FARM TO FOOD TRUCK CHALLENGE II - MEET THE COMPETITORS: TRUCK #5 of 6 - PIAGGIO GOURMET ON WHEELS

We're just two days away from the Farm to Food Truck Challenge II and the excitement is building! Be sure to mark your calendars and join us at SoCo Farmers' Market this Saturday, November 19th from 9am - 2pm to watch the action unfold as six gourmet food trucks compete for the title of 'Top Chop Truck' by creating delicious dishes using ingredients from the market. And as we get closer to the big event, I'm giving you a behind-the-scenes sneak peek inside the competing trucks to give you a flavor of what their specialties are.

Today we're visiting the amazing Argentine kitchen of the Piaggio Gourmet on Wheels Truck - one of the first gourmet food trucks on the scene that's been up & running since November 2009. And two years later, they're still going strong - serving up gallons of authentic, fresh Chimichurri daily in signature dishes such as their Pulled Pork Sliders, Gaucha Quesadillas, Skirt Steak Tacos and the Porker Sandwich (just to name a few!).  Affordability, convenience and gourmet Argentine flavors - who could ask for more?!

At the helm of this wonderful truck is the incredibly talented, warm & inviting Chef Coli Piaggio. Born in Esperanza, Argentina, Coli grew up with a father and grandfather who worked in the meat processing industry - and had an uncle who owned a restaurant in Santa Fe, Argentina, which was a regular hangout for him.  Needless to say, Coli knows good beef.  And, he knows good service.  He loves what he does - in his words, he "loves taking care of people."  He's a hospitality service-oriented person, as his regular customers can attest.  And, together with his lovely wife of 12 years, Rosane Deitos, and his loyal cook of 6 years, Edgar Morales, they have brought authentic Argentine street food to the people of Southern California.

Chef Coli Piaggio  (Top Left: Chef Piaggio with wife Rosane Deitos; Top Right: Chef Piaggio with cook Edgar Morales)

At age 23, Coli moved to the beautiful Brazilian beach community of Praia do Forte where he operated a B&B for 11 years before making his way to the U.S.  It was in Brazil that he began serving what he calls his 'Bread and Butter' - his amazing Chicken Empanadas.  Made from scratch daily, these are a signature Piaggio item that are not to be missed!

Piaggio's signature 'Bread & Butter' dish, the amazing Chicken Empanada

Below, feast your eyes on the specialties of the amazing Piaggio Gourmet on Wheels Truck.  And then be sure to bring your appetite this Saturday, November 19th to SoCo Farmers' Market as Piaggio Gourmet on Wheels goes head-to-head with the other five trucks in the Farm to Food Truck Challenge II!  Hope to see you all there this Saturday!!

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One of Piaggio's most popular dishes: Chimichurri Pulled Pork Sliders



Vampires beware - it's garlic galore!



Fresh parsley & minced garlic for the daily made-from-scratch Chimichurri sauce



Piaggio only uses Choice or better beef and the Outside Skirt Steak - so tender & flavorful, it is seasoned only with kosher salt and will melt in your mouth like butter - mmm...

The most amazing Skirt Steak Chimichurri I've ever tasted

Argentine Sausage Sandwich (Choripan)



100% Argentine pork sausage (with wine, nutmeg & garlic) in French bread with chimichurri



Chicken Milanesa Sandwich

Breaded chicken breast seasoned with garlic & parsley, in French bread with lettuce, tomatoes, mayo and chimichurri

The ultra-delicious Porker Sandwich - Marinated loin of pork, grilled, served on French bread with roasted red peppers, bleu cheese and chimichurri

Skirt Steak Quesadillas Gauchas, made with Cheddar & Jack cheeses, pico de gallo & chimichurri sauce. Served with fresh salsa.

Churros con Dulce de Leche