In 1938, Al Ferreri enlisted the help of his sister and brother-in-law to create an all new recipe for a perfectly seasoned, thinly sliced sandwich that would truly satisfy. Today they are dedicated to preserving the iconic Italian Beef Sandwich, and are the go-to restaurant when it comes to showing off the perfect example.

Al’s Beef is an inviting spot to chow down whether you’re coming from a little league game or need a quick bite before hitting the bars. Service is fast and friendly, just make sure to ask for extra napkins because the Italian Beef Sandwich is a messy affair to remember.

Al’s award winning Italian Beef Sandwich is famous for its special sauce which utilizes 19 secret spices. Tender beef is soaked in this scrumptious gravy juice, shoveled into a delectable bun, and then topped with spicy homemade giardinera (pickled vegetables) and peppers.

You may go in hungry, but at Al’s Beef be prepared to leave more than satisfied!

90 Miles Cuban Cafe serves up authentic Cuban cuisine brought from its home country to the states by the Gonzalez family. They’ve pulled out all the stops to re-imagine traditional recipes in a setting that’s fun and relaxing.

Make sure to put your party face on when heading to this local hot spot. While it is BYOB only, they are more than happy to help mix your rum with their house made mojito mix or that bottle of red wine with sangria. Just be careful though, because live Cuban music, slow roasting pork, and tasty drinks made from your liquor of choice quickly leads to dancing, laughing, and talking the night away with friends.

When searching for something to truly hit the spot, taste no further than 90 Miles Cuban’s delectable sandwiches.

Their signature Cubano sandwich is a must try.

The Cubano is chock-full of tantalizing flavors of ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard.

The Bistec sandwich was also incredible!

The Bistec steak sandwich comes with Romaine lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, shoestring potatoes, and chimichurri in between perfectly toasted bread.

If you just can’t fit another bite, be sure to take their perfectly crisp plantain chips and a cup of their aromatic joe to-go.

The next time the tropics are beckoning while roaming the streets of Chicago, be sure to hit up 90 Miles Cuban Cafe and let your worries slip away.

Food Smackdown has arranged a veteran gourmet food truck line-up for The Rock Church Good Friday Event at Petco Park (Park at the Park) on Fri 3/29/2013 @ 10-2pm! FREE admission, FREE Parking (at 10th Ave & Park Blvd), open to the public! Join 4000+ people who are expected to attend for a mix of worship, ministry, outreach and a special service lead by The Rock Church Pastor Miles McPherson!

TABE BBQ
Fri 3/29/2013
http://tabebbq.com/
Tabe BBQ is a pioneer in the San Diego food truck scene being one of the first gourmet food trucks to hit the streets of SD. They will be serving delicious gourmet Asian Fusion dishes, burritos, tacos, asada fries and more.

SUPER Q
Fri 3/29/2013
http://superqfoodtruck.com/
Super Q brings to San Diego some of the best All-American BBQ with elements of North Carolina, Texas & St. Louis style flavors and influence. They will be serving BBQ sandwiches, salads, mac-n-cheese and more.

ASIAN PERSUASIAN
Fri 3/29/2013
http://asianpersuasionftc.com/
Asian Persuasion is one of San Diego’s most popular food trucks known for their variety of Asian inspired dishes. They will be serving their mouth-watering Korean BBQ burrito, tacos, sliders, chicken dishes and more.

TWO FOR THE ROAD
Fri 3/29/2013
http://twofortheroadsd.com/
Two For The Road is a veteran SD food truck specializing in American comfort food. They will serve their famous Cap N Crunch crab cakes, Brooklyn burger, salmon burger, New England Lobster roll and more.

PIEROGI TRUCK
Fri 3/29/2013
http://www.pierogitruck.com/
Pierogi Truck brings the most authentic Polish and Eastern European dishes to San Diego w/ ingredients from the best delis and meat shops in Chicago. Try their famous pierogi, Hungarian panacake, Polish plate and more.

SWEET TREATS
Fri 3/29/2013
http://sweettreatstruck.com/
Sweet Treats is a family owned business dedicated to serving the San Diego community since 2008. The mobile dessert buffet will be serving cookies, cupcakes, brownies, chocolate bacon, Tiramisu, cheesecake and more.

In addition to amazing eats by six of San Diego’s best food trucks, there will be activities and several outreach ministries to help those in need (i.e. Care packages, clothing distribution, Kaiser Permanente Blood Drive, homeless mats, collection point for donations, youth/children’s ministry and skate ramp, and much much more). Come join us! This is an event you don’t want to miss! For more info click here.

