They Say the Third Time's a Charm...

Greetings from Foodtruckland!! After the long, cold winter, it feels wonderful to be out and about again. I cannot believe it is my third season living this crazy, exciting, rewarding life of running a hot dog truck, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I LOVE what I do! Thank you all so much for your continued support and positive feedback. It looks like it's going to be a wonderful summer for everyone! Here's a little peek into what's been happening...

 Improvements

There was little to do during the winter doldrums other than daydream about the coming Spring and think of how to improve upon the business, and thanks to the terrific team at the Bank of Greene County and a small business loan, I am able to turn some of these dreams into reality.

The Awning: Inspired by the striped awning on my Grandmother's old truck, this rainbow beauty not only provides much needed protection from the elements, it is also pretty snazzy. Thank you to Ron Deak and Katie from Awnings Direct in Kiskatom for making it happen!

 

 

 

The Generator: This little piece of machinery is a life-changer. It is so light (I can lift it with 1 hand!) It is so quiet. It is so efficient. And it matches the truck!

 

 

The Hood: It is a well-known fact that my truck is an oven in the summer. Once my new commercial hood is installed, Pippy's will be a much cooler and pleasant place to be. It will also mean longer hours. I just had to take a picture of the cute, young girl who delivered it. She was the best!

 

 

 

 

The Kids

Kids love my truck, and I love them right back. They're so enthusiastic and cool. They're one of the best parts of running Pippy's and some of my strongest supporters!

 

Little Owen Douglas Karch's first visit

 

 

 

Lila Rose brings me a birthday card

 

 

 

Double Trouble

 

 

 

Lily at the Food Truck Festival

 

 

 

Talula, Rowan, and Lily show some Local Love

 

 

 

Jenna and Kevin are regulars. Kevin collects Coca Cola bottles

 

 

 

Carolee has been with me since day 1

 

 

 

The Food

I am very excited about adding some new menu items such as the Indian Dog, Dirty Blonde Dog (thanks, Chef Ric Orlando!), and the BLT Dog (and many more...) Here is a sneak peek.

 

The Banh Mi Dog

 

 

 

 

The Sprague Dog (inspired by local musician and all-around sweetheart, Emily Sprague). Sweet and sassy, like her!

 

 

 

 

The Indian Dog, topped with Curried Potatoes with Peas and a Yogurt-Cucumber Sauce

 

 

 

 

The Hendrix Dog, topped with Spicy Purple Haze Kraut from Ric Orlando and Bacon Wrapped flanked by the Standard Dog

 

 

2 Classic Chili-Cheese Dogs with Pickled Jalapenos!!

 

 

The Hamlet of Palenville

I am so very blessed to have my little business in the most beautiful place on Earth, Palenville, New York. The community has embraced me and I could not ask for a better place to call home. There are so many exciting things happening here this summer: a new Italian-American Restaurant, Michael's, is set to open. Dan Souza is planning and developing a Wine and Spirits Shop at The Hall. The Circle W has Jane's Ice Cream and an outdoor patio. The Plant Palenville Project is thriving...And on June 22 and 23 there is the Hidden Gallery Walk, the first of hopefully many to come.  https://www.facebook.com/#!/PalenvilleHiddenGalleryWalk?fref=ts

So many things to look forward to in Palenville!!!

 

 

 

Gorgeous Niobe Falls

 

Looking forward to a busy, fun-filled summer and to seeing all of you soon!!

xxoo,

Heather

 

 

 

 

Winter Reflections...

Last summer was so crazy and I was so busy actually RUNNING the truck that I had no time to WRITE about it!! As I sit in the deep cold of winter, with the snow falling outside, I have time to reflect upon what a wonderful, hard, exciting, rewarding experience it was. So, here is a little re-cap of last season's escapades. Spring cannot come soon enough!!

Farmageddon 2012~Saugerties, NY 

This was Pippy's first experience "on the road," in a festival atmosphere. The turn-out was less than stellar, to put it mildly, but many lessons were learned. After that, I was ready to really take her out.

 

 

 

Special thanks to my BFF and fox-hole friend, Anne McGrath, for all of her help!!

 

Twilight Park Birthday Party~Haines Falls, NY

I braved the twisting mountain roads and drove my little truck up to the idyllic Twilight Park for a little girl's birthday party (hopefully the first of many!). What a great time...Happy Birthday, Uma!!
Please check out my website, www.pippyshotdogtruck.com if you would like to book a party this coming season.

 

 

 

BaconFest 2012~Hudson, NY

As many of you may have heard, there was little bacon to be had at the very first BaconFest. I am proud to report, though, that I held out longer than any of the other vendors and by the time I sold out (550 hot dogs, people!!), there was not a single person in front of the window. Pippy's won best dish savory at the bacon cook-off.  Sorry, no pictures to post. My sister Michelle and I were far too busy to snap a single photo!!!


Hudson Valley Foodtruck Festival October 2012~Fiberflame Woodstock, NY

Our very first food truck festival was a great success, and the first of many. It was wonderful to be around so many of my peers and fellow food truck aficionados. We sure are a loony bunch!

Thanks, Karin Henderson, you're the best!!

