Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Festival highlights the best of area food trucks
25 reasons to cruise Chaddsford Winery’s weekend taste treat
You’ll need both hands if you go to the Food Truck Fest at Chaddsford Winery.
How much do you love a food truck fest? You’ll need both hands, both feet and a friend’s hand to count the many tasty ways at this weekend’s Food Truck Fest at Chaddsford Winery. Throw in live music and lots of wine, and you’ve got yourself one fantastic fall weekend.
There will be 21 trucks on site (one isn’t food, so read on) from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, and Sunday, Nov. 2, but one of the key reasons to stop by Chaddsford Winery is its people. Let’s start with those working in the confines of tiny mobile kitchens to bring you amazing grab and go dishes. They’re jazzed about the fest, too.
“Local wine and food trucks epitomize the essence of entrepreneurship, hospitality and conviviality,” said The Cow and The Curd’s owner Rob Mitchell. “What’s not to love about that?”
Rob suggested pairing battered, fried cheddar curds with a Chaddsford chardonnay, and a big, buttery one at that.
Julie “Tot Master” Crist of
The Chaddsford Winery Food Truck Fest is sure to draw a crowd.
The Tot Cart is “excited because it’s my first time vending at the winery. They’ve never experienced gourmet tots before, so it should be a great day.” Her pairing pick: loaded tots with any Chaddsford red.
Chaddsford Winery marketing and communications director Matt Beauchesne, who developed his love for the wine industry working at wineries in upstate New York and has visited more than 500 in his journey, has a few recommendations:
Korean fusion: Pair a Chaddsford White, as the semi-sweet will compliment the bite of spice.
German: Choose Blaufrankisch, a red that’s somewhat tannic and spicy, and very full-bodied, to go with this hearty cuisine.
Meatballs: Select the Proprietor’s Reserve Red, a lighter-bodied wine that won’t overpower the rich fare.
Burgers: Pick the Pinot Noir. Its earthiness goes great with a big beef bite.
Dessert: Try the Sangria for its fruitiness. It’s not over-sweet so it will pair well with your final course.
The Town Dish sat down with Beauchesne and marketing assistant Kelsea Reel and learned the dedicated staff are committed to making every visit an amazingly fun time in a relaxed atmosphere. There’s no pretense at Chaddsford, but there are a whole lot of downto-earth people, from the winemaker to the newest employee, set on making every day a great day.
“There’s a certain energy and vibe, especially at our events,” Beauchesne said. “Even if it’s crowded, it feels intimate. You see people who aren’t even in the same group start to talk and hang out together. It’s really cool.”
Reel is newer to the industry but is learning as she goes thanks to helpful fellow employees.
“This is a good place to learn,” she said. “It’s very laid-back so it’s not intimidating at all. It’s the same with our guests: everyone here wants to answer questions and educate our guests so they have an awesome time and come back.”
This weekend’s fest is a chance to examine Chaddsford Winery. It’s approachable in so many ways: a variety of wines to fit every taste, pricing that starts at around $11 per bottle and a focus on wine drinkers of all ages and stages. Beginners welcomed.
25 Reasons to Hit Both Days of the Chaddsford Food Truck Fest:
Food Trucks (find out which day each truck will be there on chaddsford. com) 1. Braz BBQ 2. Cow & The Curd 3. Flying Deutschman 4. Grill Cheese 5. Just Jackie (Menu) 6. Ka’Chi (Menu) 7. Local 215 8. Mama’s Meatballs (Menu)
9. Mean Green Smokin’ Cuisine
10. Mom-Mom’s Polish Cart 11. Oink & Moo BBQ 12. P’Bons (Menu) 13. Rigatoni’s 14. Say Cheese 15. Spot Burger 16. Surf and Turf Truck (Menu)
17. The Greek Truck (Menu) 18. Tot Cart (Menu) Dessert Trucks 19. Sweet Box
20. Wonderland Cakes (Menu)
21. Shopping at Passionista Fashion Truck. A mobile boutique stocked full of apparel, jewelry and accessories. Just like a bricks-andmortar boutique, you shop right there and leave with your fabulous new finds.
22. An incredibly huge selection of wine. Every palate will find its happy place with something from the tasting menu. Choose from sweet wines, dry whites and dry reds.
23. Live music, both days, from 1 — 6 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 1, groove to the stylings of sibling singersongwriters Alex & Shiloh. Sunday, Nov. 2 brings singer-guitarist-songwriter Josh Komorowski to the stage. Get there early both days and snag a prime picnic spot.
24. A beautiful property with ample room for tossing out a blanket or setting up chairs to enjoy the afternoon. There’s also a smattering of tables and chairs, too
25. Listed last but most certainly not least: Chaddsford Winery’s staff. Much like Beauchesne and Reel, those behind the bottles are just as passionate about their craft and their customers. The staffers who pour are an eclectic bunch. Some work at Chaddsford for the love of wine, parttime after their “day jobs,” and some are full-time enthusiasts. All are customerfocused. This weekend, spend some quality time with the wine-savvy people who will be on-hand to pour tastings and to select the perfect vino to go along with your food truck fare.
Find the winery at 632 Baltimore Pike in Chadds Ford. For more info call 610-388-6221, and stay up-to-date on Twitter and Facebook.