Mount Pleasant DC Forum

kelly5612 · Joined: 17 Jun 2008 Posts: 260

I'd be interested in facilitating, co- or otherwise, this project. Jack, what do you recommend is the best way to get started?

jack · Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 4399 Location: 19th & Lamont

Jennrgolden · Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 261 Location: Newton St

Jennrgolden · Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 261 Location: Newton St

quick search online I found this Orange County (Los Angeles) food truck fair:
http://fastfood.ocregister.com/2011/10/04/oc-fair-to-host-weekly-after-dark-food-truck-event/118403/

St. Louis has a take on it called Food Truck Friday that's sponsored by a local foodie mag... http://shawstlouis.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/food-truck-friday-and-art-fair-recruitment/

We should try this...

jack · Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 4399 Location: 19th & Lamont

Rather than seeking out a food truck, how about coordinating a Lamont Park event with the carry-out shops across the street? I'm not very enthusiastic about recruiting competition from outside to compete with our local shops.

I can't dig up my correspondence on this, but I vaguely recall one of the Mount Pleasant Street restaurants proposing setting up a stand in the park, right across from their restaurant, to sell food in the park. That never got off the ground, because of the usual bureaucratic obstacles. But if enough people express support for this, it can be made to happen.

-- Jack

micmac · Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Posts: 354

I think the point is that the food trucks sell more interesting fare than our local Mt. P businesses.

kelly5612 · Joined: 17 Jun 2008 Posts: 260

Food trucks are hot, exciting and new: which is EXACTLY what this neighborhood needs. Harry's original suggestion incorporated a social element, too. Aren't we all complaining about the drunks in Lamont Park? Let's take it back, and what better way to do that than to get people out there enjoying it. And what better way to get people together than food?

I contacted 10 food truck vendors to see if they'd be interested in an idea like this. I'll contact more tomorrow.

PS. In the time it took me to write this, a vendor has already emailed me back saying they're very interested!

EntoK · Joined: 08 May 2010 Posts: 68

jack · Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 4399 Location: 19th & Lamont

mha · Joined: 07 Jun 2005 Posts: 171

Cory · Joined: 31 Mar 2010 Posts: 99 Location: 17th and Park

I would absolutely support food trucks visiting lamont park. As other posters have pointed out there are a lot of restaurants in Mt P but little diversity. A food truck gathering limited to once a week would offer people who are not tempted by some of the selections of brick and mortar restaurants to come together and enjoy some different fare without harming business to other restaurants. In fact, I think the point of this inquiry is that a number of Mt P residents aren't interested in a number of Mt P restaurants and so they aren't losing any business anyway.

What role could the ANC play in this? My understanding is that street vendors can sell anywhere in DC they choose. They would not be parked in the park - there is no need for a public space permit.

micmac · Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Posts: 354

While food trucks might theoretically compete with Mt P businesses, in reality they offer fresh innovative fare like lobster rolls & Indian food and other tasty items not available in our neighborhood.. The hygiene level at most Mt. P restaurants is off putting - cockroaches, dirty cooking oil etc... have lost my business. It's just not worth the risk.

jack · Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 4399 Location: 19th & Lamont

Jennrgolden · Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 261 Location: Newton St

First, competition breeds better business...it's kind of what makes the entire U.S. consumer-based supply & demand thing work. A little competition might make some of the businesses step up their game.

But that was not my reason for supporting the idea. My reasons were as someone else pointed out

1) the social benefit of getting residents in the hood together

2) varied food choices - Indian cuisine would make me immensley happy, Thai would be great too, sushi! Heck even one of the BBQ trucks would be great! There is no debate the lack of food choices in our 'hood.

3) I liked the idea of making Mt. Pleasant main Street "a destination" a place to be once a week and as I pointed out before I really think the neighborhood business could benefit from the foot traffic - including Hellers and Flying Fish...and how about the hardware store,I'm sure they'd love the foot traffic

I think the root problem here is the same as other ideas that have been offered in the past...change. Everyone fears it; why not just say - Let's give this a try...see how it goes.

micmac · Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Posts: 354

I think the food trucks are a great idea too. I wouldn't call "Don Jaime's, Corado's, Don Juan's" a diverse group of restaurants, more like redundant. If Pollo Sabroso's decor is your idea of a nice night out that's just fine. Personally I find dining in most of the restaurants on Mt. P downright depressing.

I doubt the trucks would want to give up a sure thing downtown for their lunch business. We would have to find an entrepreneur willing to work a long day for an early evening visit to Lamont St. park.