If the cold gets you down, head to Skully’s Food Truck in the back of the White River Brewing parking lot for hearty, innovative fare. A meal there is bound to lift your spirits.
I was immediately impressed with the menu (small, but unique). I hate when I try a new place and it’s the same old, same old. I applaud their creativity and while sometimes people go overboard trying to stand out, the owners — Lora and Joe Still — manage to pull it off.
The Stills have worked in the food industry for years and met working in the kitchen together.
I don’t usually order fried food but couldn’t resist at Skully’s. If you order a fried item, just eat it in your car, because fried food is best when it’s hot.
I started with the Crab Beignets ($6), which are fried dough balls stuffed with real crab and served with garlic-scallion cream cheese dip. The first bite I didn’t get any crab, but the second one I got a mouthful, so I was pleased. These are not as heavy as they sound.
These were nice, but it only got better from there.
Next, I dug into the Curry Loaded Fries ($6). The portion is huge, so plan to share. I felt like my taste buds were on a wild ride and I loved it. Homemade sweet potato fries are triple fried and topped with queso fresco, pickled carrots and daikon, fresh cilantro and served with a side of curry aioli. The curry aioli was outstanding. With every bite, I got a little sweet, salty, sour, and then drowned the fries in the aioli. These were addictive.
Just FYI, we had so many leftovers of the fries I made turkey burgers that night and reheated the fries on a baking sheet at 400 degrees for 7 minutes. It revived them and they were delicious all over again. So, if you have leftovers, keep them for later.
I ordered one of the specialties for the main course: the Pork Ramen, which features smoked pork shoulder, crispy pork belly and chili oil on ramen with shredded carrots, green onions and cilantro, served with hot broth ($10). The broth was too salty for my taste but had great depth and flavor. Once I added the noodles and other elements in the dish, it helped mellow out the salt a bit. The smoked pork shoulder was delicious, and so was the crispy pork belly. If you like ramen, you will likely enjoy this.
I love gyros and bahn mi sandwiches, so I had to try the Bahn Mi Gyro ($8) which marries elements from both sandwiches. The meat is spicy pork with pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, Napa cabbage and dill tzatziki sauce. It was served on an Artisan Oven flatbread which was soft and spongy. I liked this dish, but I didn’t love it. It was good, but I prefer a traditional gyro.
On Tuesdays, you can score a taco for $2.50.
Right now they have limited winter hours, but Skully's will go back to their normal schedule for St. Patrick’s Day.
I look forward to trying other dishes next time — but the fries will be a staple.
WANT TO GO?
Skully’s Food Truck is located at 505 W. Commercial St., in the back of White River Brewing Company parking lot. Winter hours are noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Monday and Sunday. The truck will open full time again for St. Patrick’s Day and onward.
In warmer months, you can pop into the brewery and order a beer while you wait, but in winter, it’s a pick-up situation. You can call in an order in advance: 417-298-2021. Online: https://www.skullysfoodtruck.com/