Where There's Food, Eat It

WALLA WALLA-Once a month, my husband and I try to make a point to go into Walla Walla without our kiddo. Our 'evening out' typically consists of a strategically-planned grocery trip followed up by a quick bite to eat, so we lean toward casual dining.

With dining restrictions in place, 'date night' also means we either stop and eat outdoors or eat in the car. This 2020 twist has given us the perfect excuse to check out local food trucks, and we were intrigued by the 'WTF, Eat It' name.

Where There's Food, Eat It is a little BBQ food truck that hangs out in downtown Walla Walla, outside The Finch Hotel during the day, and by the airport at Burwood Brewing on the weekends. From the start, I knew I would be pleased. The smells surrounding the truck seemed to form a barrier against the bone-chilling fog and winter chill that had settled in. The truck has been surprisingly busy each time we've been, but the wait has been minimal. They have a 'buzzer' system (sanitized in between customers, of course) that allows you to wait in the warmth of your car or around the fire if you're at Burwood, while you wait for your food. Both times we have visited, the wait was roughly 10 minutes. The menu is always changing, but repeat menu items include the WTF Chicken, Hipster Poutine, and Black Truffle Mac.

Poutine is one of my favorite comfort foods, so I was instantly drawn to the Hipster Poutine. Fresh-cut garlic fries topped with pork belly, manchego cheese, brown mushroom gravy, green onions, and a cider-balsamic drizzle.

The pork belly was great. The skin was crisp and crunchy, the meat was juicy and tender, bursting with flavor. The salty notes of the pork belly enhanced the earthiness of the mushroom gravy. When eaten with a piece of the manchego cheese, it was a sweet, salty, earthy flavor that captured the 'hipster' bit in the name.

The hand-cut garlic fries would be a great side by themselves. They are made in small batches, finished with just a touch of garlic. I am usually pretty heavy-handed with garlic; however, this poutine had a lot going on and only needed the hint of garlic the fries provided as they folded in seamlessly with the gravy, pork belly, and manchego cheese. The Hipster Poutine earned my recommendation!

My husband, Ray, tried the WTF Chicken sandwich the last time we went. Pulled chicken, crispy skin, a pickle, and mango habanero sauce all piled on a truck bun.

The pulled chicken was yummy, tender, and juicy. Ray was nice enough to share a bite of his sandwich, and that lone bite contained a punch of sweet, slightly spicy peach habanero sauce, tender chicken, and a huge crunch from the crispy skin placed on top. This sandwich was so flavorful and complete that it was the first time in seven years I have seen Ray even try a pickle (let alone eat the whole thing), which I suppose is a testament in itself.

Where There's Food, Eat It captures the essence of what a food truck should be; a fun little play on acronyms, easy-to-eat food, and a glowing atmosphere. They've earned my stamp of approval, and I can't wait to try them again this spring when the weather warms up, and we can enjoy eating at picnic tables again.

Check them out on Facebook by searching 'Where There's Food, Eat It' to find out where they are parked and their specials.