Home-grown foodies truckin’ along
You might not have heard of the latest addition to Pukekohe’s foodie market.
The Home Grown Food Truck, run by husband-wife duo Geordy and Jodie Booth, has been running for three months. In that time they’ve built up a loyal clientele, served at several markets and events, and they’ve even booked five weddings.
Geordy makes his own aioli from scratch, and they source as much of their produce locally as they can.
‘‘We like to do it local,’’ Jodie said.
The pair serve ‘‘Kiwi gourmet food’’ like burgers, pulled pork, calamari, hot chips and glutenfree options when they’re at local events, but they’re very flexible. For weddings they can produce options such as sliders or carveries. One of the weddings they’re catering for has asked for a dairy-free, peanut-free, vegan feast.
‘‘You name it, we’re for it,’’ Geordy said. He said the small truck was better equipped than most restaurant kitchens, and he would know.
Geordy has worked as a chef for 24 years, much of that time in and around Franklin. He and Jodie are used to working together too.
They met 14 years ago. He was the head chef, she the head waitress, and they’ve been side-by-side ever since. ‘‘It’s such a cliche,’’ Jodie said. The food truck was a dream of Geordy’s. A career in hospitality (‘‘all nights and weekends,’’) made it difficult for him to spend time with his three-year-old daughter. When the truck came up on Trademe, they leaped at the opportunity.
‘‘It’s quite a relief for me,’’ Geordy said. ‘‘I’d like to spend some time with her - [you] don’t get that in the hospitality industry.’’
The pair do a fair amount of travelling in their little truck. It’s completely off the grid - kitted out with gas and solar panels - which gives them the flexibility to travel. They’ve gone as far as Coatesville and Beachville Marina, as well as attending local events like Waiuku’s Steel and Wheels.
So what’s next for the Booths? For now they’re happy just truckin’ along.
‘‘We just want to get our name out there and see where it takes us really,’’ Jodie said.
The Home Grown Food Truck can be found on FaceBook. Call 021 068 3510 or email homegrownfoodtruck1@gmail.com for catering details.