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From the Desk of Amanda Giglio, Assistant Culture Editor

By The Fordham Ram on February 5, 2014 • ( 0 )

By AMANDA GIGLIO Amanda color

Have you ever had one of those moments when you realize you have been missing out on something your whole life? Or, that your life was not complete until that one moment? Yeah, well, mine happened about a month ago while in Bryant Park. New York has been my home since I was little and I thought I knew everything there was to know about it, from what area of Manhattan to go to when you want to get away from the tourists to which museum is free of charge for students. But, I was completely taken aback when my friend introduced me to Wafels & Dinges.

A breathtaking mixture of happiness and new beginnings, Wafels & Dinges is a waffle truck that started in Belgium.

Making its grand debut in Flushing, Queens at the 1964 World Fair, Wafels & Dinges first became official in 2007, growing rapidly since. This Belgian delight is, in my opinion, one of the greatest editions to New York City food trucks. In 2009, they won the NYC Vendy Awards, taking home the top prize for “Best Dessert” vendor in New York City. In 2010, TLC’s “Fabulous Food Carts” named Wafels & Dinges the number one food truck in America. Wafels & Dinges has such a following that they even name their customers. Their longest running customer, whom they call the “Russell Terrier,” has been coming to their 14th Street spot since 2007 and they know his order by heart. Those who chase the trucks all over the city are known as “The Chasers.” The individual trucks are given names as well. From “Big Ol’ Momma” to “Chevy the Truck,” each truck has a different appearance and personality.

I was first introduced at the Bryant Park holiday market when Wafels & Dinges had a small stand there. I was excited right away since I love waffles, but I was a little confused. What were dinges? Pronounced dingh-us, this word is used to refer to something whose name the speaker cannot remember. In the Belgian waffle business, dinges are the toppings. If you were to go to a Wafles & Dinges truck, you could order a premium made Belgium waffle, sweet or savory, with any topping of your choice. For example, waffle ice cream sandwiches or waffles with chili toppings. But, waffles are just one of the reasons why I fell in love with this food truck.

The real reason behind my new found love is spekuloos. Spekuloos is a gingerbread spread made with the highest quality ingredients on earth. One bite and you are in love. Spekuloos comes in jars that you can buy on site and order online. My friends even bought a jar of it for Christmas. The truck is worth going to just for a taste of this amazing cookie spread.

Waffle trucks are not the only food on wheels. The food truck phenomenon is relatively new and is taking NYC by storm. Through the New York City Food Truck Association, formed in 2011, small business owners operate premium food trucks with the aim to reinvent food truck vending to make it beneficial to the entire city. There are trucks for all ethnic foods and any meal, including mac and cheese trucks, doughnut trucks, grilled cheese trucks and even hibachi trucks. The prices are usually low and the food quality is better than most eat-in restaurants.

But, most people do not realize that it is difficult to operate and expand this industry in New York City. If it were able to expand, there would be the potential for thousands of related jobs and more tax revenue.

All in all, food trucks are a staple of the future of New York City. So next time you go into Manhattan, instead of stopping at some overpriced chain restaurant, look for a gourmet food truck to indulge in. And if you happen to see a Wafels & Dinges cart, be sure to stop and buy a waffle with spekuloos for yours truly.

Amanda Giglio is the Assistant Culture Editor for The Fordham Ram.