late lunch. This food truck was perfect! It was located right off the freeway in a spacious parking lot. We had a place to eat next to our car. It was also next to a produce stand that had fresh fruits, preserves, anything artichoke, drinks, etc. More stuff for an impromptu picnic. The french fried artichokes were coated in seasoned batter. The flavor of the artichokes stood out, not masked by the batter. It was crispy in the outside, soft in the inside. You can enjoy these chokes fried, grilled or steamed. We really enjoyed it fried. Next time, we'll try their other items; burrito, Po Boy artichoke (sandwich), lumpia and tacos. This will definitely be a "must do" next time we're in the area. read more

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The best fried artichoke hearts and garlic aioli They also have a whole bunch of other yummy stuff that is reasonably priced for the area! read more

We got fried artichoke and a hot link. The fried artichoke is a very small portion for $8 maybe 8 pieces but they're sooo good! The ranch and garlic Dijon is good also. The hot link was basic but decent for $6. It's a little on the expensive side but they're out away from everything and everything is fresh. read more

The Choke Coach - Fried artichoke - Food Trucks Near Me - Salinas, California

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3.5 stars Chicken hearts & still-beating snake hearts might be on a gourmand's foodie wish list, but my consumption of that organ only goes as far as the heart in an artichoke. I found The Choke Coach, a painted green food truck run by a Filipino family, parked at a golf course in Monterey last week. I can never resist artichokes, but I hate to work for my food. I opted for easy-to-eat fried hearts ($9); the laborious task of peeling individual leaves in a steamed or grilled version would've been especially inconvenient with no close-by seating. The breading was hard, as if it'd been fried a bit long, but I removed the majority of the outer layer & enjoyed the hearts with the accompanying garlic sauce. Credit cards are accepted, but they charge $.50 for every $10, which I thought was odd & unnecessary. read more

The Choke Coach - Food Trucks Near Me - Salinas, California

Noelle's Yelp Notebook 2015 The Choke Coach's current price for one order of fried artichoke hearts is $6.50 and one order contains maybe 6-7 pieces meaning it's close to one dollar per deep fried artichoke heart. Due to drought conditions in California the quality of artichoke hearts differ from batch to batch. One time the artichoke hearts were small and not very tender. Most recently they were plump and tender. The increasing price jump does not sit well with me. I'm thinking we won't be buying their deep fried artichokes because their price is simply outrageous. Who knows maybe in another month the price will increase to $10? I don't mind paying for good quality but even I have limits and this is just too expensive. read more

The Choke Coach - New price per order- $6.50 - Food Trucks Near Me - Salinas, California

A small food truck next to Pezzini farms. They sell artichoke items as well as phillipino inspired tacos and burritos. We had the fried artichoke for 7.00. It was not bad but without the dip it just tasted like batter. There were about 9 or 10 artichokes. Good if you just want a snack but not my favorite. read more

The Choke Coach - French Fried artichoke - Food Trucks Near Me - Salinas, California

So if you were blessed to be born or even living in the Salinas Valley for any amount of time artichokes would have come up in a conversation. Artichokes are as part of this valley as sand is to our Monterey Bay. The Choke Coach is a direct reflection of this thistle. Yeah, there fried artichoke hearts and tacos. But much more than that. There the sweat and hard work, the dreaming of doing. The bringing of smiles to the uninitiated tasters, the first time biter of the sweet artichoke. I say "bravo" Choke Coach. Fry on read more

The Choke Coach - The Boss! - Food Trucks Near Me - Salinas, California

On the way back from a conference in Monterey my friend introduced me to the Choke Coach. Who can resist that name and not go!?! Cutest food truck ever!! I love artichokes any prepared way and We shared the fried artichokes which were good but a bit bready and masked the artichoke but I still gobbled them up. We really liked the artichoke wrap. It had a more flavorful and sautéed chokes. I wish i had my own instead of sharing...next time! The open air market has many gourmet brands to fix up the chokes you buy. Added bonus were the 10 baby chokes for $1. I don't know if they have that all the time but I made my own fried artichokes the next day as they were delicious! You can buy various sizes by the case too. Definitely worth a side trip if you are coming back north from Carmel/Monterey! read more

The Choke Coach - Many sizes of these glorious thistles! - Food Trucks Near Me - Salinas, California

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no no no no NO...FRIED ARTICHOKE NOT....what the? This review only about this. Ask for a taste first. It is one of the worst experiments done to an artichoke. This dish landed as one my of the "worst ever eaten" category list. Choosing this was my fault but this approach to an artichoke is wrong.They say it's a must to eat this way in them here parts, but I beg to differ. Let me know your thoughts It is the artichoke capital of the world! I expected too much, but artichoke love happens here. I love this flower. So have it grilled or steamed or even raw, always good..DON'T mess with it. A good sauce atop makes it excruciatingly goo. FLOWER POWER Y'ALL. read more

