Food Trucks

From Main Street to Backroads. Exploring stories a few miles away from my desk.

Years ago, I tried putting together a photography project called Faces of Hudson Valley, similar to Humans of New York. It wasn't my favorite, as I received unsettling messages from strange men asking to meet me alone for a photo. 😬 The project didn't take off and was short-lived.

This year, I took documentary photography classes that pushed me to engage with people's stories. It made me realize how much I missed documenting people. I ended up working on a project about the changing face of Beacon, New York, which you can see here.

Now, the Beacon project has reached its natural end, and for the rest of the summer, I've decided to focus on the stories within my small world in East Fishkill, New York—specifically, food trucks.

51 Seconds - Empanada Mama

From ordering, collecting/processing payment, and a quick goodbye, at 51 seconds, the customer was walking away with an empanada. Yes, I timed it. 

At Empanada Mamas' food truck, premade empanadas are ready for those looking for a grab-and-go. Those on their lunch breaks probably love it.

The day I visited Empanda Mama, 100 degrees w/ 100% humidity. No, you don’t understand. It was HOT. I didn’t think people would show up because of the heat.

Jessica parked her truck under the shade in the hopes of being able to provide coverage for her customers.

2670 Route 52, East Fishkill, New York. (right off the Taconic)

As soon as she opened- the cars started to line up. Folks made their spots, but it never felt chaotic. Everyone was careful entering and exiting the graveled parking lot.

Between Jessica's short breaks, we chatted about the truck and her schedule during the year. She opens mainly all year round, and on nice days, she sells out of empanadas in less than 4 hours after opening.

In the short time I was there, I saw mothers with small children on their hips, landscapers, young people, repeat customers, and even a police officer from the East Fishkill Police Department stopped by for a quick bite to go.

It was interesting to note the number of customers with young kids, as the empanadas offered the convenience of fast food without actually being fast food.

Also, parking was ideal.

While the location lacked seating options and the parking lot kicked up dust from the gravel, people didn't stay around to eat. But I imagine that's the point. Folks had places to be.

Customers quickly hopped in their cars and drove off, with some even enjoying their empanadas while leaving the parking lot. No one was really looking to stick around.

Twisted Sister

No specific reason why I chose to reach out to Jackie first. I think it was because I'd seen her truck the most driving through town. On my way to drop off the kids at school in the morning, I'd see the truck either at a gas station or driving passed me.

I always wondered where the truck was headed off to.

"Hi, Viviana; thank you for reaching out. Give me a call _____, and we can discuss further."

We chatted for a while, and I enjoyed listening to her stories and how the idea of a food truck came about. Jackie gave me the thumbs up to visit at any time.

The plan was for me to visit The Cluck Truck first.

However, the smoke from Canada and June's rain proved to be a nuisance, and I felt like I couldn't get to one of her locations.

Once, while driving my kids to an appointment, I spotted both of Jackie's trucks parked at the food truck spot on 52. Twisted Sisters and The Cluck Truck had long lines, tempting me to return home and grab my camera.

Then on July 1st, East Fishkill had their fireworks and noticed Twisted Sisters would be serving ice cream at the Rec. I thought- perfect!! I’ll introduce myself to Jackie and finally be able to take some photos of one of her trucks.

The line was LONG, and folks were happy to wait.

My husband and I hopped on the line, and it moved quickly. At one point, a woman jumped off the line and excitedly asked my husband what kind of topping was on his ice cream.

I never got to say hi to Jackie in person since so many people were waiting behind us to place an order.

Btw: After the fireworks, people happily continued waiting for ice cream.

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"I'm having trouble finding good places to eat in town."

Photography offers an opportunity for me to meet and chat with people. Since I like listening to stories, people tend to share. 

Over the last few years, East Fishkill has seen an increase in new families moving up from Westchester County and further south. On multiple occasions, I've heard from new folks that they've had a hard time finding a good place to order out.

Good meaning, not pizza? Good meaning quality, inclusivity, options, fairly priced? Everyone's meaning of good varies. 

But I always follow up with, "Hey, check out these food trucks! Maybe you'll find something you're looking for.”

I'm not a food critic, and I don't plan on giving a Keith Lee type of approval for the trucks I visit. As a documentary photographer, I want to stop by these food trucks, chat, listen to stories, and learn more about the lives of the folks who own and run these mobile noms in East Fishkill. 

I plan to visit more food trucks and even a few in the neighboring towns. Check back this summer since I'll be posting more here on Substack. 

Adios for now.

-V

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Visit Empanada Mama and The Cluck Truck’s Facebook pages for their schedule.