Off the Grid

Don’t know about Off The Grid San Mateo, but earlier tonight in its same location was the same section of the road in front of the train station, closed to car traffic, with 5 to 6 trucks parked by the metered spots.
No idea who is bringing these food trucks back and under what event name or sponsorship if no longer Off The Grid, so for those who miss the overpriced mediocre food on wheels, rejoice, they are back.
Chairman aBAOmination — this time they boldly mentioned Taiwanese Gua Bao near the ordering window (basically where they «stole» the idea from), but they are not telling you that it costs US$ 1 for a large bun in Taipei that’s super sexcellent and traditional… and that they are $hafting you at x3 to x4 the price at ¹⁄₃ to ¼ the size while fusionizing the hell out of it that it resembles nothing like the real deal. And you thought Eddie Huang of Baohaus was a stark raving mad lunatic trying to cash in on the action of trademark infrigement, when he was being true and paying homage to his roots, rather than Americanfusionizing and douchebagging a product and trying to call it «authentic».
Aiiiyaaaa — or some chit like that. Spicy Korean fusion something? I thought that was a Cantonese expression for «WTF?». The Taiwanese version would be «Aiiiyyyoh!» but that was semi tradermarked by a bearded sunglasses wearing TV talkshow host in reaction to barely clothed busty female guests on his show when the cameraman zoomed in on their chest area and legs (thus raising his blood pressure levels, pretending to sweat, and sporting a major grin and thanking the stars for a high paying job to oogle).
Hapa Truck — Filipino fusion. No thank u. Where’s the lechon burrito, bangus taco, pacit handrolls, or lumpia sliders with ngoc mam…
Grilled/​fried chicken slider sandwich thingy truck
Plus another forgettable truck or two
Sadly this is our «night market», as Asianfied downtown San Mateo is.
The offerings here make me want to try the old American Chinese joint Wing Fat… perhaps that might give me better mileage than these fusion roach coaches.

I’m a little sad that Off The Grid won’t be opening up in San Mateo again. It was such a different experience here than at the other OTG’s in the city. The biggest difference was definitely the weather. Everytime I came by, the weather was beautiful, warm, and not windy. The trucks rotated every other week so there was always something new to try. In the early weeks, seating was lacking, but they managed to correct it by adding plenty of extra chairs. And parking here was super easy to find with plenty of street parking and free evening parking at the garage across the street. It’s really too bad to hear that this location didn’t fare so well.
Now there is some light at the end of this tunnel. Urban Table will be using this location to open up a Farmers Market that would also include Food Trucks as well. I will definitely be there on the first day (6÷25÷12). Hopefully this will be pretty successful and will stay permanent.

In reply to Lindsay Z, looks like OTG isn’t coming back to San Mateo in 2012 (reference article from the San Mateo Daily Journal
). Not clear if it was because San Mateo «requested proposals» for the Monday Night event, but seems like either egos or posturing on one or both sides means we won’t get OTG this year.
Sad news, since I loved the event, it was quite popular, and seemed to benefit the vendors, customers, and the downtown area. At least we still get the monthly Movable Feast events at the convention center!

WHEN IS OTG COMING BACK TO SAN MATEO???
I just moved to the peninsula from San Francisco, where I LOVED going to Off the Grid. I’d heard San Mateo was coming back in Spring, and since it’s now May and I haven’t heard anything I’m starting to wonder…

If you’re a part-​time foodie and full-​time fatty like me, you’ll probably want to hit up Off the Grid.
I’d never been to the San Mateo location though I had heard about it before. I think it’s great that these trucks gather in a space set up just for food-​goers. It’s a nice community event that draws people out of the house. I also feel kinda special knowing that this is the only Off the Grid event happening south of SF, Berkeley or Oakland.
I had the korrito from Seoul on Wheels, apparently THE original Korean food truck. I got a massive burrito with bulgogi (my first and only choice). It was delicious and well-​made: tightly wrapped, nothing fell out, and easy to eat when you don’t have a table to rest your elbows on (first world problem, I know).
The woman who took my order was sweet and friendly. My friend went to the Curry Up truck to get an Indian burrito and we split. I personally think it was too much food but it’s good to know that you get a lot for what you pay for.
They also had live entertainment coming from two guys, one on an upright piano and the other on the drums. Makes for a lively, fun environment while you try to compress your burrito into your belly. The only drawback was because this all takes place in the San Mateo Caltrain station lot, the trains are deafeningly loud each time the roll through.
Other than that, fun alternative to get dinner if you’re in the area. I would NOT go in late November if you can’t deal with cold weather — my hands were so cold I felt like they were going to fall off! But check it out anyway!