I'm an artichoke fanatic and was on a mission to find the best artichoke in Castroville. After scouring yelp reviews, I dragged my family to the Choke Coach, parked outside Pezzini Farms. I was delighted to be able to order artichoke several ways: steamed, grilled, fried, and in wrap form. The grilled was my favorite (Smokey and lemony), though they were all delicious. The fried was light and crispy, not soggy as I had remembered from visiting the Giant Artichoke a few years back. I'm happy to say that my artichoke craving was more than satisfied - for now! Plus, it was cool to see how artichokes grow in the field and be able to peruse various artichoke products and merch at Pezzini's. read more

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I ordered fried artichokes and lumpias from the food truck. The artichokes had a light batter which made them so delicious. The chokes had a light sprinkle of parmesan cheese which gave it a nice flavor and a dipping sauce. The lumpia were made just perfect with the right ingredients. Both orders were NOT soggy nor greasy. The number of chokes & lumpia for the price was reasonable. The service was great too. They were friendly and took time to answer questions. They did a nice job packaging my food. The truck was parked in the Star Market parking lot, so there was plenty of parking. It was truly a treat to eat the food. I do plan to return again. read more

Fries are too salty and they don't know how to listen to orders. Would not order again.

This choke coach turns out some hearty artichokes. Fun stop off of Highway 1 located in the Pezzini Farms parking lot. $6.50 for an order of artichokes I feel is about the standard fare these days for fried chokes in a basket. You get about 8 chokes per basket. The chokes were delicious; moist and tender with a crispy outside. The crispy shell gives way to a beautiful nugget of veggie meat. Ranch dipping sauce tempers down the heat and imparts a rich creamy bath. Tried the vegetable lumpia as they were out of the shimp lumpia. Hot, crispy and tasty! I would have ordered the artichoke wrap but I was meeting someone up in the Bay Area and didn't want to spoil my appetite. Can't wait to try out some of the other menu items with another round of chokes. read more

The Choke Coach - The perfect pitstop along Highway 1 - Food Trucks Near Me - Salinas, California

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The brilliantly-named Choke Coach was maybe the best part of stopping at Pezzini Farms. It gives you an opportunity to eat artichokes at a an artichoke farm. GET THE GRILLED ARTICHOKE. I've never had artichoke grilled before, and I can't believe I've gone this many years without. One of the employees recommend the lemon dipping sauce with it, and she was 100% right. It was so good that when I finished, I wanted another. As I'm writing this, I'm dreaming of the smoky artichoke flavor and really contemplating a stop on my way back home. The fried artichoke hearts was good, but I wasn't a HUGE fan of them. They have a tasty herbed flavor and my boyfriend really liked them, but I'd skip and just get 2 grilled artichokes next time. Seriously. The lumpia, which we got bc we can never ever say no to lumpia, were a definite skip. While crispy, they weren't tasty at all. But whatever, nobody comes here for the lumpia so this does not affect the review at all. read more

Every year, I participate in the Arthritis Foundation's California Coast Classic, a 530 mile bicycle pedal down the coast of California. We raise money to fund research, treatment and advocacy for kids and adults with arthritis. On day #2 of the ride we pedal from Santa Cruz to Monterey and every year, without fail, my friends and I MUST stop at the produce market in Castroville to eat the Choke Coach. We've never passed it up once. I don't know or remember if we chanced upon it, or if someone referred us, but their food is KILLER. KILLER!!! Their tacos -all of them- are so delicious. And obviously, their artichoke dishes are on point, too. Friendly folks cooking up delicious snacks, and sending us on our way... The Coke Coach is always a highlight of our ride. read more

Best deep fried artichokes sprinkled with parmesan and dipped in ranch. A must try. We have to stop every time we head to carmel. read more

The Choke Coach - Yum. - Food Trucks Near Me - Salinas, California

Food tasted great! The fried artichoke hearts were really good. The artichoke tacos were good too! But they need to disclose what ingredients are in their "house" sauces. There is peanut butter in the house sauce that they did not disclose anywhere!! That is deadly to people with peanut allergies and not disclosing the ingredients. Good tasting good if you don't have allergies to food! Food allergies- BE AWARE!! read more

Best Asada tacos from here to Sacramento! Also love the variety of food , I'm able to get all my favorites. My main favorite being steamed artichokes and Mayo. I drive from Sacramento and always make it a point to stop here. Seriously I can't rave about their tacos enough ! read more

The Choke Coach - Menu - Food Trucks Near Me - Salinas, California

Just wanted a pit stop from a road trip to San Francisco and pulled over saw fried artichokes and had to check it out. It was amazing and soooo good I would of taken a pic but I ate it too fast. This food truck is so worth it. I got the tacos and fried artichoke of course. Xoxo for the two women that run it thank you so much keep cooking. read more

I was a little hesitant to try given it's a food truck but boy was I wrong! We ordered the Tri tip Sandwich, carne asada burrito, fried artichoke hearts, lumpia and a cup of artichoke soup. It was ALL DELICIOUS! the soup was sooooo good! looking forward to stopping by again! read more

