Go off, get full

Sacramento has a prolific food truck history. Whether it’s Food Truck Mania or lunches parked outside of popular destinations, this city’s mobile food scene is both seen and heard.

However, as someone who went to school in the Bay Area, I found that one specific food truck event was missing: Off The Grid.

Beginning six years ago in San Francisco, Off The Grid is a weekly food truck event that brings local vendors and live entertainment together for a few hours of good food, good music (if you don’t mind a DJ iPod) and good drinks.

After I migrated back to Sacramento last year—primarily because I graduated and couldn’t afford living in San Francisco (besides, who doesn’t miss the absurd Sacramento heat every now and again)—I realized I desperately missed Off The Grid. So, when I heard the event was making its debut in Sacramento this summer, and at the beautiful Crocker Art Museum no less, my heart soared; I had to check it out. (Off the Grid has other regional events as well, including in West Sacramento and Rancho Cordova).

My fiancée and I arrived an hour-and-a-half late. As we walked toward the museum, we were greeted with the sight of a white truck with “Off The Grid” printed in big, bold, black letters on its side. It wasn’t the only vehicle: Trucks lined O Street to the point where there were too many choices—11, to be exact.

Picking an option proved difficult. There were burgers, fish and chips, gyros, froyo, barbecue and salads, Mexican, Asian, new American and fusion.

The smell of fries freshly pulled from the fryer and seasoned beef cooking on the grill rode the wind, only making us hungrier. After walking O Street for what felt like an eternity, I finally decided to go with fish and chips from Rudy’s on the Roll, and my fiancée decided to go with Big C’s Burger from Cecil’s Taste.

We opted to share our meals—because that’s what couples do, right?—and ambled toward the open, seated area, following the music of the Black Pack, a group of musicians, songwriters, and producers playing a variety of original soul, reggae-funk fusion, and renditions of pop songs.

As we took our seats, my fiancée figured live music and good food should be accompanied by a good beverage. She found the open bar and bought an $8 blackberry margarita. Soon, we were reveling in the good food, good music and good company.

The place was packed, although many of those in attendance seemed to be employees of the museum. It’s a good option for anyone looking to soak in the sun with families and friends, actually. Think of it as a nightlife event that happens during the light of day.

Learn more about weekly Off The Grid events at http://offthegrid.com/sacramento.