Spring is here, and I’m excited for longer days and sunsets after dinnertime. Longer days mean warmer days. The frozen lawn turns into a slip and slide of mud and clay, and my chickens have emerged from the coop to rediscover my landscaping and dug themselves some impressively deep holes to bathe in. I guess it gives me some exercise to chase them out of the gate (which they squat and walk under) three or four times a day, so who am I to complain?
As we emerge from our hidey holes of winter hibernation and venture out to reacquaint ourselves with our neighbors, it is exciting to see our favorite seasonal places reopen for the summer. One thing I love about living on the North Shore is catching up with the popular haunts before tourist season begins, and experiencing the wonders of our gifted community before the crowds show up. It’s like I get to sneak in some joy ahead of the masses.
Since spring has arrived and food truck owners prepare for the summer ahead, I’ve got a couple to share with you. Both Johnny B’s and Baptism River Barbecue Co. are devoted to sourcing local ingredients and partnering with farms and other small businesses, and they are also invested in the communities in which they serve. I know they’d love to meet you.
Johnny B’s, Duluth
Johnny B’s eschews the “seasonal” title that many food trucks bear, and remains in operation throughout the winter. Utilizing online ordering so hungry patrons don’t have to wait outside in the cold, owner Johnny Barnstorf started his food truck business with the intention of bringing local and seasonally authentic food to the Duluth area, and he certainly has! With a carefully curated and seasonal menu, Johnny B’s keeps the Northland fed.
While Johnny B’s menu changes with the seasons, you will often find some staples on their menu. The Smash Burger is a favorite, featuring Yker Acres grass-fed beef, caramelized onions, sharp cheddar, an heirloom tomato slice, greens, and Chile dill aioli, served on a Johnson’s Bakery bun crisped to perfection. Johnny B’s also makes a mean tart—the smoked salmon tart features Boursin cheese, apple, maple vinaigrette, and roasted grapes on a flaky puff pastry, and if you catch them in the fall, you may catch a wild mushroom tart. Their Rooney Bar is the perfect thing to fix your sweet tooth, with oatmeal shortbread, chocolate, and caramel.
Johnny B’s is already up and operating, but they are also available for private events and catering and as a private chef. Keep an eye on their Instagram and Facebook pages for Johnny B’s Food Truck Duluth locations and hours.
Baptism River Barbecue Co., Silver Bay
Baptism River Barbecue Co. hails from Silver Bay, where owners Dan and Kaylee Cahill Mathews have worked to define and refine what “Northwoods Barbecue” means. Their foods and partnerships work in concert to create a flavor profile that springs from among the forest. Minnesota maple syrup sweetens their barbecue sauce, locally farmed meat fills the smoker, and locally harvested maple wood fuels it. It is a Lake Superior experience from beginning to end.
Baptism River Barbecue Co. serves a variety of smoked dishes that are meant to leave you wanting more. Their Smoked Porketta sandwich features pork shoulder seasoned with fennel, paprika, and garlic before being thinly sliced and served on a toasted bun with provolone, onions, and their very own garlic aioli. Of course, you can find the “regular” old pork belly burnt ends, ribs, brisket that melts in your mouth, and hearty mac and cheese, but if you’re in the mood for a lighter option, Baptism River Barbecue Co. serves salads and vegetables as well. Their pickle sampler is a hit! These delicious salads are served with pulled chicken and maple mustard vinaigrette, and include a variety of local vegetables like charred asparagus, or perhaps pickled onions and beets, and then add a side of smoked cauliflower or beer cheese. Baptism River Barbecue Co. serves up unique flavors that find their source in our own backyard.
You will also find three seasoning rubs and three of their popular barbecue sauces on the Baptism River Barbecue Co. website, in case you want to take a bit of their flavor home with you. They participate in several pop-up events throughout the winter, but are looking forward to kicking off summer at the Historic Green Door Smelt Fry on May 17 in Beaver Bay. Keep an eye on their website for locations and events.
Friends, welcome to spring. I hope you have the opportunity to catch an after-dinner sunset, get some sun on your face, and breathe the fresh air. Maybe stay out of the mud (unless you like that sort of thing) and get out there! You never know, you may follow a food truck and find a new favorite lunch spot.
And maybe that’s what I love the most about the food truck scene. These businesses have a unique opportunity to connect with their community in ways that brick and mortar stores cannot. They participate in our community in a more intimate way, by being present at festivals, fairs, community gatherings, and sometimes just the side of the road. It is a beautiful opportunity to connect farm to producer to consumer and community. And because of the small(ish) batch nature of cooking, chefs are free to bring us unique and interesting dishes that would be more difficult to provide on a larger scale.
In any case, I know Johnny B’s and Baptism River Barbecue Co. would love to meet you, so get out there and find some good food. Maybe I’ll catch you in line.
