Foodies Rejoice! New Food Park in Town

I’m a bit of a nomad when it comes to going out to eat. I don’t prefer going to the same restaurants every time I venture out. If I do frequent the same places, I always have to purchase a meal I’ve never tried. Call it what you want, but I consider it broadening my horizons.

When I got back to school this semester, I heard through the grapevine that Fort Worth’s very first Food Park had opened behind Target in Montgomery Plaza over on Weisenberger Street. The concept of a food park itself is extremely unique, and a concept that has only been unique to Austin until Chris Kruger brought it to life in Fort Worth last December.

On a whim one Friday night last month, my roommate and I ventured over to the Fort Worth Food Park. Two inclined concrete driveways that evidently were used for the food trucks themselves greeted us besides the sign that read “Welcome to Fort Worth Food Park.” We walked up the hill to find a narrow open area abuzz with crowds of young families and students enjoying their food on picnic tables. We noticed that the food park was BYOB, as many young couples were enjoying a bottle of wine or a 6-pack of beer under blankets and the provided space heaters since it was a chilly evening. Stationed around the picnic tables were the six food trucks that were making an appearance that weekend. My roommate and I walked around to all the trucks reading their menus indecisively. To our surprise, each food truck was conveniently able to take debit cards. Eventually, we both decided on gourmet sandwiches at Lee’s Grilled Cheese food truck. After that exceptional meal, we both promised to look up the food park calendar every week to see which food truck would be coming. Our hope was to be able to try every single one as they pop up randomly on the calendar each week. As the weather continues to get warmer, I can imagine the food park reaching its peak of business this spring.  They are expected to have misters there on the warmer days as well. The food park has even boasted it will be hosting live bands, games, and even movie screenings for its “foodies.” After a few visits and becoming a loyal “foodie,” I’ve discovered that The Bacon Wagon is my favorite food truck. If you catch it there one weekend, I would highly recommend the #5 “Cheeessy.” I promise you won’t regret it, especially if you like goat cheese.

--Meg Shakelford