A young restaurateur provides a moveable feast
The latest trend in Philadelphia’s food scene doesn’t involve fancy menus, ambience or flashy table service. It’s all about inventive, concise options, convenience and parking—though not for the customers. Food trucks are taking the city by storm, and we’re not talking about your average hot dog cart. This new breed of mobile food service is led by bright new culinary talent, serving up cupcakes, vegetarian fare and even gourmet coffee.
Tom McCusker, a graduate of Drexel’s Restaurant and Hotel Management program, is a pioneer of this new scene. He opened Honest Tom’s Taco Shop in April after being struck by the availability of fresh, delicious tacos during a motorcycle trip to Texas. McCusker brought the spirit and flavors of his travels back to University City—where he parks his beige truck Monday through Thursday at 33rd and Arch and Saturdays at Clark Park. Honest Tom’s currently features three delicious taco varieties: the famous breakfast taco (scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheddar, homemade pico de gallo and guacamole), chicken and sweet potato. McCusker sources his ingredients locally, with produce and eggs from the Food Trust Farmers’ Market. Honest Tom’s is also one of the few places in the city serving Stumptown Coffee (independent roasters who offer fair trade and direct trade brews). —Claire Connelly
33rd and Arch, Mon. – Thurs., 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Clark Park Farmers’ Market, 43rd and Chester,
Sat., 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. twitter.com/honesttoms