ABOUT FOOD SMACKDOWN: When the battle over where to eat lunch heats up, consult the website that has Southern California buzzing. FoodSmackdown.com is the only place to get honest, good-eats advice about the best places to dine on burgers, pizza, sandwiches, wings and food trucks. Founded by foodie, food photographer, and consultant Steve Carlson, known as a “famous food critic” by San Diego locals, Food Smackdown revolves around his personal experiences in some of the most highly recommended joints to small, hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Food Smackdown puts a wealth of delectable knowledge right at the fingertips of SoCal’s populace, so there’s never another dining fiasco. The site features reviews that include mouth-watering photos, directions and pricing, atmosphere and service ratings, and of course how it all adds up on the taste buds.

For additional information about Food Smackdown, or to schedule an interview with editor, writer, and foodie expert Steve Carlson, contact steve@foodsmackdown.com.

ChicExecs PR is an “out of the box” PR company which represents over 100 clients. ChicExecs has created an innovative approach to PR dedicated to helping businesses receive media coverage. Our revolutionary automated system is changing the face of PR. To learn more about ChicExecs visit www.chicexecs.com.

Jon Goldsmith opened the doors to Spacca Napoli Pizzeria after enjoying the joy and bounty of Italy for years with his friends and family. In 2004 he decided to bring the classic flavors of Italian style pizza to Chicago, but not until studying in Naples and becoming a certified “Pizzaiuolo,” or pizza maker. Two years after making the decision to launch his own restaurant, Spacca Napoli opened for business serving quality food made the traditional way.

Like the relaxed and warm atmosphere of an Italian cafe, Spacca Napoli strives to be a welcoming venue for folks to gather together in.

Each pizza is prepared with ingredients hailing from Italy, including oils, cheese, wines, and produce. Once the pizza is prepared, it’s cooked in a special oven built by third and fourth generation artisans from Napoli, creating a crust that is both crisp and foldable.

We had a margherita pizza w/ fior di latte mozzarella, basil, pecorino gran cru.

The crust was cooked to perfection with a slight char and was delightfully foldable as a true Neopolitan-style pizza should be.

The ingredients were fresh, flavors true and pure, and overall, this was one of the best pizzas we’ve ever had!

The next time you’re in Chicago, be sure to let your taste buds learn what true amore is at Spacca Napoli.

Food Smackdown has arranged a gourmet food truck line-up for a private annual event in New York for JetBlue in March 2013! Over a thousand guests are expected to attend to enjoy food and desserts from some of the most popular and best gourmet food trucks in New York arranged by Food Smackdown.

WAFELS & DINGES
New York, New York
http://wafelsanddinges.com/
Wafels & Dinges is one of the most desired trucks in NYC know for their famous and delicious wafel desserts and dinges on the side. The Liege dough is always made from scratch and a guaranteed crowd–pleaser.

SWEETERY NYC
New York, New York
http://sweeterynyc.com/
Sweetery NYC is one of the most popular trucks in New York. The mobile bakery with a professional kitchen features European-inspired create-your-own croissants, muffins, scones, quiches, brownies and more.

FRITES N MEATS
New York, New York
http://fritesnmeats.com/
Frites N Meats in NYC is known for their delectable high-quality burgers using the best meats, cheeses and breads all locally sourced from New York. If you haven’t tried one of these burgers it’s a must!

MEXICO BLVD.
New York, New York
http://mexicoblvd.com/
Mexico Blvd. brings some of the best food and culture of Mexico to the streets of New York. The menu is chock-full of authentic dishes made with unique flavors that will have you always craving for more.

BIG D’S GRUB TRUCK
New York, New York
http://bigdsgrub.com/
Big D’s Grub Truck is a crowd-favorite know for big flavors and big taste. The popular gourmet food truck in NYC is famous for their delicious Korean tacos, burritos, grinders, rice bowls and more.

VALDUCCI’S PIZZA
New York, New York
http://valduccisoriginalpizza.com/
Valducci’s Original Pizza is a popular pizza truck in New York serving tasty Sicilian-style pizzas. Valducci’s offers a variety of unique toppings such as fresh ricotta cheese, fried eggplant, sliced sausage and more.

ABOUT FOOD SMACKDOWN: When the battle over where to eat lunch heats up, consult the website that has foodies buzzing. FoodSmackdown.com is the only place to get honest, good-eats advice about the best places to dine on burgers, pizza, sandwiches, wings and food trucks. Founded by foodie, food photographer, and consultant Steve Carlson, known as a “famous food critic” by San Diego locals, Food Smackdown revolves around his personal experiences in some of the most highly recommended joints to small, hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Food Smackdown puts a wealth of delectable knowledge right at your fingertips, so there’s never another dining fiasco. The site features reviews that include mouth-watering photos, directions and pricing, atmosphere and service ratings, and of course how it all adds up on the taste buds.

For additional information about Food Smackdown, or to schedule an interview with editor, writer, and foodie expert Steve Carlson, contact steve@foodsmackdown.com.

