Food trucks are back! Or at least the ones at Spark Social SF and Stagecoach Greens are open. And a week or so ago before we continues out slide into the apocalypse with all this smoke in ash in the air, I managed to meet up with a friend for some masked up, socially distanced, outdoor noshing and boozing.

I had randomly walked by Spark Social SF one day and saw it open and was surprised. Didn’t know this was on the list of acceptable, but then, if it doesn’t get too crowded and people obey the rules (HA!HA!HA!), an open air dining spot should work nicely. I mean if you can supposedly eat safely on a sidewalk or the middle of a street then why not a food truck park? I think the key here is you have to trust in your fellow San Franciscan to make smart choices and follow guidelines for this all to work. Something that can be a bit of a challenge when alcohol becomes involved. But I wanted to check it out and see if it was possible to make it work. Of course I didn’t want to take extreme chances, thus was able to convince my friend to meet up on weeknight when it was less crowded and less chance for some random stupidity.

Upon arrival, I have to say there were a few more folks there than I would have expected, but I guess the need to get out and see people has become an exacerbated need in these days of SIP and zoom meetings. The Spark Social side had a tad too many of these peeps wandering around for me but Stagecoach Greens on the other side had a sparser group and and plenty of open and decently spaced picnic tables where one or two people could hunker down away from others. Or at least from others until their beer kicks in and their face masks end up under their chins or on top of their heads like bonnets. Millennials are such silly gooses!! Still I was undeterred and masked upped. I even took a straw with me that I could slide easily under my mask and sip my brew. Though I still needed to de-mask to eat and for the most part, people kept their distance during our stay which was good as I doubled down on the food because—leftovers. It is was brought me to the most innocuous and unassuming of food trucks you will probably see in this town. Something called Chef’s Truck.

Yeah, I mean, what? Kind of plain and honestly, I could not even find an official website for them. The only places I have even seen it pop up is either Spark Social or SOMA StreatFood Park. And their catchphrase—”I taste better than I look.” Sure, we take crappy photos to advertise our food on the side of our truck, but what we cook up doesn’t really look like this even though it actually is photos of what they cooked up. Makes your head spin don’t it. Still, I was undeterred (again—I can use this word a lot) especially since I wasn’t feeling the other options on this and we all know how picky I can be when trying to find something to eat. Though, just a point of note for you Chef’s Truck feeders, I would really help if you put some prices somewhere on the menu?! Just saying. But, again, I was undeterred (again!) by the lack of pricing and forged ahead with ordering a couple things my beer besotted belly was craving.

Like this fried chicken sandwich. Without an actual picture I was expecting something on round bun but then was surprised with this half a sub size sandwich. Then I was doubly surprised with they said all sandwiches automatically come with fries. Whaaat?? It’s a large-ish deep fried chicken breast on a toasted sourdough roll with cole slaw and sriracha aioli and sliced tomato. It was big and messy and somehow just kind of worked. Since it was made to order you get some crispy chicken and crunchy slaw to round out your texture in food needs. Plus the aioli has just the right kick to add flavor without killing your tastebuds. All around, a pretty good version of this SF ubiquitous sandwich. As for the sweet potato fries, they were hot, crispy and not burnt, what more could you ask for. I’ll tell you—another sandwich!

Thin, grilled pieces of meat (I’m assuming some kind of steak like thing) with mushrooms, onions, red peppers, provolone cheese and this time, a habanero aioli on a toasted sub roll. This was super cheesy and meaty and the perfect sandwich to kick back and drink some beer while the cold wind blows in off the bay through the putt putt greens. A phrase you don’t hear often, unless you are in SF. But the sandwich was warm, tasty and filling. Though the habanero really does punch you in the mouth on this and if you are not into spice, this might not be for you. Me, I was all over it and the fries which had a nice little dusting of salt, pepper, paprika and a bit of red pepper. Comfort food in a compostable container.

Here’s the kicker that makes me go all in on Chef’s Truck. The sandwiches with fries are gonna run you about $12.50 and some change. That is a sandwich with a side from a food truck people!! In SF!! How many more exclamation points can I use! I’m undeterred!!!! Yes, I continue to use it. And yes, it was a lot of food and there were leftovers I could stretch into another meal or two unless I get up hungry in the middle of the night. Not gonna say it ain’t ever happened.

While their photo advertising and somewhat generic truck name might not catch your eye, their sandwiches with choice of fries and modest for SF pricing should most definitely get your attention. Add in some comfort food that goes down well with beer choices at the park and Chef’s Truck totally hits it out of the park! Cuz like the place is near Oracle Park so you know the baseball thing which you can’t go to anyway so why not hit up the food truck park nearby instead to eat and drink away your COVID blues and be undeterred (still got it!) like me! (More exclamation points too!) Never gets old! (usually).