I’ll be the first to admit it – I’ve been struggling recently. It seems like everyone (read: every manager) expects us to just pick up where we left off before the Iranian war sent us into a tailspin of uncertainty, then hope, and then... whatever this is.
But the world kept turning, and with everything snapping back to our regularly scheduled war instead of whatever-the-heck-that-was war, the Jerusalem Food Truck Festival (or Auto Ochel) began its second week at the Armon Hanatziv Promenade. So, in an attempt to feel some sense of normalcy, and in true Jewish fashion, I went to eat my feelings.
I’m either the last person in the city who still feels “off” after the war, or I’m just the worst at hiding it. The promenade is packed with people of all ages – families, teens, and a few groups of seniors who are clearly more fun than I am. Everyone is drinking, dancing, or both, as I make my way through the crowd toward the poster displaying this week’s menu. The event is fully kosher, and I began my journey down The Milky Way.
Auto Ochel: Finding comfort in food
The Toasted Marshmallow and Salted Pretzel Crepe from Arahle (NIS 40) was light and refreshing, with just the right amount of crunch at the end. Even I, who struggle with dairy, was able to enjoy the treat before making my way over to the main event.
I’m not one for the Dubai trend, but if you are, go early. Everything Dubai-adjacent disappeared crazy fast. And I do mean crazy, since I saw a man nearly leap over the bar when he was told they were out of Dubai crepes.
At The Carnivore Road, it’s important to pick your battles. The true star of the night was undoubtedly Pitmaster, but after two hours of waiting with nothing to show for it, I ultimately canceled my order and moved on. If you’re a picky eater, be aware that there are no special requests or substitutions, which I found out at Angelica when I asked if my hamburger (NIS 45) could come without ketchup.
Or maybe I asked something equally unreasonable, like whether they accepted my personality as payment. From the look I got, it’s hard to tell.
Despite the remains of ketchup left after I scraped it off, the burger was fine; but Angelica’s true star was the Half-Smoked Chicken (NIS 45). It’s as simple as it sounds: half a chicken, seasoned and smoked beautifully.
Ultimately, I’m sure if Pitmaster had had the manpower to keep up with the demand, I, as well as the 15 people I spoke to in the customer service line as we all waited to cancel, would’ve loved it.
Instead, my winner of the night was Machneyuda Group. The food was amazing, of course, seeing as the group was created by chefs Assaf Granit and Uri Navon. With crispy fries dusted with “magic spice” (NIS 25), a fresh and spicy tuna roll served on a fluffy bun (NIS 45), and Kurdi’s Bun – a bun of aromatic shredded beef (NIS 45), I’d go back and set up camp by their truck if I could.
The only true downside of eating such great food at these insane prices was that my need for a post-meal nap was simply too much to handle, and I missed the light show.
But to be honest, I’ll put on my own light show when I heat up my leftovers.
Monday, July 21 through Thursday, July 24; 6-11 p.m. Jerusalem’s Armon Hanetziv tayelet.