Every time we are in the area, (to be honest though, we sometimes take a drive out here just to come here) we have to stop by the choke coach to pick something up. The fried artichoke hearts are to die for, and the sauces you can pick from are all delicious and the flavors pair well. We recently tried the grilled artichoke and that's our new favorite! Usually when you order a grilled artichoke from a restaurant you're not able to eat all of it because it's hard, but their grilled artichoke here is so tender, but yet they get a grilled char on it and it's filled with so much smokey flavor, I recommend eating it with the garlic aioli and lemon. Today I also tried the artichoke tacos, mostly because I was curious, but I was pleasantly surprised. The artichoke that comes in it is a grilled artichoke heart, and it was good. The service is good, and although the food doesn't come out super fast, that's okay, because you know that your food is being made fresh to order, and you can shop in the store while waiting. They sell their fried artichoke hearts and the aioli dips in the store, and they turn out great in the air fryer! Great flavor and less grease. read more

The Choke Coach - Grilled artichoke, halfway eaten! So tender, with so much smokey flavor, this is the best grilled artichoke I've ever eaten - Food Trucks Near Me - Salinas, California

Super yum and you can usually find them near Pizanni farms in Castroville- (Pizanni 's Farms is a foodies must stop on to and from the beaches of the Central Coast. ) read more

Spent $34 2 double cheeseburgers 2 orders fried artichokes and 1 order fries. So good I will be craving their food when not in the area. Stop and try it out. You won't regret it read more

Arties, arties. If you're jonesin' for deep fried artichoke hearts, the coach has em. Parked at Pezzini Farms farm stand, the coach is open 10-6 or 6:30, call ahead to make sure. It's good for a quick snack stop. Cold drinks too. These are just average. Mostly breading, small serving. We need to find a new place for our artie fix. read more

The Choke Coach - Food Trucks Near Me - Salinas, California

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If the name wasn't enough, all anyone needs to know is some of the best artichokes in CA come from a food truck. Fried, grilled, stuffed, or steamed, honestly any preparation of an artichoke is fabulous. The Choke Coach is known for the fried preparation but on this delightful day we opted for a whole steamed artichoke with lemon aioli and mustard aioli on the side. It was perfection as I pealed back the foil and unwrapped this beautiful choke. I scraped each leaf clean with my teeth as I devoured the flesh of the choke. I double dipped the leaves in the addicting aioli and did my happy dance around the picnic table after each bite. The choke disappeared before our eyes as quickly as at arrived and it took all our power not to order two more. If you love a good choke come to The Choke Coach! (haha) read more

The Choke Coach - Whole steamed artichoke - Food Trucks Near Me - Salinas, California

OMG! A taco truck with artichokes. Ok they do have tacos and lumpia but the focus is artichokes. I couldn't try the lumpia or the deep fried artichoke hearts because of my gluten allergy but my husband said they were killer. I got the grilled artichokes. I got all three sauces and I still can't decide which one was best. I have never had an artichoke that fresh and wow did it make a difference. The owner is super sweet and gave me some tips on grilling chokes when I got home. This was one of the best things we had on our road trip. Thanks so much Yelpers for sending us to Choke Coach!! read more

The breading in the fried artichokes was amazing. The ranch dressing was also very good. The artichoke tacos were not bad but I thought they did have a little too much lettuce/ cabbage on them. This is a cute stand and a nice place to just sit and enjoy the sun. Would definitely come again. read more

Absolutely delicious!! The tri-tip sandwich was delicious! I was hesitant to try the carne asada burrito but the meat and beans were so good. We even ordered an extra one for dinner!! Try the fired artichokes! The staff are really friendly and you can shop at the produce (Pezzini farms) right next door. Every time we are in the area, we will visit the Choke Coach!! read more

With a name like the choke coach we were excited to give it a try. The prices were a bit high given the product. The hubby ordered fried artichokes and we were a bit disappointed when it was just chopped up hearts covered in batter and fried. This was one of those occasions where a good batter makes or breaks the meal and in this case it was clumpy and mushy - perhaps we received a bad batch (?) There was a 15 minute wait to get our chokes and I'm pretty certain it was cash only so make sure to have some on-hand. read more

The Choke Coach - Food Trucks Near Me - Salinas, California

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Anytime I am on my way to Monterey I have to stop by here for some french fried artichoke hearts! Plus it is located on a super cute farm stand where I pick up a few essentials. 2 for 1 stop! There are many artichoke options on this food truck but I keep coming back for the french fried artichoke hearts. The batter on these is super crunchy and full of a burst of herbs. Then you get the creamy soft inside of the artichoke. Yummy! Make it even better by dipping into their homemade ranch! Worth every single penny. read more

The Choke Coach - French Fried Artichoke Hearts - Food Trucks Near Me - Salinas, California