“Buffalo’s Best Diner”: Food Truck Tuesday returns to Larkin Square for the 11th year

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Live music, fun family activities, drinks and of course — food.

There’s plenty for the community to enjoy in Larkin Square as Food Truck Tuesday returns for another summer serving Food Truck kitchens everywhere.

“Tonight is what I like to call ‘Buffalo’s Biggest Dinner Party’ and it’s the 11th season of Food Truck Tuesday, so it’s like a Buffalo vacation,” said Leslie Zemsky, vice -president of Larkin Development Group. “There’s always a variety of main course options and then a few dessert trucks, so we try to mix it up every week, so there’s always something fun and new to try.”

Each week they will have about 20 food trucks parked in Larkin Square, and they will have a variety of trucks rotating throughout the summer.

In each truck, there is a “Healthy Option” certified by Independent Health that will be labeled with an Independent Health sticker on the menu.

“The healthy option on the menu has been analyzed by a dietitian and meets our guidelines, meaning it is lower in calories, fat, saturated fat and sodium,” said Brianna Wallenhorst, program administrator. of community nutrition at Independent Health. “Try it, don’t be afraid, many people might think that the healthy options don’t taste good, but the chefs put a lot of effort into making sure they are enjoyable options that You’ll want to try again.”

If you want to try something new, there are many unique dishes to try at the “Mad Sauce” truck. From stuffed turkey legs to turkey wings and even cookie butter wings, owner Jamel Humphrey said he and his family will come up with sauce ideas and make them work.

“I used to barbecue a lot and was bored of regular barbecue sauces. My first sauce was ‘Henny BBQ,’ and I went from there,” Humphrey said. When asked how many sauces he had now, he laughed: “I couldn’t even tell you. »

Humphrey said he was returning to Larkin Square after being away for a few years, and it was nice to be back and see the area growing.

“It’s definitely growing, it’s nice, I have a few friends with restaurants in the area, it’s definitely growing and becoming a lot more nice and fun,” Humphrey said, “We can come here, along with our fellow owners and operators food trucks and a ton of people come to eat good food, and you can see smiling faces here.

Zemsky said he noticed a lot of people returning to offices after the pandemic and people moving into the neighborhood, which helps attract more businesses to set up shop in the neighborhood.

“It’s definitely a rising tide that lifts all boats, so it feels like come and try mine, it’s not competitive, it’s very collaborative in our business district here.” Said Zemsky: “For the neighborhood, we have a lot of new small retail businesses, so for them it’s also a big night and a chance to open their doors. So we encourage people to enjoy Larkin Square, but to walk around the neighborhood. »

Food Truck Tuesdays will take place every Tuesday through August 27, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit their website here.