Known for our gorgeous summer weather, numerous resorts, and fantastic natural amenities, the Okanagan draws thousands of tourists, who spend $346 million annually. Local restauranteurs are increasingly catering to our kindly visitors, resulting in Kelowna rapidly becoming known as an innovative, popular, and chic al fresco dining destination.

What better way to enjoy our 2000 annual sunshine-hours than the ultimate in trendy outdoor dining, the humble food truck? Wikipedia, calling the street-food trend "hip" and "chic" notes that said mobile food vendors provide pre-packaged or frozen foods (the ubiquitous ice cream vendors that supply sweets to City Park and Gyro and Rotary beach denizens), cater to local workers (the "lunch truck"), or provide restaurant-worthy cuisine. Perhaps you have seen Food Network Canada's 'The Great Food Truck Race', a competition for American food truck chefs with the winner taking home a cheque for $50 000, or 'Eat St.', whose creative and resourceful chefs purvey irresistible, swift street cuisine. Kelowna has recently acquired its own street vendor: Chef and owner Neil Schroeter of Okanagan Street Food, located at 812 Crowley Avenue, preparing decidedly-gourmet breakfast and lunch meals to hungry strollers, tourists and locals.

So, what is the appeal of street food? Perhaps it is the challenge of providing gourmet-worthy, mouth-watering meals at take-out prices. Or maybe food trucks cater to our need for instant gratification, especially when we are aroused by tantalizing aromas on our afternoon shopping trips. But, is street food comparable to a sit-down, climate-controlled, and comfortable meal? Is it worth forgoing attentive table service for quick, satisfying street meals? Importantly, can I walk and eat at the same time, and survive the experience?

On the Menu - Upcoming Food Events

• Raw Food Workshop, Happily Holistic Natural Health & Wellness, May 25th, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Cost: $30, including food. Learn to make raw food and share your culinary passion.
• "Saturday Tastings", BCVQA Wine Shop - Laurel Packinghouse, May 21st and 28th, 2:00 pm. Celebrate BC wines with complementary tastings!

Jill Sinotte - When she is not thinking, writing or dreaming about food, Jillian is working on her MA at UBC, focusing on Food Writing and nourishment.  Follow her on Twitter @ Appletite.