"Upscale-downscale" dining: street food

Street food in Wine Country is definitely hitting its stride. Blame it on –– or credit it to –– the Great Recession, along with the shifting demographics of our visitors. Today's tourists are looking for bargains, a change of pace from French or Italian restaurant fare, and a quick yet satisfying way to chow down exceptional "fast food" and then be on their way. Gone are the days of the "roach coach" and the "ptomaine truck" –– with persons of questionable hygiene behind the wheel and bad bacteria percolating on the food prep surfaces.

America was slow to pick up on the high-end street food phenomenon, as we've been reminded countless times by globe-trotting chef Anthony Bourdain on his TV show. But mobile food vendors are now popping up in greater numbers in California, in the southland and up here where I live.

"Meals on wheels" has taken on a whole new meaning in Wine Country. The trucks of yesteryear offered Mexican food or prepackaged fare akin to the dreck still found in airport vending machines. Today's mobile menu goes far beyond tacos, burritos, and hot dogs. Street food is now varied, delicious, and oh-so fresh. It's also safe to eat, with mobile practitioners of the culinary arts subject to food inspections similar to those required at brick-and-mortar restaurants.

Here are some mobile food vendors to check out if you're in the area. You can usually find out when and where they will be located by texting, tweeting, or visiting their Facebook pages. In Napa, look for the Mark's the Spot truck for sliders, fried chicken, and more. Phat Salads and Wraps, also in Napa, keeps it simple: breakfast and lunch wraps ranging from chicken to steak. Crossroad Chicken near the Napa Airport is serving pulled pork sandwiches and chili. Dim Sum Charlie's sets up near the Oxbow Market in Napa, offering a wide assortment of the tasty dumplings. In Sonoma County, sink your teeth into Taste of a Gyro in the town of Sonoma; Fork Catering in various locations in Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, and Occidental, offering burgers and salads; Chicago Style Hot Dogs in downtown Santa Rosa for a wine-soaked Pinot Dog; and the Street Eatz mobile kitchen for Mexican favorites and more.