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Food Truck Festival a ‘great opportunity’

Bermuda Food Truck Festival: owner of DeGraff's Lunch Counter, Neil DeGraff. (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

“Nothing brings people together like food,” according to Neil DeGraff.

DeGraff’s Lunch Counter will be one of 16 food trucks taking centre stage at Bermuda’s first Food Truck Festival tomorrow, where participants can enjoy the island’s best mobile food and live entertainers.

“The festival is about serving people, not a competition,” Mr DeGraff added. “It’s about celebrating Bermuda’s food.”

“Visitors are always asking where to go for the best local food,” said Tashae Thompson, of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. “This is a great opportunity to tell the story of Bermuda’s rich food culture.”

Bermuda food trucks have been a part of that story since 1939 when the DeGraff family set up their first mobile food business, a horse-drawn cart on Front Street.

Keith DeSilva, who has been running Keith’s Kitchen with his wife for more than 30 years, said the festival had a feeling of “coming back” for many of the food trucks as their predecessors had originally been located on Front Street along with DeGraff’s.

“Bermuda food trucks have always been a stable source of food,” Mr DeSilva said. “They’re a place where a massive mix of people meet — from blue-collar workers to lawyers.”

The food truck culture continues to evolve in Bermuda; only six months ago, BiteBM became the newest entry to the market. BiteBM caters to consumers who want a local farm-to-table experience.

The food truck company is collaborating with Westover Farm to provide fresh meat and vegetables. Grilled fish, pumpkin rice and vegetarian dishes are expected to be on the menu.

BiteBM described the Food Truck Festival as a “good opportunity for small businesses and food truck owners to showcase their unique cuisine and specialities to visitors and locals alike”.

The event will run from 1pm to 6pm with free entrance. Visitors can win prizes by spending $15 at any of the official stalls. Six local music groups will provide entertainment.

The 16 trucks and pop-up stalls will be located at No 1 Car Park, Front Street, Hamilton.