Food Truck Festival Returns to Union Landing

If you didn't attend the kick-off of the series last week, then you missed out on more than a thousand locals chowing down unique treats, hanging out and frolicking in the grass alongside Wal-Mart in Union Landing.

“It turned out larger than I thought it would,” Dana Hernandez, executive director of the Union City Chamber of Commerce, said last week. The event is a collaboration between the chamber and the Food Truck Mafia, event organizers who have also collaborated with the Newark Chamber of Commerce for Newark Eats.

Hernandez clocked more than a thousand individuals passing through the first event of its kind in Union City.

Today's gathering promises more of the same, with the exception of the MoGoBBQ, which has yet to confirm its participation, according to April Bibbins, event organizer and promoter for Food Truck Mafia and Grill Stars Curbside Cuisine.

Dinner service runs from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Here's a rundown of who's rolling into town for today's festival, according to Bibbins. The lineup is subject to change, she said.

BBQKalbi

• BBQ Kalbi features a Korean fusion menu that ranges from Kalbi (beef) to Spicy Pollo (chicken) to Kimchi quesadillas. Their unagi (eel) burritos were a hit at last week's event.
• Follow them @BBQKALBI

Grill Stars

• American BBQ is the game of this gourmet truck. On tonight's menu: ribs served with beans and cole-slaw, grilled fish tacos, BBQ chorizo nachos, sweet corn dipped in butter and served with "the works," and the nefariously named "Frito bandito" – a chili cheese dog with "some added creativity."
• Follow them @grillstars
• Extra: See our video feature on Grill Stars on Union City Patch.

That’s Sweet! Dessert Truck

• Cupcakes – yummy, specialty cupcakes – are the stars of this gourmet truck. Flavors range from Salted Caramel and Maple Bacon to Red Velvet and Chocolate Vanilla. While it may sound perfect for a dessert, don't wait too long – cupcakes sold out fast last week.
• Follow them @ThatsSweetTruck

Tikka Bytes

• Tikka Bytes is known for its Indian street food served in an American way. The menu features rice bowls, burritos and a "Naanwich," a sandwich served on Indian flatbread. But watch out — when they say "spicy," they really mean it. Other Indian dishes like Tikka Masala and Shahi Korma are also available.
• Follow them @TikkaBytesTruck

Twisted Chill

• Another favorite at last week's event was Twisted Chill, which offers self-serve soft-serve with eight rotating flavors and more than 20 toppings. Toppings include fresh organic fruit, candies, cereals and more. After getting a taste last week, you'll definitely want to try the "hella brownie."
• Follow them @chilltruck

Whole Bowl

• This truck specializes in noodle entrees, including Vietnamese noodle soups, vermicelli bowls and Pad Thai. If you're lucky, you might even get a sample of their spicy mac-and-cheese. And if you're smart, you'll buy a whole bowl (no pun intended).
• Follow them @WholeBowlTruck

Check out the highlights from last week's Gourmet Food Truck Festival in .

The Gourmet Food Truck Festival continues every Thursday through August.

• July 7, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• July 14, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• July 21, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• July 28, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Aug. 4, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Aug. 11, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Aug. 18, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Aug. 25, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Location: Wal-Mart, Union Landing Shopping Center, 30600 Dyer St., Union City.