A new food truck roared into St. Pete five weeks ago, setting up shop at 2157 Central Ave — Juanita’s Food Truck. Owner and Chef Cherry Correa serves up healthy Caribbean fusion cuisine on Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm to 11pm, and Sundays from 2pm to 9pm.
After years of international travel as a private chef, Correa wanted to stay mobile while remaining close to her family in the Tampa Bay area. The food truck is a tribute to her grandmother, Juanita, who sparked Correa’s love for family and cooking. “The idea of cooking and gathering around food and family—that was my grandmother,” says Correa. The floral paint job on the truck even nods to Juanita’s green thumb, especially her talent for growing roses.
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Of Caribbean descent, Correa gives traditional Caribbean staples a modern twist. “Plantains are usually just deep-fried into tostones,” she explains, “but I’ve taken whole plantains, smashed them, and used them as buns for sandwiches.” The result is a sumptuous plantain sandwich stuffed with either pork (marinated with Peruvian spices) or chicken (marinated in Dominican and Puerto Rican spices). These sandwiches are gluten-free and packed with protein, perfect for those following a Keto diet. However, for those who enjoy a bit of gluten, Juanita’s Food Truck also offers naan.
“Hay para todos”: something for everyone
Beyond sandwiches, Juanita’s Food Truck offers a variety of healthy taco and bowl options. I always rank a food bowl based on how many colors are present, and Juanita’s Food Truck spans the spectrum—much like her grandmother’s garden, I imagine. Complete with pickled vegetables, rice cooked in vegetable broth, corn, legumes, and your choice of marinated protein, these bowls are a knockout, especially after a workout.
Correa describes the food truck as modern Caribbean fusion, not only because it incorporates various culinary influences but also because she develops meals for everyone, regardless of their dietary restrictions. The menu includes vegetarian, vegan, Keto, and gluten-free options. “Hay para todos,” she tells me—there’s something for everyone.
Check out Juanita’s Food Truck on Facebook and Instagram.
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