Jason Perkins would like to park in your neighborhood. His new truck, which houses
EAT! Mobile Dining, is bring fine dining to Cincinnati roadways.
Perkins spent a number of years in working in the flavoring industry, developing those mysterious natural and artificial flavors added to so many foods. There, he says, he cemented his obsession with cleanliness. His website details food storage temperatures and checks, sterilization codes, and even his process for cleaning the basins he uses to wash produce.
Along with this upscale attitude toward cleanliness, Perkins leans toward bistro-style appetizers and entrees; his menu lists pan-seared scallops, tamari almonds, grilled-paneer sandwiches, and a must-try, day-after-Thanksgiving turkey sandwich.
EAT! takes requests, so you can contact Perkins and ask him to come to your office or near a favorite late-night venue. He’s still figuring out his regular schedule, but tends to be downtown Tuesdays and Thursdays, sometimes on Court Street.
“I’m still looking at Blue Ash,” he says. “I’m trying to be in markets that are underserved as far as food-service options go, like Reed Hartman Highway.”
While training clientele unused to food trucks is a challenge, Perkins points to a handful of already-loyal downtowners with hope. “Downtown’s nice,” he says, “because people get used to seeing you. Food trucks are still very new in this part of the country.”
By Robin Donovan
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