Checked it out this Monday for the 1rst time, good stuff. Love the atmosphere and food options. There was a Southwestern BBQ Truck, Whisk (Burgers and empanadas), Korean BBQ, Filipino food truck, New York Pizza, India street food, and a Crème Brule dessert truck.
We tried the lumpia from Filipino food truck, sliders from Whisk, Beef Empanada from Whisk, and 3 different Crème Brule’s from the desert truck. All of it was good but I strongly recommend the sliders they had a ton of flavor.
Check it out; I guess it’s only open on Mondays from 5pm-​8pm. Located in the parking lot of the San Mateo downtown Cal Train station.

We love Off the Grid!!! We love the San Mateo location because we’re locals. Haha! ;)
Where do I start?! I love this meeting place of food trucks, locals and visitors alike. Parking is easy! It’s literally across the parking garage, and they close off the street so you can jay walk. Haha ;) There’s a police station right across too, beside the parking garage so everything is generally safe! It’s like a whole big street party. We Love it! And it’s family friendly!
Note: to all the poopers out there. Check out the food truck list in twitter or facebook before complaining that your favorite truck isn’t there. Gasp! Some people are little princesses! And waiting for food is one of the fun part of this event… if you hate doing that, then go sit your ass to some restaurant somewhere. Hahaha! Some people are such haters.
AnyhOo!!! ;) The only downside with this is that… as expected, most trucks accept cash only, and it can really be pricey! If you’re on a diet. I don’t think this is the perfect place for you because you get so easily tempted to try something, a little bit of something from each cart. ;) Haha!
We pretty much love all the Filipino trucks! Great Silogs, sisig, lumpia, etc! We love the steamed buns of the Chairman Bao, the curry goat of Curry up, and more! from Banh Mi’s to Korean rice plates, cupcakes from Kara’s, Cream puffs, even a home-​made Twinkie! (that was my favorite!) There’s really a good selection most of the time! ;)
Try not to be picky. Be open-​minded. Celebrate the Sunny San mateo, and enjoy with the rest of the crowd! ;) whether you sit in the curb or chairs. It’s really fun!
See you all there! wOot wOot! ;)

I hate, HATE waiting for food. But if you at least get to sit down afterwards for a warm meal, that’s cool. You are guaranteed to freeze your ass off here and your food will turn cold before you find a curb to plant your ass down on.
I’m okay with overpaying for street food. Some of it is pretty delicious. Just don’t go when they all congregate on a Friday night… if you live in the city, check out the week day OTGs and check those out instead. The weather will be warmer and your wait (if you go earlier) will be more like 15 minutes instead of 45.
That said, I’m a fan of Chairman Bao and Cupkates.

First time at an off the grid, fantastic. Curry Up Now. Mama. s Empanadas, Kara’s Cupcakes, 3-​Sumeats and a couple others. Sorry about not getting the names.
A nice little event. Easy parking and not too crowded.
SUMEATS! MMMM the mac n cheese spring rolls… wo. Creamy mac n cheese goodness. That orange stuff that comes in a box should be destroyed. The BLT with the tomato jam hit the spot. Wonder bacon, brown sugar/​black pepper/​rosemary was sublime.
Ready for the next off the grid in downtown San Mateo.

I was in the area for an errand and decided to stop by. I went over to the Little Green Cyclo truck and grabbed a pâté banh mi. The line and wait wasn’t too long, about a couple minutes total. The banh mi itself was pretty darn good and refreshing.
I was actually interested in the silog truck, but it was quite packed unfortunately. Maybe next time.