ChicExecs PR is an “out of the box” PR company which represents over 100 clients. ChicExecs has created an innovative approach to PR dedicated to helping businesses receive media coverage. Our revolutionary automated system is changing the face of PR. To learn more about ChicExecs visit www.chicexecs.com.

Food Smackdown has arranged a gourmet food truck line-up for The Vineyard USA National Leadership Conference 2013 July 16-18 at Anaheim Vineyard! Over two thousand people are expected to attend for a mix of worship, ministry, teaching and training. There will also be plenty of time to connect with each other, one of the most valued and valuable aspects of the National Leaders Conference.

THE LIME TRUCK
Tues 7/16, Wed 7/17 & Thu 7/18
http://thelimetruck.com/
Always a hit, The Lime Truck (Season 2 Winner of Food Networks “Great Food Truck Race”) will be serving their delicious short rib fries, epic quesadillas, ceviche, limeades and more.

SEABIRDS TRUCK
Tues 7/16, Wed 7/17 & Thu 7/18
http://seabirdstruck.com/
Also from Season 2 of Food Networks “Great Food Truck Race”, try Seabirds avacado tacos (featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show), jackfruit tacos, gluten-free rice dish, veggie side, sweet potato fries, kale salad and more.

BARCELONA ON THE GO
Tues 7/16, Wed 7/17 & Thu 7/18
http://barcelonaonthego.com/
Barcelona OntheGo is a new mobile concept in Spanish cuisine. They will be serving mouthwatering Spanish cuisine with Latin influences, a grilled chicken sandwich, shrimp tacos and more.

SOHO TACO
Tues 7/16, Wed 7/17 & Thu 7/18
http://sohotaco.com/
SOHO Taco is one of the most popular gourmet taco trucks in OC. They will be serving a variety of deletable and critically-acclaimed gourmet tacos served on freshly made tortillas grilled to order.

THE VIKING TRUCK
Tues 7/16, Wed 7/17 & Thu 7/18
http://www.thevikingtruck.com/
The Viking Truck is a trendy, upcoming and super popular gourmet sausage truck that can be seen roaming the streets of Orange County. They will be serving delectable gourmet corn dogs, hot dogs, tater tots and more.

BURGER MONSTER
Tues 7/16, Wed 7/17 & Thu 7/18
http://burgermonster.net/
Burger Monster is known to be one of Orange County’s most popular choices for on-the-go burgers and sliders. Burger Monster is a gourmet food truck that serves a frenzy of delicious sliders and burgers.

TASTING SPOON
Tues 7/16, Wed 7/17 & Thu 7/18
http://chefjoeyoukhanstastingspoon.com/
Tasting Spoon will have you drooling w/ their specialty pizzas, Tuscan garlic burger, calamari taco, calamari basket, sweet potato fries and a special quinoa veggie fonduta salad w/ baby arugula and balsamic reduction.

MUSTACHE MIKE’S
Tues 7/16, Wed 7/17 & Thu 7/18
http://mustachemikes.com/
Mustache Mike’s will be serving their refreshing, famous, family-made Italian ice made from the finest ingredients. It’s the smoothest and creamiest Italian ice available anywhere and always a crowd pleaser.

Be sure to register and save the date for the 2013 Vineyard USA National Leadership Conference. It’s an event you don’t want to miss!

ABOUT FOOD SMACKDOWN: When the battle over where to eat lunch heats up, consult the website that has Southern California buzzing. FoodSmackdown.com is the only place to get honest, good-eats advice about the best places to dine on burgers, pizza, sandwiches, wings and food trucks. Founded by foodie, food photographer, and consultant Steve Carlson, known as a “famous food critic” by San Diego locals, Food Smackdown revolves around his personal experiences in some of the most highly recommended joints to small, hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Food Smackdown puts a wealth of delectable knowledge right at the fingertips of SoCal’s populace, so there’s never another dining fiasco. The site features reviews that include mouth-watering photos, directions and pricing, atmosphere and service ratings, and of course how it all adds up on the taste buds.

For additional information about Food Smackdown, or to schedule an interview with editor, writer, and foodie expert Steve Carlson, contact steve@foodsmackdown.com.

ChicExecs PR is an “out of the box” PR company which represents over 100 clients. ChicExecs has created an innovative approach to PR dedicated to helping businesses receive media coverage. Our revolutionary automated system is changing the face of PR. To learn more about ChicExecs visit www.chicexecs.com.

In 1945 the owner Billy Sianis was forced to leave a World Series game do to the unwanted odors of his pet goat. On leaving that he uttered the phrase, “Them Cubs, they ain’t gonna win no more,” and the rest has been history. While Chicago Cubs fans may still be mad about the “Billy Goat Curse” some anger management in the form of a delicious burger just might help ease the blow. We had the opportunity to speak with Bill Sianis, manager of the tavern and great nephew to Billy Goat Sianis–He was super friendly and told us about the history of the tavern.

