1. The new space in a cleared-out parking lot at the Rio feels a little more intimate than both the Silverton and Linq setups of the past. The rows of trucks and stands are clearly laid out and it's easy to move around. Of course, this was night one, when the Foodie Fest crowd is smallest.
2. The El Shuko Truck, operated by the same proprietors as the Dragon Grille truck, is a welcome addition to the Las Vegas mobile food scene. It specializes in Guatemalan sandwiches. The El Che-rote ($7) features carne asada, guacamole, boiled cabbage, mayo and Guatemalan chimichurri. You can get a mini version for $5. Whichever you choose, make sure you get the cooked tomato salsa as a 50-cent add-on. It brings out all the flavors.
3. The Ipswich Clambake trailer is legit. The owner is from New Hampshire and he and his crew are looking to become Vegas mainstays. Fried Ipswich clam bellies (large $17, small $9) are perfectly fried in a batter of evaporated milk, flour, cornflower and liquid milk, giving it a clean dredge and letting the clams speak for themselves. Squeeze a little lemon on them and it’s summertime in New England.
4. Could the much hyped Middle Feast truck, winner of season five of Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race, deliver? The chicken shawarma ($9) answered with a resounding yes. This is a monstrous plate that could sober anyone up quickly. The chicken thighs are full of flavor. The crunchy slaw and roasted pepper tahini bring even more to the party. And the doughy pita bread is a wonderful vessel for it all.
5. So many costumes. I’m not sure why. While I enjoyed the showgirls and KISS characters and especially the guy dressed up as Danny DeVito in full Louie DePalma-Taxi mode, the clear winner was the duo of Smokey and the Bandit. The man dressed as Burt Reynolds was so good that when I tried to take his picture, he waved me off. However, I don’t think the 1977-era Bandit had a cell phone.
Great American Foodie Fest Continues through May 3, times vary, $8 single day; $11 multi-day; $75 VIP, greatamericanfoodiefest.com.