Next to a Dollar Tree, in a parking lot that once housed a grocery store from my childhood (shoutout to Wyndall Smith), something magical popped up on Parrish Avenue two Saturdays ago. Street Eats and Treats of Western Kentucky debuted, and we are still dreaming about it.
Tina Poll of Torera Hibachi rounded up her favorite food trucks and trailers, and she created an impromptu culinary destination on the usually blah west side of town. We stopped by for the opening weekend, came back the next Saturday for more, and here’s what we found: the good, the bad, and the going back for seconds.
Torera Hibachi
Christy — Let’s start with the queen bee herself: Torera Hibachi. Anytime Tina posts salmon on their Facebook page, I cancel whatever plans I have. Her dinner boxes are worth putting your countertop-defrosted chicken back in the fridge for another day. You pick your protein, and she loads it with fried rice, fresh veggies, and noodles. Then, you decide whether to drench, dip, or drown the whole thing in Yum Yum sauce.
Now, I’m a grazer. I want to try everything, so I usually grab the appetizer sampler, which is filled with Crab Rangoon, egg rolls, and whatever other crispy bites they offer that day. That “who knows what you’re gonna get” attitude always reminds me why food trucks are the best kind of chaos.
Chef Will — Reviewing Tina’s food is easy because I’ve tried everything, and it’s all fantastic. Every single bite. If you ever see the Kani Wrap on the menu, get it. No hesitation. Just do it. It’s a Japanese-style crab salad wrap, cool and creamy with a crispy crunch, drizzled with a complementary sweet sauce, and it hits like a flavor bomb — the perfect balance to anything hot off the grill. Tina and her crew are next-level. If you’re looking for that “I can’t believe this came out of a food truck” moment, this is it.
Mangkok Filipino Cuisine
Now, on to Mangkok Filipino Cuisine, the food trailer bringing authentic Filipino flavors to Owensboro.
Christy — I’ll admit: I was a Filipino food newbie, so I was a little bit nervous. I started strong with the lumpia, which, in simple terms, are crispy Filipino egg rolls. I ordered the five-piece, which was a rookie mistake. I should have gone for the 12-piece because I was devastated when Chef Will wanted to share! Mangkok Filipino Cuisine is a must-hit. Remember to order extra lumpia; you’ll thank me later.
Chef Will — Dude. I friggin’ love this guy. The lumpia? Fire. The pork skewers? Unreal. All the desserts? Just go ahead and get one of each. And don’t you dare leave without pancit. That’s not a suggestion; that’s a life rule now. I’ve been parked near him more than once, and he’s fed me every time. I’m not mad about it. Actually, I’m hoping he adopts me.
Montago’s Tasty Tings
Christy — I rolled up and told them to hit me with their favorite. They handed over a double-patty burger loaded with grilled peppers, some pepper jack cheese, and an unreasonable amount of pickles. It was messy. The bun was inside out, and there was even a rogue piece of parchment paper hanging on for dear life. Montago brings the heat. Just don’t eat the paper.
Chef Will — I’ve only met him once. He brought my son and me some fresh, hot chips. All three were crisp, and the flavors were on point! I haven’t tried a smash burger yet. I am pretty hard to impress on a burger, to be frank! I’ll still try one, of course. But welcome to the game, friends.
La Michoacana de Owensboro
Just when we thought we were full, satisfied, and coasting through our international food crawl like seasoned pros, La Michoacana came in hot like some kind of sweet fever dream.
Christy — Let’s talk about the mangonada. No, seriously. It’s not just a treat; it’s a spiritual experience. I was a little confused when I ordered it the first time because the name mentioned mango, but then she asked me what other flavor I wanted. Excuse me? I get two?
Round one: mango and strawberry. Round two: mango and lime. Both are dripping in chamoy, topped with a red-dust blizzard of Tajín-like spicy sprinkles. It ran down my hand, arm, and cupholder, and I didn’t care. Also, yes, I now own a bottle of Tajín and am actively looking for things to sprinkle it on.
Chef Will — I was lucky enough to be set up right next to them on their opening night, and honestly? It felt like home. If you didn’t have a cart rolling through your neighborhood slinging these kinds of snacks, then your childhood was just… different.
Everything I’ve tried has been incredible, and I make a point to go back every time they pop up: no notes, no complaints, just real-deal flavor. Ustedes son increíbles!
Between the Buns
Chef Will had strep throat, but that’s okay because, again, I do not like to share!
Christy — I said, “Tell me what to get.” They said, “The bologna sandwich.” I asked, “Excuse me?”
The last bologna sandwich I remember eating was during high school after setting tobacco all day on my uncle’s farm. So when they hit me with that suggestion, both the manual labor and the questionable meat product came flashing back. But this wasn’t the meat nightmare I was afraid of. This was a thick-cut, unevenly sliced, smoked, then grilled tower of meat served up plain on a soft bun, no sauce, no cheese, no warning label. Just meat and bread in a box, like some minimalist meat art installation.
I braced for disappointment. I took a bite. And then stared into the void for a second. Is bologna good? Would mustard make it better? Maybe?
They also served pulled pork nachos as if my emotional meat journey wasn’t enough. The toppings were generous, the balance was perfect, and the portion was significant enough to rattle your belief in gravity. One flaw, and let’s be honest, it’s a food truck flaw in general; it will always be liquid orange cheese. I will overlook it this time, but let’s consider some homemade cheese sauce in the future.
This truck doesn’t mess around. Between the Buns takes simple food and punches it up hard. You’ll leave full, confused about your bologna stance, and ready for round two.
The food truck round-up
A few other trucks were doing the dang thing, and a couple had to call it a day after a run at the Farmers’ Market that morning. I see you East Coast Eats! We will catch you next time. If you want to eat around the world all in one parking lot, clear your calendar for this Saturday! Tina is bringing them in and showing them off; don’t miss it. Forks Up!