I came here twice, and both times they had some different trucks. I came here last Monday because I wanted Chairman Bao but to my disappointment, the truck wasn’t there. However, they had Kara’s cupcakes. I came her with my cousin, brother, brother’s gf and aunt. Amoung the 5 of us we ordered something different to try:
1)Curry Up Now– Sexy fries and burrito
It was ok. The burrito didnt as good as I hoped it will but the fries were good. It was spicy and semisweet. I liked the idea of sweet potato fries. Tasted just as good for lunch the next day. Large portions!
2) Silog– Tacos
I think this is the second best thing I tried this time from Off the Grid. Easy Over egg on top of a taco. I think this truck had a long line from the start to the end!
3) Kara’s cupcake
This is my favorite part of the meal! I love cupcakes and these are one of the better ones I tried. I will definitely get more next time.
The next few things we got didnt taste very good and I for got the name of the truck we got it from. We got a noodle dish from a Philippine crusine truck. It was too salty. I literally felt like I was drinking soy sauce. grosss. We couldn’t eat it =(But they had good Lumpia.
We also got this thing from Mama’s … It looked like a hot pocket with spicy beef in it. The people from this truck were super nice. The gave me 3 empty plates because I ordered 4. It made it easier to share. The food itself was ok. I did not dislike it but I also didnt like it very much. I dont think I will be getting that again but it was worth the try.
This location is in front of Melting Pot, which is a lot smaller compared to Fort Mason in San Francisco. I have only been to the Fort Mason one once. They lines were super long and crazy. This one is much better. The lines are fairly long but nothing compared to the Fort Mason one.
I would come back for shorter line and the same food, but next time I would look up what trucks are there before heading out!

Hmm. Too be honest, Off the Grid San Mateo was a bit off the mark for me. Perhaps I didn’t go to the right trucks, but after all the hype, I really expected the food to be a little more exciting. There wasn’t really anything bad, but nothing great either.
Worth checking out if you have nothing else going on.
Definitely not worth waiting over 30minutes in line.

I personally love that the OTG location popped up! I hear the first few go-​arounds were badly planned out, but I’ve gone twice within the last month, and found no major problems. Lines are shorter and go by faster than the Fort Mason one. The trucks are organized in a way that don’t make me feel claustrophobic and slowly being confronted by hungry hipsters w/​their kids. Plus, my fave, Chairman Bao makes it out here pretty often. Parking is easy enough — there are multiple free parking lots nearby and street parking isn’t so bad. There always seem to be plenty of seating available, perfect for lounging in the sun if weather permits. I’ve noticed the folks here are a lot nicer and have better attitudes than OTG: Fort Mason, possibly because they don’t feel like its a fight to the death to get food :)
I never like the dessert options though — Pacific Puff ran out pretty early the first time I came here, but fear not, there’s a Beard Papa’s right around the corner!

YAY! Finally an OTG that is close to home! It makes Monday’s so much better! I get off work in SF, jump on Caltrain, jump off Caltrain and hellooo yummy food trucks!
The only but is that it’s hard for someone with food allergies to find something to order but overall it is great!
I have tried the BBQ truck (forgot the name) and tried the pulled pork, it was yummy! Although the guy was a little slow. I asked for just pulled pork no bun or sides and he says «No bun? Ok, side of coleslaw!» Then I tell him that I’m allergic to eggs so no slaw. So he says «Ok, so just the pulled pork» Yes guy, what I had originally ordered!
I bought my family some of puffs from Pacific Puffs and they really liked them! Although if you want to get the fruit one go there first because they sold out of those in less than an hour. And it doesn’t hurt that the two guys there are total hotties! ;)
And of course KARA’S!!! Before knowing about my food allergies these were my FAV cupcakes! And I miss them SOO much! But very happy they are there every other week.
Oh yeah… there is pretty good seating, and additional at the Melting Pot patio. Just don’t buy a drink there, a cocktail is $ 6 and is the size of like a shot glass!
I will continue going and very exciting about trying more yummy food!

Finally an OTG that’s a little closer to me!
I think the San Mateo location is an awesome place to have OTG even though the Caltrain parking lot that it’s hosted at is a little small (definitely does not compare to the one at Fort Mason).
What’s good about this new location is that the weather is so much more kind here than in the city — no wind blowing in your face while you try to eat. There’s also PLENTY of parking everywhere (yay for free parking everywhere after 6pm and thank goodness for all those public parking garages around!). If you’re travelling by public transit, no fear, OTG is right outside the San Mateo Caltrain stop. Easy peasy.
OTG here starts at 5pm, a little early, but I got there at 7:30pm and luckily the lines still weren’t that bad. I think the longest I had to wait in a line was 10 minutes which flew by since I was chatting away with friends.
Overall, I’d definitely come back to OTG San Mateo because of the conveniency in location and parking. There might not be as many choice selections as there would be at Fort Mason, but hey, shorter lines with the same great food and service. Can’t complain :)

