NEWS

Croquettes, genuine Maryland crab-cakes, sweet and savory Belgian waffles, gourmet frozen popsicles, and unique BBQ treats were just a few of the many offerings available for discerning palates on a sultry Saturday afternoon during the Springfield Rotary’s Third Annual Gourmet Food Truck Competition held Aug. 13 at Veterans’ Park in Springfield.

“This food is so amazing! We were driving by and stopped when we saw the crowd and food trucks...So far we’ve shared some waffles, a brisket burger, homemade potato chips, and are now headed over to try some of the frozen ‘Street Pops.’ It’s so hard to choose because everything looks delicious!” exclaimed Todd and Rita Baker.

A local favorite, the “Hunger Paynes” food truck was also competing. Hunger Paynes is based in Dayton and has been at several events in Enon and the surrounding area. Truck owner, Chef Andrew Payne, specializes in “croquettes,” breaded deep-fried food rolls made up of meat, cheese and vegetables.

Hunger Paynes has been participating in the Rotary’s Gourmet Food Truck Competition since it began 2014 and has won several awards. The truck is especially known for its award-winning “Reuben” croquette and “Mac & Cheese” croquette. “We try to use locally-grown ingredients because we are a local food truck and we want to support the local communities,” says Chef Payne’s wife, Amie Payne.

Hunger Paynes can be found at several competitions and local events throughout the year.

Rotary member and Chairman of the competition, Bill Brougher, says there were 15 returning food trucks and 21 first-time competitors, for a total of 36 trucks at this year’s festival.

Trucks must be invited to compete. Brougher says the Rotary offered large prizes this year, including a $10,000 Grand Prize, to attract prospective competitors. A new web presence also helped the Rotary attract both competitors and contest attendees.

Trucks hailed from as near as Springfield and as far away as Maryland.

Hungry fans were willing to wait an hour or more for the crab-cakes and other seafood delicacies offered by the Maryland truck. “We’ve been waiting in line about 40 minutes now, but seeing this crazy-long line must mean the food is worth the wait!” exclaimed Julie Sanders of Springfield, who was only half-way to getting to the truck’s window.

Providing entertainment for the event were Andy Fox, Tony Powell, Terrapin Moon, Allison Road, Omega Point, and The Ark Band.

At the end of the day, the “Tortilla Street Food” truck took home the $10,000 Grand Prize and “Smokin’ Bee-Bee-Q” was awarded $2,000 as the competition’s Runner-up.

“Mojo Tago” took the prize for Best Truck Design, “The Queen’s Table” earned the Best Customer Service prize, and “Street Thyme” was awarded the Best Menu prize. Each of these trucks received $1,000 in prize money.

Brougher says the event raises more than $20,000 to benefit the Springfield Rotary Club’s charitable causes, which includes providing services to people with disabilities. The money is also used for international projects, such as Polio Plus and various projects in Lesotho, Africa.

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