2012 was a fantastic second season, and I cannot wait to open up this Spring. Look for me as soon as the weather breaks....Love to you all and thanks for all of your support!!
xxoo,
Pippy's

 

 



 

 

So Much More Than a Hot Dog Truck

The summer is flying by, and I have been so busy that I can't seem to find any time to blog. I will become more diligent, promise!! Not only is business hopping, but I had no idea how social it would be. The Triangle has become a meeting place for the community, a place where locals come to chat and meet out-of-towners. I am pleased that my spot has drawn some of Palenville's most distinguished senior citizens, such as these lovely ladies, ranging in age from 86 years to 90. Aren't they great?

 Jean, Elaine, and Rose enjoying the sunshine

A month ago, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to officiate the wedding of my sister, Melissa and her new husband, Jay. It was a beautiful day, and Rowena Memorial School served as a gorgeous back drop. The wheels are turning, and I hope to preside over many more weddings, with Pippy's becoming the hip alternative to the Elvis Chapel...any takers? 

Although the drought has continued unabated, I have worked with Story's Farm and feature their delicious corn on the cob and homegrown tomatoes, with more produce menu items to come. Every Saturday, Pippy's now offers Sausage and Peppers, using Fleisher's and The Smokehouse of The Catskills fantastic sausage.

Every weekend, I get to talk to the most interesting people!! Here is Palenville local Artie O'Neill, aka "Moose," 85 years old. When I asked him if I could interview him for my blog, all he could talk about was his wife, Mickey, who died 8 years ago. They were married for 55 years. His companion these days is a 2 lb Yorkshire terrier named Mickey. Moose told me, " I can yell at her and she can't yell back." Moose likes his hot dogs with spicy mustard and sauerkraut. He drives a sweet Cadillac.

Meet Lehni from New York City and Tom from London, just married and honeymooning in Palenville at the Clark House. She is expecting...Congratulations!!

Pippy's has turned into quite the adventure, with more to come...Thank you for your patronage and all of your support. It's going to be a wonderful season!!

The Road Less Traveled

Welcome to my first blog post. This is my attempt at giving my friends and customers (who I consider to be my friends, too) a glimpse into the hectic and rewarding life of a food truck owner. I never in a million years thought that this would be my life and that I would be enjoying myself so completely. Food truck proprietors wear many hats: mechanic, accountant, cook, dishwasher, juggler, counselor…the list goes on and on. I am learning as I go along and hope that I can bring you all along for the ride over the coming season!

The Truck:

1972 International Box Truck. Bright Red with Colored Flowers

Let me just say, I LOVE my truck. She has a personality. I talk to her, yell at her, plead with her, thank her daily. I love driving her around. I was initially very intimidated by the thought of driving a huge truck loaded with equipment, but I have to say, it’s a blast! I want to take her camping and attach a hammock to her. I want to take her to the drive-in and put sleeping bags on the roof. I want to arrange a ladies’ 80’s roller rink night and take all of my girlfriends out in it. It is that much fun.

The Spot:

“The Triangle”-The Junction of Routes 23A and 32A in Palenville, NY

This is the PERFECT spot. The junction of 2 major highways and the only traffic light in town, it is also directly across from Rowena Memorial School, a local landmark. I consider Palenville to be one of the most beautiful places on the planet. The forests and creeks are magical, and the community is incredibly close. I was overwhelmed by all of the encouragement and support leading up to and following my opening. People helped to clean up The Triangle, an abandoned lot that was a bit of an eyesore. The Circle W Market took up a collection for planters and flowers and the community contributed generously. Mechanically inclined friends volunteered their time and expertise to make improvements on the truck. The people of the community have touched me with how happy they are that I am here, and they are my best and most enthusiastic customers. Not only is the spot incredibly busy, it is also proving to be a pretty great place to hang out. I am so grateful to be here.

The Food:

My grandmother, Lonnie Smith, had a hot dog truck in the 70’s, and I used to love helping her on it. I am honored to continue serving her meat chili sauce (although a bit spicier) and her onion sauce, but I want to take your idea of what a hot dog can be and jazz it up a little. This means making all of my sauces from scratch, using local farmers and butchers whenever possible.  I am constantly inspired by seasonal produce and listen to my customers’ feedback about what works and what does not.  A favorite is my Banh mi Dog, a take on the Vietnamese street food, using homemade pate and homemade pickled carrots. I offer corn on the cob and tomato sandwiches when in season, and hot mulled cider and homemade soup when it gets chilly. I am fortunate enough to have access to the bounty of the Hudson Valley and feel lucky to be able to work with such talented and committed farmers and artisans. I offer veggie variations for all of my vegetarian friends and serve soft drinks sweetened with pure cane sugar.  As the season progresses I look forward to improving upon and expanding my menu.

Pippy’s Hotdog Truck is an obsession that pays off tenfold. It consumes a majority of my time and thoughts, but the gratification it brings is immeasurable. In the coming months I will give you a peek into my crazy little business: the people I meet, the vendors and farmers I deal with, the problems I have to solve, the personality of my truck, and the insights I acquire.

You never know the road you will end up on or the vehicle you will be in, but if you’re in the driver’s seat and in control, it is amazing the places you may go…