above: Leland Avellino and his mobile masterpiece
Food trucks deliver unfussy fun to spring’s outdoor celebrations. With guests free to sample dishes in between cocktails and conversation however they like, a gathering flows just right. These Stamford standouts—a mix of new and tried-and-true—offer menus ranging from contemporary barbecue to healthful Mediterranean for parties big and small. Bespoke options from custom dishes to service style are plentiful. Book today to get your May and June parties on the road to tasty fun.
A meat-for-a-king Father’s Day block party
Avellino Family Barbecue
Leland Avellino, the former pit boss at Stamford’s Dinosaur Barbecue, bought a smoker when the restaurant closed during the pandemic. A barbecue trailer and wood-fired grill allows him to bring his deep experience and irresistible aromas almost anywhere. “We’re mobile and can fit in a parking space,” he says. He responds to clients’ wishes for events large or small, from arriving with truck and trailer plus staff and a full-service bar to a pared-down drop of smash burgers and pulled pork sandwiches.
Avellino’s fare is distinguished by high-quality meats (prime beef brisket, Berkshire pork), homemade rubs, sauces (Korean, KC classic, ginger soy caramel) and years of experience. Catering menus usually include three to four meats, two to three sides, such as pit beans, coleslaw, cornbread and mac ‘n’ cheese. The staff baker makes coconut custard and banana cream pies for a sweet finale. avellinofamilybbq.com
Photographs: courtesy of Avellino Family Barbecue
An elevated college graduation with flair
Beyond the Salt
Mediterranean with a health-and-wellness focus set against a backbone of classic technique is the specialty of Beyond the Salt. Chef-owner Samad Mickens, a graduate of the Village Kitchen Incubator mentorship program, has cooked in many restaurants, including Tarry Lodge in Port Chester and New Haven. He can talk up the benefits of an ancient grain like farro, the base of his (pun intended) “Pharaoh’s Salad,” with authority. The menu favorite also features sweet juicy grapes, crunchy fennel and creamy goat cheese.
His spring catering menu stars a mega mezze spread and also grilled lamb chops over roasted tomatoes and green beans. The uber-popular herb-filled falafel is wrapped in a pita with homemade tahini and tzatziki, with fresh cucumber, onions and tomatoes. Burgers are made with Wagu beef because of its omega-3 fats. Fries are hand cut. He’s catered for groups of ten to crowds of hundreds. Though he started cooking to make his mother happy, today he cooks to “exceed customers’ expectations.” gobeyondthesalt.com
Photographs: Eddie Berman
A casual wedding with fun and games for all
Coalhouse Pizza
Coalhouse Pizza has been a mainstay in Bulls Head for hand-crafted Neapolitan-style pizza and craft beers since 2008. Owner Gerard Robertson expanded into events with a food truck and trailer, bbq smoker, and mobile bar that can cater small to large groups for an array of parties, corporate happy hours (high-topped tables, umbrellas and lawn games) sports team celebrations and weddings. The truck and trailer catering menus of piping hot handmade pizzas, Caesar salads and soft drinks can be upgraded with one of six themed menus of mains and sides: Italian, Texas-style BBQ, American, Mexican, Seafood or Sliders. Coalhouse offers beer, wine and canned cocktails or a premium full bar served from a restored horse trailer. Bartenders and servers are available. coalhousepizza.com
Photographs: courtesy of Coalhouse Pizza
A peer paparazzi-filled post-prom party
Julian’s NY Hot Dogs
Julian’s NY Hot Dogs specializes in Sabrett’s franks, the ones you get at a ball game in the City. “I wanted to bring that to Connecticut,” says Dominic Telesco, co-owner with his wife Kristin Keeler. Named for their son, the truck is a welcome sight for hungry partiers at Stamford’s bars. For more than 15 years it’s been regularly stationed downtown. For catered events, Julian’s NY Hot Dogs has an all American menu that they’ll tailor to a customer’s wishes. “You just want burgers and dogs, we can give you burgers and dogs,” says Telesco. With the fixings. Or you can expand the menu to Philly cheese steaks and customer-favorite chili. The truck is outfitted with a fryer, flat-top grill and even a waffle maker for best-seller Belgian waffle cheese burgers. @julians_ny_hotdogs
Photographs: courtesy of Julian’s NY Hot Dogs
A multi-generation Mother’s Day with soul
Lovely Louise
Soul Food is at the heart of Lovely Louise food truck, a tribute to Chef Renee Brown’s mother, Melba Louise Green, whose generosity inspired Brown’s. She’s been catering since 2006, but started the mobile unit in April 2023.
“I have a passion for soul food,” she says. Menu mainstays include fried chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese, sweet potatoes and corn bread. Her BBQ baby back ribs and chopped BBQ sliders are party favorites. The chef comes equipped with a smoker and a fryer and on the healthier side, she bakes chicken and salmon. Another favorite is the grilled spicy Jamaican jerk chicken, which can be paired with rice and peas, and collard greens. Chef Brown is happy to accommodate seasonal requests for fried okra or stewed lima beans. Desserts are also homemade—the most popular are sweet potato pie and banana pudding. Brown caters many parties for the city of Stamford, local institutions and private events for up to 300 people. “I’m a community person,” she says. lovelylouisefoods.com
Photographs: courtesy of Lovely Louise