New rolling diner delivers ‘globally inspired flavours’
Deborah Tupper can have a different view out her kitchen window every day if she wants to.
That’s part of the appeal of a food truck for the professional cook, who has nearly 20 years of experience at well-established restaurants in the area and beyond.
She has been parked at several recent local events, including Beer and Bites at the New Glasgow Farmers Market, and has been setting up during the week in New Glasgow at Bargain Boss and Stirlings in Blue Acres. She also sets up at the farmers market on Saturdays.
“I really love food. I think that my passion for food and for food done well and presented beautifully comes through in my work. And I think that people see that and it makes people happy and even if it’s only for the five minutes it takes them to wolf it down. It’s a small thing, but it’s a big thing. Food brings people together in all different ways,” Tupper said during an interview at her home in Trenton, noting a quote she read about food trucks and public spaces. “I think that food brings people together and food trucks bring people out. I think it’s a great addition to our community.”
The focus of her business Wanna Lick My Plate is on locally sourced ingredients and “globally inspired flavours,” often featuring burger creations, fries and poutines with a twist, and pad Thai.
This has been in the works for Tupper for about four years, first purchasing an RV trailer that had been converted into a canteen and making use of the programs offered by Northern Opportunities for Business Limited. She realized the trailer wasn’t going to work for what she wanted to do, but wasn’t able to secure a loan to get the space she needed right away. The idea was on hold for a few years, until recently when she started pursuing it again, buying a former fish and chip truck and having it painted by RF PaX? Design.
“It’s awesome. I don’t think I’ve ever worked as hard in my life. But it’s exciting and exhilarating,” she said, adding that she’s getting great feedback.
This is her first time having her own kitchen, rather than working in other people’s spaces.
In choosing where to set up her kitchen, she said she is looking to form collaborative relationships with businesses that make it beneficial for both parties, suggesting customers are likely to visit both businesses when they stop in.
Locations can be found by searching Wanna Lick My Plate Food Truck for her page on Facebook.