Richmond World Festival
Where: Minoru Park & Richmond Cultural Centre Plaza
7191 Granville Avenue, Richmond, BC
Date: September 1st and 2nd 2017
Website: www.richmondworldfestival.com
This is the second year that Richmond has put on the self titled World Festival and it is clear to see why it has been so successful. The festival is a celebration of its cultural diversity and expresses this through way of music, sport, art, and most importantly, FOOD.
I was fortunate enough to make it to the festival both days in a row giving me more opportunities to try a variety of food trucks.
Walking into Richmond World Festival gates you see the decorative displays and multiculturalism represented immediately. With over 50 food trucks to choose from over the course of the 2 days, lack of variety is definitely not an issue but me not having more than one tummy is.
THE ORIGINAL HURRICANE POTATO
On my venture in, the truck that immediately stood out to me was The Original Hurricane Potato. Having been in business for a number of years now they really have mastered the art of making perfectly crispy spiralized vegetables on a stick.
Not only do they offer the traditional Potato Hurricane but to my lucky surprise they also presented a Hurricane Zucchini as an option.
I was amazed at how crispy and evenly cooked the Zucchini Hurricane was, knowing very well from experience that zucchini can be a very temperamental vegetable to execute properly when compared to the sturdy spud.
The gluten-free batter is an unnoticeable difference to the norm and the seasoning of my choice was garlic parm. It complimented the savory squash perfectly and proved to be a great first course.
BELJAM’S WAFFLES
The next place of my choosing was the Beljam’s Waffles truck with everything from sweet to savory waffles these guys are breaking the waffle iron mold by also changing the fashion in which we would eat these crispy creations.
Everything from a Waffle Poutine, and Chicken And Waffles In A Cup to the piston resistance… a fork and knife free Waffle Grilled Cheese all whilst remaining true to the classics such as Waffles And Vanilla Ice Cream drizzled with a chocolate syrup. I tried 3 different selections from Beljam’s menu and all were worth the buck.
REEL MAC AND CHEESE
Today must have been my lucky day because parked directly across from the waffle truck was a Mac and Cheese joint.
Being one of my childhood favourites I couldn’t pass up the temptation of trying one of Reel Mac and Cheeses clever movie themed versions. These were a few that they had on the menu: “The Green Mile”; Classic with broccoli for the individual trying to go for something a bit more healthier; “Meat The Parents”; For the meat lover, it’s smothered in bacon and sliced hotdogs; “Godzilla”; For the experimental eater, a japanese twist topped with seaweed, mayo and teriyaki sauce.
I went for the spicy option with “Some Like It Hot”. Classic topped with banana peppers, cayenne pepper, chili flakes, Franks Red Hot and crispy onions. My mouth burned so good!
SLAVIC ROLLS
Finally I was ready for my dessert and boy had I been patient!
I saw Slavic Rolls on my way in but knew to save the best for last. This magical dessert creation was love at first bite. Resembling the deliciousness of a cinnamon roll this cinnamon sugar sprinkled cylinder shaped pastry is baked hollow and once cooled is filled to the brim with creamy and lightly sweetened bavarian custard. It gets better… Their final touch, a scoop of fresh vanilla ice cream gently placed at the peak. The pastry and custard are warm and the ice cream welcomes that warmth as it melts forming a vanilla cream sauce that coats the roll making every bite better than the next.
I go to sleep at night with sweet memories of this dessert dancing in my head wishing for one more taste. A perfect way to end 2 days of eating and entertainment.
If all the food wasn’t enough they also have a culinary stage where you can satisfy the cooking show addict that lives within every food lover by watching local celebrity chefs prepare some of their favourite dishes.
I hope the festival is back next year and keeps getting bigger and bigger. My belly can’t hardly wait!