I’m a newbee and a fan of the Food Trucks frenzy

The event itself was fun; got there early enough that we got everything we wanted and didn’t have to spend long. There were some lines however they moved quickly so that wasn’t much of a problem. I think the only thing I found a little disappointing was the options or rather the ones we were anticipating weren’t there. Can’t knock them for that though; I probably caught an older or outdated schedule so please note that since this is a weekly thing, the trucks that are there might change.
I’ll review the food separately however my BF and I were able to get to Pacific Puffs, Chairman Bao, and Hapa SF.
Pacific Puffs — incredibly delicious. We got the chocolatier, classic (which is filled with vanilla and topped with thick chocolate) and the fruit whip. We were pleasantly surprised at how they tasted so I highly recommend them.
Chairman Bao — the steamed buns are so GOOD! I had the tofu steamed bun and I accidentally stole my BF’s pork belly steamed bun (hey, he got my red sesame chicken as a trade) which is fantastic.
Lumpia at the Hapa truck is worth the wait.

Weekly Off the Grid events have been a recurring theme on my social calendar for months (hey, a girl’s gotta eat; it might as well be something interesting!) The newfangled idea is not so… newfangled (such a cool word, I had to use it twice) anymore. Multiple Food trucks congregating in one spot– the upside is no more chasing them down via Twitter one by one. The downside is since OTG is a widely-​published event (set time, set locale), the crowds are, at times, unbearable. You used to have to work for your food truck experience. Now, it’s easy. Accessible. Handed to you.
Bring on the next ‘new idea,’ you innovators! My attention span is slipping through OTG’s crafty, little fingers.
Didn’t stop me from checking out OTG San Mateo on Monday, though! Open from 5−9pm. Located on 1^st & Baldwin near CalTrans. Lots of chairs available. My complaints are: terrible parking situation even with garages in the vicinity, difficult to get to via public transportation (for me anyways. I’m lost outside of Frisco), & trucks running out of food 1.5−2 hours after opening. I don’t recall that last item being an issue at other OTG locations.
We tried food from two trucks:
* ‘faux lafel’ burger, homemade twinkles & blackberry stonefruit lemonade from 3SUM EATS. Everything at this truck is amazing. Long line, but moved fast.
* chicken tocino silog from WOW SILOG. Satisfied my Filipino food craving, but the slow-​moving long line soured me on the food truck idea. I don’t understand what was taking them so long to serve patrons.
Other trucks we saw were HI-​yaaa!, Mama’s Empanadas, Karavan, Curry Up Now, Little Green Cylo, etc. Better weather than SF locations. Worth a looksie if you’re already in the Peninsula.

We were on a food truck rampage. We did our usual Edgewood trip but reserved ourselves for this. Drove up and was hoping to hit Mama’s Empanadas, 3 Sum, and Whisk. Well at least we got one of the three. Having never been to OTG in SF at all I’ve only heard of the legendary spreads. Well I guess give it some time and hopefully it will grow.

OTG: Downtown San Mateo
Organizer website:
Hours: Mondays 5−9pm
6 food trucks
* Update: event was discontinued after end of 2011 season.
Today was the soft debut of the new South Bay OTG. Located on a short street parallel to the Caltrain station, and next to Melting Pot restaurant.
And unlike other OTGs, there’s lots of nearby parking, including several parking buildings (Main Street Garage, Central Parking Garage, etc.).
There were 6 trucks today. 2 south bay trucks: Mama’s Empanadas and Curry Up Now; one east bay truck: Seoul on Wheels; and 3 SF trucks: Chairman Bao, Hapa SF, & Whisk on Wheels.
I hope that more south bay trucks visit in the future.
Those who have attended other OTG weekly events are familiar with the setup. There’s plenty of chairs, trash and recycling bins at each end of the street, and 1 or 2 staff who keep the area clean. Since this event is new, not as many people knew about it yet, so the wait was short for me. Now that people have heard about it, it’s better to arrive early to avoid the lines. This time I got a burger and an empanada.
Most food trucks are CASH only, but a few are now using wireless devices to process credit cards. This is the 2^nd food truck event in San Mateo, the other one is Moveable Feast San Mateo (once a month, 1^st Friday).