Chef Joe Youkhan’s Tasting Spoon

Was at the annual CDA conference and they were here along with a few other food trucks which was neat. I guess I had high expectations when I saw the sign that they were on food network and «chopped champions». I ordered the pulled pork sandwich.
My thoughts, pork was tender and juicy. Not dry at all. Flavor was really lacking. I guess I expected a real southern pulled pork sandwich (which I’ve had in the past). It just missed the mark for me.
My friend had the same thing but she enjoyed hers. Maybe I’m just really picky? Who knows but I wouldn’t order again. Would have liked to be able to sample it prior to buying a full sandwich. It came in at just under $ 10 which is not bad if the food is good but it just really fell flat.

We were at the Anaheim convention center and decided to try this food truck.
We order the lobster shrimp sandwich, the meatball sandwich, chicken sandwich, and the parmesan sweet potato fries.
The lobster shrimp sandwhich was incredibly rich with sauce and the bread itself which seemed like a Texas toast was extremely overpowering, leaving us only tasting toast. We did not taste any seafood. We actually had to take off a slice of toast and eat it with just one slice.
The meatball sandwich was not that great it was one big dry ball of meatball in a bun. Maybe more sauce and some form of melted cheese might have made it better but the meatball was not a great tasting meatball.
My husband seem to have enjoyed the chicken sandwich.
The only thing I enjoyed was the parmesan sweet potato fries. If I try this truck again, I will definitely not repeat my sandwhich order.
A little pricey for 3 lunch sandwhiches and fries, no drinks. $ 43.

Food truck came to our office and I was skeptical cause of some reviews saying it lacked flavor etc.
Well I’m here to put them to rest, cause I got the pulled pork sandwich and meatball parmigiano burger with sweet potatoes fries and OMG it was delicious.
I’m not a sweet potatoe fries type of gal but from here I am. And I’ve had pulled pork sandwiches from many places and this one is up there as one of the best I’ve had… Meatball burger is a MUST, I thought it was going to taste like any other burger. Mmm no. I was wrong, it was to die for… wish it came bigger cause omg it was so good! Lol
Sandwiches and burgers range from $ 8-​$ 11 make it a combo for $ 5 more with fries and drink
If they are in your area, I recommend to check them out!

This food truck was my best decision while in Anaheim. I was at the convention center standing in line for another food truck. Then in the corner of my eye I saw a sign that said Chopped Champion. Well I’ve never missed an episode of Chopped, so I walked out of the line I was in and went to see what they had to offer. I was immediately drawn to the the Lobster and Brie panini. For $ 13 you get a sandwich, nothing else with it. However, it was more than enough for me, but people did rave about the sweet potato fries. While the sandwich was a little pricey, it was delicious and if given the chance would order again.

I have known Chef Joe over a year now and booked him and his food truck for multiple events. He’s always early, professional, and fast with the food which is not something I can say for all food trucks! The food itself… holy cow. Some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. Best sweet potato fries I’ve ever tasted in my life!!! Can’t go wrong with Tasting Spoon. Will definitely continue to book him for future events.

Chef Joe’s braised short ribs melt in your mouth and never leave your mind. Yes, they’re that unforgettable and good!

His creative ideas about how to blend certain ingredients with each other is pretty amazing.
If you ever get the chance to taste any of his entrées…you will see that you’re trip was not in vain.

You absolutely must eat some of Joe’s food, and the pulled pork is a must. It was a sweeter pulled pork sandwich, but not too sweet. The slaw on it was just the right amount, and… Man… I couldn’t stop eating it once I started. I barely even breathed.
Joe obviously loves food. Meaning he actually cares about it. You can just tell by listening to him talk about the menu. This man knows what he is doing. You can always trust someone who cares as much about what goes into their dishes, and Joe is absolutely trustworthy.
Eat his food. Love his food. Love on your taste buds.

