Photo Credit: Cookshack Cravings/Facebook
Kamloops’ newest food truck is trying a unique, but challenging approach to mobile food vending.
Cookshack Cravings is constantly on the move going to events often far from Kamloops. Yes, you can find them in various parks around Kamloops, but the plan for owner Deanna Bell, along with her cook she calls G, was always to travel.
“We planned on travelling to start with. We wanted to do rodeos, festivals, and concerts,” Bell said. “I just comb the internet looking for these cool events. We want to serve the people and change it up and that has made us really popular in the events where we are.”
Bell bought the trailer and together her and G did the renovations and painting themselves of the winter and were able to begin operations in April.
“I did all the artwork on the trailer. (People) love it because it looks fun and it looks inviting,” Bell said. “You want something to drag the people and for that we wanted orange. With my art background I just had to paint that thing up. There is no way I could have a plain cart.”
Mac ' n cheese and perogies on a stick. (Photo Credit: Cookshack Cravings/Facebook)
As for the name, Bell said it was a lot of asking for friends’ opinion and trying all sorts of name combinations.
“It looked like a shack and I liked cookhouse, I’m not even sure where the cravings part came from. Every time I had an idea I’d write it down and switch (the combinations) around, and then it was just born one day and it was perfect,” Bell said.
The menu offered is diverse and is often catered to the specific event the shack is attending and always includes gluten free options. Bell and G both have extensive backgrounds, which allows them to be creative in the kitchen.
“We have a menu that we say there is something for everybody. We’re not a specific thing like other food trucks,” Bell said. “Because we are both cooks originally, we have a million ideas.”
The chorizo wrap with homemade cilantro lime yogurt dressing. (Photo Credit: Cookshack Cravings/Facebook)
Deep fried pickles, mac ‘n cheese, and poutine are amongst the most popular items at the Cookshack.
“They all say our poutine is the best,” Bell said. “Mac ‘n cheese is just one of those items that everybody loves. It’s great for the kids, and it’s an option instead of French fries.”
This summer, being the first summer of operation, is a learning experience for Cookshack Cravings. They are attending a ton of events and finding out which ones are best for a food truck.
If you want to find out where Cookshack Cravings is going to be, follow them on Facebook and on Instagram.