Don’t let the dive bar-esque decor turn you around at the door. The Billy Goat Tavern is a hot spot for locals with open seating and fun paraphernalia that makes the joint casual without being kitschy.

“Cheezborger, Cheezborger, Cheezborger. No Pepsi… Coke” reads the text of their original menu. Luckily, they’ve expanded over the years to include an assortment of delectable sandwiches and cold beverages, while keeping their prize cheeseburger just as juicy and delicious as it always has been.

We of course had a “Cheezborger, cheezborger; no fries, chips; no Pepsi, Coke.” The burger was DELICIOUS! Juicy patties, with cheese melting on a fresh bun.

The condiments were set out so you could make the burger your own way. Pickles, onions, mustard and ketchup.

The next time a layover leaves you cold in the windy city, hop on over to Billy Goat Tavern for a quick bite to warm you up.

David Burke, innovative chef and the first to own his own bull, has turned his attention to the finer side of meat by utilizing a special Himalayan salt-tiled aging room to create tender beef that’s perfectly flavored every time. If you’re lucky you might even get to have a tour of their special room, though you’ll really hit gold once you bite into one of these flavorful steaks.

The Primehouse is the perfect place to celebrate a romantic occasion or ring in the new year thanks to its posh atmosphere and attentive staff. Mood lighting and candles create a soft glow that is both romantic and inviting if dining with a larger group.

They offer an extensive menu of classic meats, beef and fish, but if you’re grabbing a bite there is no way you can overlook their 40 day dry aged prime steak burger.

Topped with garlic spinach, shallots, and bacon mayonnaise the 40 Day Dry Aged Prime Steak Burger can’t help but hit the spot.

The burger we had was cooked to perfection and full of flavor.

And when paired with crispy Truffle Asiago Fries you’ll be left dreaming of the flavors for days to come.

The Fatty Melt Sliders were also fantastic. A trio of dry aged beef patties with smoked onion, hot coppa, cheddar cheese between Hawaiian buns cooked in beef butter will have your mouthwatering.

Be sure to delve into decadence done right at David Burke’s Primehouse.

While gourmet lunch and dinner trucks abound, there are only a few that cater to the sweeter side of life. Thankfully for Chicago locals, Tiffany Kurtz turned her passion for confections into a career path that has taken her from baking non-stop in a rented commercial kitchen and selling from a van, to owner of a storefront and over 26,000 Facebook fans.

No one can argue with the convenience of their traveling treats, but when customers come up to Flirty Cupcake’s Dessert Garage they’re in for a delicious and inviting surprise. The shop pairs classic features like brick and metal beams with quirky flea market finds for a space that makes you want to stay a while.

There is a reason they’ve been voted best food truck in Chicago by numerous media outlets, and it’s all in the recipes. Their food truck boasts 10 varieties of cupcakes and weekly specials like melt-in-your-mouth S’more Me Over or the more exotic Lavender Escape. We tried several cupcakes and all of them were absolutely delicious!

The Beached Coconut vanilla cupcake is soaked in coconut milk and lightly frosted with a coconut buttercream. It’s light and refreshing.

The Peanut butter & chocolate ganache (PB&C) is a fluffy chocolate cupcake filled and topped with a creamy peanut butter ganache.

The Devil In Disguise red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting. The moist red velvet cupcake is haloed with a heavenly cream cheese frosting.

The McDreamy is a super moist cupcake with a cream cheese and chocolate morsel filling.

A Raspberry Stole My Heart chocolate cupcake has a raspberry cream cheese filling, topped with a raspberry cream cheese, chocolate chip frosting.

Don’t let an opportunity to bite into a lusciously soft and sweet treat pass you by the next time the Flirty Cupcakes truck is making its rounds.

Launched by Chinese immigrant Nai Tiao and run by his daughter Karen Lim, their “little hotties” feature distinctly Asian-inspired sauces slathered on lollipop style wings for easy eating.

Don’t let Take Me Out’s small, franchise-esque appearance turn you around at the door. It’s clean, modern interior is home to crunchy wings, fresh rice (famous purple rice), and Chinese food staples that pair perfectly with their wings’ sauces.

At Take Me Out, it’s all about the award-winning “hotties.”

Battered, deep-fried, and then slathered in sweet and spicy sauces, these chicken wings satisfy cravings for both hot wings and Chinese food.

Made from drumettes, they’ve left the bone in for a fun and, some would say, less messy dining experience.

For finger-licking hot wings in the windy city, look no further than the little hole in the wall known as Take Me Out.