Grand Army Plaza Becomes Food Truck Central

For those of us who crave lemon edamame dumplings, lobster rolls, date-lime-banana smoothies and other food-truck treats on a regular basis, good news: about a dozen gourmet food trucks will be descending on Grand Army Plaza once a month beginning Sunday for a monthly “.”

Organizers decided to create the recurring event following the success of the park’s .

“It was just so popular the last time. There were huge lines, even on a cold, wet day, people were just really into it,” said Eugene Patron, a park spokesman.

Which trucks participate will vary by month, but for this Sunday's event folks can expect mobile muchies from favorites such as The Red Hook Lobster Pound, Rickshaw Dumplings and Wall St. Burgers.

The nosh-fest will take place the third Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October. Patron said after the season ends, organizers will decide whether to run it again next year.

The park decided to organize the event as a way to bring more people to Grand Army Plaza – many residents have long pushed to better utilize the plaza for its potential as a social gathering place.

“People really love the Greenmarket and we thought 'What else can we do out there?'” said Patron.

The trucks pay fees to participate, but, they primarily go to administrative and clean-up costs.

“It’s not really a money maker, it’s just a nice thing to do,” he said.

In addition to the food trucks, there will also be live music at the rallies. This Sunday, the Wahoos will perform from noon to 3 p.m.

Richard Kallman, owner of Cupcake Stop said that after being swarmed with customers at last month's rally, he’s thrilled to be able to participate on a regular basis.

“We sold 2,000 cupcakes that day – it was incredible," he said. "If they had the rally every day I would be there every day."

The Food Truck Rally will take place from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Grand Army Plaza on the third Sunday of every month through October:  June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18 and October 16.