In the last year Buffalo went from city that didn’t really care about food trucks to a city that is becoming obsessed. We currently have 5 (with more coming) that roam the streets serving up food to hungry locals. Chris Taylor is the man behind the Roaming Buffalo, which in my opinion is visually, hands down the best designed food truck in Buffalo. He’s serving up all of Buffalo’s greatest hits; you’ll find chicken wings, beef on weck, burgers, french fries and weekly specials on the truck. Not to mention his infamous bacon jam.
Chris is very proactive with reaching out to his fans using social media; he’s very active on both their facebook page and twitter account. His enthusiasm about running the Roaming Buffalo is infectious and we hope the struggles the food trucks are facing with the city and some stubborn restaurants will soon be resolved. We visited the truck a few times this summer and really enjoyed what they have to offer. We decided we were long overdue to invite Chris to be a Buffalo Foodie, so here’s what he had to say about his favorite places to eat and drink in Buffalo…
Right now, where do you like to go out and eat?
Chris: Right now my favorite places to eat are places I try to get inspired for the food truck. Grover’s definitely is the best burger place in the area hands down. Simple places like Ted’s hot dogs, Schwabl’s in West Seneca and of course for the best wings Bar Bill in East Aurora.
When you have time off, where do you like to grab a drink with friends?
Chris: I never have time to go out with friends since starting the business, but my new favorite place to grab a beer after work is Alternative Brews on Sheridan Dr. in Amherst. They have this beer called “Alternative Brew’s Hazelnut Brown,” it is seriously the best beer I have ever tasted, and I have tasted a lot of beer in my life.
If you had a friend visiting from out of town, where would you take them for a good “Buffalo” time?
Chris: I would take anyone from out of town to Allentown. Awesome restaurants and of course the best steak sandwich is at the Pink. Brickbar for drinks and maybe over to Hardware for their fried chicken dinner. Allentown is such a cool laid back atmosphere and just the soul of Buffalo.
What are some food memories you have from your childhood?
Chris: I grew up in a Polish household where on holidays we would go to my Grandmother’s house for dinner. Each person would have a dish to make. Fresh polish sausage, pierogi, kluski, chocolate soup (which is not at all what the name suggests), and butter lambs. My job was making pierogi because no one else wanted to do it, but I loved it and still love it to this day.
What would you like to see more of in Buffalo’s restaurant scene?
Chris: I think Buffalo needs more places like Pearl St. and Buffalo Brew Pub. I love the use of beer in any food and it’s such a good pairing. I use a lot of beer in my recipes i.e. Aviator Red BBQ Sauce, chocolate chipotle chile, and druken onions.
What made you want to open a food truck?
Chris: I hope people understand my concept of a food truck. I have heard the critics say “Oh he’s doing the same old Buffalo food, and he doesn’t get the whole idea for food trucks to be new and inspiring.” I will have three trucks in three years and my whole plan is to send these trucks to places where Buffalonians have transplanted themselves to, North Carolina, Tampa Bay, and Phoenix. I wanna be a Schwabl’s, Ted’s, Bar Bill, and Grovers all in one. I want to bring tourism back to Buffalo down near the waterfront, and people can come to my truck and get the best of Buffalo all in one stop. If Buffalonians don’t like my Buffalo food items then I have failed my vision for my business. But, so far so good.
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We’d like to thank Chris for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions, if you follow him on twitter you can see how much prep time goes into serving the masses. Check out the Roaming Buffalo on twitter, facebook or even their official website to find out where the truck will be parked next!
