Food truck frenzy hits the South Shore

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South Shore foodies now have a new place to brunch on Sundays, but instead of sitting down at a trendy restaurant, residents can satisfy their cravings from a handful of food trucks parked at the Long Island Rail Road station on Sunrise Highway in Bellmore.

“Brunch in Bellmore” is the latest partnership between Bellmore Kiwanis and Food Truck Fridays, which hosts food truck-centric events at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Levittown. Organizer Wendy Lantigua, of Merrick, said customers in the past have asked her when she would bring the food trucks further south.

“It’s a great location to show the trucks,” she said of the new spot. “People were very excited we were there, and it was very busy compared to what I thought the first day would be.”

The inaugural brunch was held on Sunday, Jan. 10. Bellmore Kiwanis President Andrew Meyerowitz said he hopes the presence of the food trucks will create more of a “marketplace” feel alongside the community’s weekly Flea Market, which is co-sponsored by the Bellmore Lions and Congregation Beth Ohr.

“I personally had lunch there on the first day, and I noticed instantly the change in the visitors,” Meyerowitz said. “We wanted to add something that would bring some new people in, and hopefully they’ll make their way down Bedford Avenue so the local businesses can benefit from this, as well.”

Lantigua noted the variety of available offerings. Her truck, The Happy Pig, specializes in vegan fried chicken, quesadillas and empanadas. “It’s not just hot dogs,” she said of the selection. “You can come here and have a gourmet hamburger, specialty tacos and amazing food.”

Meyerowitz said that patrons will be able to sample fare from different trucks each week. “Everybody was very happy with the food,” he added, “and we hope to make it year round.”

“Brunch in Bellmore” will be held every Sunday through March at the Bellmore LIRR station (corner of Sunrise Highway and Bedford Avenue) between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.