While there is often talk about how Winnipeg is behind the times when it comes to portable food offerings, particularly food trucks, the change is coming to the city, and you really start to notice it when events such as the Fringe Festival are on. It wasn’t that long ago when the India Palace tent and the odd hot dog cart were the only options available when you went to the outdoor stage at the Fringe. The marriage of food and the Fringe Festival makes the whole festival a more enjoyable experience.
This has built up a little bit over time, and now, when we fast forward to this year’s Fringe there are several options for eating on the go. To be fair, the Exchange has a lot of eat in options, but you have to hope you get prompt service, whereas with the outdoor alternatives you simply judge the length of the lineup.
Wednesday evening featured both the Stuff-it and the Little Bones trucks along with the Nucci’s Gelato truck, a Stella’s tent, Kettle Corn and Lemonade, Mini Donuts, and of course India Palace. It’s interesting to note that India Palace has been moved to the hardest to reach corner of the Fringe site. This I feel is a compliment to the India Palace, because no matter where it ends up on the Fringe site, people will go to look for it.
On a personal taste note, I would be quite happy if the lemonade stand disappeared and Stella’s was given enough space to prepare and serve up their house made lemonade, which I consider the best lemonade available at a Winnipeg dining establishment.
All these food places are a good thing, because they help to remind us that festivals are at their root occasions for feasting.
Below are some pictures of the food sites:
