Eat on the Street

August 02, 2012

My friends cringe when I ask them to lunch. Why? Because, I don’t often go to comfortable places. I go to places that may or may not have places to sit. If they do, it’s a counter with stools or plastic patio tables. If it’s a big name franchise, it’s out. I like family owned ethnic meals. Complex in taste, but simple in looks.

Here in the Kansas City area that means going to places that serve street food or finding a food truck. I like both; but in deference to my friends, I typically choose a place where they can sit.

The northeast area of Kansas City is one of my favorite destinations, as well as the River Market area. There's so much scrumptious diversity in a small area: Injera, lentil soup, pho, Somali rice, chicken spiedini, tongue tacos, pupusas, gyros, bubble tea, Italian sausages, Greek salads, curry goat, Peking duck, and tortas. I’m getting hungry just talking about it.

If you want to see what I’m talking about, pick up one of these great books at the branch.

• Susan Feniger's Street Food: Irresistibly Crispy, Creamy, Crunchy, Spicy, Sticky, Sweet Recipes
• The Truck Food Cookbook: 150 Recipes and Ramblings from America's Best Restaurants on Wheels
• The World's Best Street Food: Where to Find It & How to Make It
• Dos Caminos Mexican Street Food: 120 Authentic Recipes to Make at Home
• The World of Street Food: Easy Quick Meals to Cook from Home
• Street Food: Exploring the World's Most Authentic Tastes
• Mediterranean Street Food: Stories, Soups, Snacks, Sandwiches, Barbecues, Sweets, and More, from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East

I'm headed to the Lunch Box here in Independence for some al pastor street tacos.

Happy eating!

Mike T.
South Independence Branch