La Cocinita Food Truck

Wow did this place surprise me! Tulane had them come to an event on campus where all the students could order food here for free. I came and waited in the long line (because it was free food - why wouldn't I??). I really wasn't expecting much, but the chicken tacos I got were phenomenal. They were packed with flavor and filled with a hefty serving of chicken. I would most definitely seek this place out again.

The Roasted Sweet Potato and beans tacos hit the spot! They sweet potato is perfectly cooked and seasoned complemented by pickled onion and topped with a sprinkle of cheese. While the veggie arepas are tasty, it's really messy to eat and falls apart. I would save my appetite for the tacos. Although I didn't have any room to spare, the taco was so delicious that I got another one! Highly recommend the tacos, don't pass up the opportunity when you see this food truck! I saw it by the cidery and rum distillery Sat evening.

Basically, I gulped my bowl into my digestive tract without even thinking. It was really good. First, I'm not even a fan of black beans, but they were nicely seasoned. I made my bowl: braised chicken, rice, beans, Cotija, zucchini, squash, and salsa. Everything meshed well. I do wish the jalapeño salsa was a little spicier, but that probably saved a lot of unnecessary cramping. The bowl was served hot, and the ingredients were fresh!Friendly staff. It's a food truck with good food. That's it.

Chalk one up to my neighbor Tabby A. for throwing a really cool party yesterday. She had quite a nice spread of food on hand and a bartender serving free drinks throughout the evening. But the real culinary treat was the food truck. And I'm not talking just any old food truck; but rather, La Cocinita.If you are not sight impaired, or driving around in some sort of stupor, chances are that you've seen this bright red food truck in the city. Owner Rachel Billow has got a real winner with this food truck and her catering business. La Cocinita, translated literally as "the Little Kitchen," serves up fresh gourmet styled street food from Latin America.As this was a catered party, the food truck was serving a limited menu. They were serving pork tacos & chicken tacos as well as "taco" rice bowls. I opted for the bowl, which contained seasoned shredded chicken, rice and black beans. The bowl was topped with shredded purple cabbage, cotija (I think) cheese and roasted jalapeno salsa. There were six different salsa toppings and this one had a lot of heat to it; almost too much, but it was damn good. My wife opted for a milder version (forgot which salsa topping she had) but it was still great.The truck was super clean both inside and out and the food came out much quicker than I anticipated, even though there were always 4-6 people waiting in line. At the time I ordered my food, I asked the server did I pay at the time of placing my order or when I picked it up. That's when she informed me that there was no charge for the food, as it was a catered event. Cha-Ching!Can't wait to try their full menu in the very near future.

For a few weeks, the company I work for was trying to lure food trucks to come out to our location in New Orleans East while they were trying to pound out the new contract with our food services company, and they were trying to figure out other options. I'm sad to report that this is one of the food trucks that said they would not be back because we were not profitable to them. I get that, and I feel bad because they were good, but oh well. I can not spend enough money to get them to stay. If I do see them somewhere at a convenient time and place, I will support them again.They are a food truck, that should be obvious. They run off two generators that they set about 15-20 feet behind the truck, so just be aware that they are loud and make a lot of noise. The service was good. I got a Cuban that was warm, cheesy and delicious. Their fries are fresh and crispy. Their tacos are also hot, fresh, filling and delicious. I was quite surprised at how flavorful and delicious they are.They do have a surcharge for running your debit or credit card, so keep that in mind.

Way past time to update my review. I usually eat at this yummy food truck about once a week when they are parked neat my work. Rachel & Benoit treat me like family even saving me special items that they think I'll like.The food is always tasty & fresh. They offer innovative vegetarian options abd even got me to enjoy roasted turnips today.Their battles to get food truck legislation modernized in NOLA means that we will all reap the benefits. Bonus check out Chef Benoit on Padma's Picks for TopChef New Orleans (http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/season-11/videos/padmas-picks) episode 5: Food Truck Wars.

La Cocinita offers Latin inspired food that is fresh, and darn good.Sometimes when I look back at my older reviews I get pretty embarrassed. Since my last review was a bit of a half-assed effort where I couldn't even remember the names of food, I've decided to update it.The proliferation of food trucks in New Orleans is a trend that I fully support. They offer a great, quick alternative to brick and mortar restaurants and I couldn't be happier about them. Now that I've got that out of the way, I will explain why this truck is one of my favorites.Since my first visit, I have visited La Cocinita several times. My most recent visit was today, and a direct result of Angie T.'s recent review. In her review she mentioned fish tacos and a chipotle crema that sounded divine. Unfortunately for me, they were out of the fish today, but did have brisket. For $11, I ended up with three small brisket tacos (with the chipotle crema) and a side of beans and rice (also with that sauce).When I took the first bite into that taco, I knew I had made a good choice. The thin strands of beef combined with that perfectly spicy sauce really went well together. If you don't like spice, I would avoid the sauce because it was legit spicy unlike many sauces which claim chipotle as their main ingredient. Remembering their beans to be slightly under-seasoned from my last visit, I had them add the same sauce to the top of the beans. It made what I thought before to be an average bean dish, significantly better. I think what I am trying to say is that the chipotle sauce could be added to a leather shoe and it would instantly become a great dish. really, it's that good.So what prevents La Cocinita from being a five star truck? Not much, but my last visit I tried the Cuban sandwich and was not that impressed. Maybe if I had added the chipotle sauce it would have been better. If you're in the mood for some great Latin food truck food, find La Cocinita.

I've had plenty of late night tacos when they've been parked outside of a number of Magazine Street bars which have always satisfied my drunk munchies.However, I tried "The Bowl" with chicken, cheese, rice, beans and chipotle crema for lunch the other day and was quite disappointed. It was served in a paper food tray (you know, the ones that hotdogs are served in) which I didn't think justified the $11 price tag. There was one flavor that was really off for me that I can't exactly pinpoint but if I had to guess, I'd say it tasted kinda ginger-y. Based on my experience and the menu prices for other items, I would stick to ordering the tacos only.

The absolute best food and kindest people they catered my engagement party and it was so delicious and they were so nice!!!! I cannot recommend them enough!!! If you are having a party I highly recommend them!!

Outstanding people!!!! Very friendly!!! Food was fantastic!!! My fiance and I just got the Mulitas and a Quesadilla and I just wanted to say they were both fantastic!! Best 10 out of 10. Would definitely get food from yall again. The quesadilla has been the best one I've had in a very long time!!