Food Truck of the Week – ‘Paisanitos’
Tacos, family, and an amazing truck equals a great food truck experience for all.
~Photos and Review by Mark Gammon~
It’s been said many times and many ways that size matters and it’s certainly evident with one of the newest trucks on the scene from El Paisano’s Mexican Restaurants.
“Paisanitos” is the newest addition to an already successful fleet of catering food carts the business owns, but with this new mobile palace, there’s no end to the events we’ll see them at.
El Paisano is a local family run business with four locations including Carson City. And when I say “Family” I mean family. Nearly all the kids and their kids and I lost count of how many there are helping to support the business. Typically, these sorts of arrangements work for a while, but the Infante family really works great together. It’s not unusual to see the whole tribe come out to support the brothers, right down to Great Grandma who’s 96 when I did this review.
It was no surprise when as each sibling got old enough, they did their time at one of the restaurants, learning how to clean and run the cash register and ultimately manage one of the establishments. Mom and Dad, Maria and Fernando Contreras, came from different backgrounds and different regions in Mexico and brought the flavors and styles of their home-style food together. I’m pretty sure Mom taught everyone how to cook and still fills in occasionally. Along with Papussas from El Salvador the amazing menus at the four locations, there’s something for everyone.
With the purchase of a box truck, the brothers Fernando and Luis set out to build a custom kitchen on wheels. From the commercial a/c to the grill and the huge refrigerator, nothing was spared when it came to the layout. It’s tall and roomy and allows the brothers to really kick out some serious food while staying comfortable. Fernando gives most of the credit to Luis for the build, but I think it was more of a collaboration.
In a complete deviation from the normal Food Truck style, the brothers have a small menu of favorites. Just four items are typically available, but with the different meats, it’s actually about 12 items. Tacos have always been a crowd favorite and are simple to eat for all ages, but, with the addition of their newest item the Burrito Bowl, this truck has transformed itself into a gourmet fast food mecca. Catering to all ethnic types, the condiment cart has mild salsas and a hot version which might be warm to some but had this critic almost praying for another napkin to wipe his eyes. Actually, nothing needs to be added, but I had to try them all and was duly warned but took no heed.
In closing, I’ve known these wonderful folks for many years and have had many events catered by El Paisano and the food is great and consistent.
Here is a link to their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/paisanitos1/
You can find Paisanitos on Instagram as well: Paisanitos1
775-770-8338
Mark Gammon is a local freelance contributor who owns Rocksport Indoor Climbing Center and The Pinnacle Portable Climbing Wall. Mark and his crew are regulars at Food Truck Fridays and can be seen around town at many events.
775-352-7673
