When Dean Eichorn graduated from The Culinary Institute of America, any of his chef colleagues would scoff at the idea of manning the deep fryers inside an aluminum trailer and slinging frankfurters.
But oh how things have changed since 1972.
“We do serve hot dogs, but it’s not the main product,” said Eichorn from behind the counter of his new food truck, Nice Buns Slammin’ Sliders. “We have truffle French fries.”
The restaurant on wheels is the latest in a growing trend of food trucks catering to wineries and special events on the North Fork.
The truck, which can be found outside 1 North Steakhouse in Hampton Bays on weekdays and outside The Lenz Winery in Peconic on Friday evenings, specializes in the mini sandwich and fancy French fries on the side.
Eichorn, the chef at the former Chowder Pot Pub in Greenport for about 30 years, runs the new food truck with his wife Jamie and the help of their daughters Nicole Evers and Lauren Cariello. Lauren and her husband Chris also run 1 North Steakhouse along with the Eichorns, who live in Southold.
Dean Eichorn and co-owner Jim Dubovik sold the Chowder Pot Pub in 2012 and Blue Canoe Oyster Bar now stands in its place.
Aboard the Nice Buns truck, expect pulled pork sliders in a homemade barbecue sauce, fresh grilled tuna sliders with sea weed salad and wasabi and ground beef sliders with cheddar cheese and sautéed onions.
“It’s simple food that’s kicked up a notch,” Jamie Eichorn said.
The company is available for private events as well. Contact Jamie at (516) 457-8049 for more information.
