“Keep On Truckin’” to Second Wednesdays at Simi Winery

Three trucks lined up beside along Healdsburg Avenue, on Wednesday night for the first-of-the-season “Keep on Truckin’ Wednesdays.”

From the fabulous fish tacos wrapped in corn tortillas made before your eyes by La Texanita to the down home goodness of smoked-all-day ribs from the Matchbox Diner, to the savory artichoke pokoras with your choice of dipping sauce, the offerings were eclectic and tasty. 

For dessert, Foxy Cupcakes offered tantalizing selections like Fleur De Sel, a chocolate cupcake filled with salted caramel drizzle and topped with chocolate ganache and coarse sea salt. Decadent.

Simi will offer a variety of local street fare each month.  Vendors will pull up to Simi Winery Visitors Center and Tasting Room, 16275 Healdsburg Ave., each second Wednesday at 4 p.m. and will stay for live music, wine, food and fun until 8:00pm.

 “The tasting room will offer 20 percent off all bottles of wine,” said Simi’s Visitors Center manager Damy Tamburrino.  "One dollar of each bottle purchased during the events will go to the ."

Wednesday night’s event had music piped onto the patio where diners could sit with their food. But live music is planned for the rest of the series that will run through October. 

Most diners, though, stood in the relaxed atmosphere around the trucks and enjoyed their food out of hand.  A smiling officer of the arrived with an order for cupcakes.

Tamburrino quipped: “When the police come out for the food, you know you’ve got an event!”

The three trucks involved in last night's event were owned and staffed by people who helped create the fun atmosphere. 

La Texanita is family-owned and operated.  The mobile unit is the dream and brainchild of proprietor Alma Mendez’s sister, Gabriela.

From their first mobile unit, they developed into a stationary restaurant in Santa Rosa, also La Texanita, located at 1667 Sebastopol Rd. In addition to their mobile unit and restaurant, they offer catering services.  La Texanita has been in business for 11 years.

527-7331 and 548-1931

The Matchbox Diner’s bright red truck stands out in the crowd.  Also family owned and operated, it was a lifelong dream of proprietor Rick Thomas’s sister, Dawnda Schaefer.  When she decided not to continue, Rick and his wife Sharon continued with the business.  Now, Schaefer and her husband Dave, continue as partners, though they are not as active in the business.  The Thomas’s daughter, Nicole, was on hand to help out, as well.  The Matchbox Diner has been in business for just a year.

483-1881 and 318-8667

Karma Indian Cuisine was formerly a stationary restaurant, Karma Bistro. Their authentic Indian cuisine offerings make an exciting change from standard fare. Chef/owner David Musgrave runs the show, though his wife also cooks and takes part in the business. They have been in business with the mobile unit for a year.  According to Musgrave, “It’s something that’s working nicely.” They don't have a website but they can be reached by e-mail at karmacatering@att.net/ 

795-5273

Foxy Cupcakes, Cupcakes on the Go is owned by former Healdsburg resident, Melissa Fox.  She creates cupcakes with flare and appeals to the senses with both her “foxy” titles and sensuous marriage of flavors. According to Fox’s website, “My story started while running on the treadmill watching the news.  I saw a story about a cupcake truck in another state and their success.  I thought, “I can do that!”  In addition to “cupcakes on the go,” Fox offers cupcake parties.

706-FOXY (3699)

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