High stars for a tasty pulled pork sandwich, but deductions quickly taken for smallish portion, incorrect information signs, and outrageous pricing.
$ 16 for a medium sized sloppy sandwich, fries, and a drink is absurd, even for a special event.
I was very interested in trying their much advertised tiger stack meal, but they had it listed in 3 different places, with 3 different prices. When I asked staff, they gave me a fourth price at which point I just gave up and said forget it

While the flavors were good, the portions are shockingly small and the prices outrageously high.
I ordered their famous tiger stack and it was about the size of a frozen pot pie and it cost $ 17. That’s preposterous.
The food tasted good, but not great. I wouldn’t recommend it unless they slash their prices.
Also the tiger stack was listed on multiple boards, each with a different price.

Excellent meatball parmigiano burger from their food truck.
I was working the OC Auto Show and heard they had some food truck outside. I think they raised their prices to reflect the standard overpriced tradeshow grub.
Walked by their truck and saw the description of the burger on their board. Honestly, there wasn’t a line at their truck when I walked by and I was on a 30 minute lunch break. So, no line, great sounding burger and only about $ 12 for a burger and can of soda… sold!!!
They were very quick, which was great for my short break and the flavors and thickness of the burger were both great. Definitely would recommend it if you have a chance to try it.
Good stuff!

Got suckered into trying this food truck. Never mind that the overpriced Lobster Crab Brie Panini seemed like just 2 pieces of toast with seafood spread between it; you can’t even tell if there’s really lobster. Never mind that a can of diet coke was $ 2.55. What gets me is they can’t even provide a plastic fork for their pulled pork sliders that had dry buns which my wife ordered. I guess you need a vehicle like this to ride on the food truck hype. First and last for me.

At the GRID LEAGUE Championship and just enjoyed and awesome burger and sweet tater fries from Tasting Spoon!

While ending our day at Disney’s D23 Expo, I Ordered a Lobster Panini sandwich, and a BBQ Pork sandwich for wife. After paying I said oops, I should have asked for the sweet potato fries too, and the girl heard me so said, no problem, we’ll add a few to your order. Food was ready in 3 minutes and we both agreed the food tasted great. Highly recommend!

I tried Chef Joe’s because he was parked outside of WonderCon. I ordered the lobster panini and I was kind of disappointed. It was $ 13 and on the smaller side. Think piece of wonder bread size. The filling was shredded lobster although it was the thinnest pieces of lobster you’ve ever seen. It was mixed with mayo and in between 2 slices of buttered bread. The filling tasted like a tub of that seafood spread from costco. I expected something fancier.

Was really looking forward to the Lobster Crab Brie Panini… Highly disappointed. Did not taste or find any lobster, barely any Brie… It was all imitation crab. Paid $ 12+ for it and $ 6 more to make it a combo with sweet potato fries and a can of soda. Also, $ 2.55 for a can of soda! I understand up-​charging but really!!!

I saw his food truck a few weeks ago while attending a private event. Each day, the truck had a rotating selection of comfort food dishes.
I had an excellent BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich here. Flavorful and tender pulled pork, crunchy slaw, and a toasted potato bun. I wish I could have had the time and wallet to eat 10 of those. The price ($ 9) was about right given the quality ingredients.
Other great dishes I saw included: bacon and Jalapeño Mac & Cheese, Parmigiano Sweet Potato Fries, and a Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich.
Chef Joe keeps it simple, but damn, it’s great food. I would definitely go back for more.

OK first time long time… had my eye on this truck for a long while, and while I don’t go chasing trucks all over town like some folks, I like to partake in the when I see it looks good I eat it philosophy of mobile dining.
Mobile dining rule 101 … When in Rome do as the Romans
See what everybody else is getting. Did they like it? Does it look good? Don’t buy a burger from a taco truck. Sum up the whole deal and don’t rush.
You passed go to the next class.
Mobile dining rule 101a … Avoid goofy sounding concoctions that only appeal to drunk people. And be careful ordering buzzed! Or you’ll pay for it later. Trust me on this, I have learned the hard way! A peanut butter bluefin ice cream may sound good when you’ve had a few, but you will suffer later.
You passed go to the next class.
Mobile dining rule 102 … Pay attention to the paddy wagon. Does the truck look like its been rode hard and put away wet? Would you order food from a dirty restaurant? Why would you make an exception here? Truck Hygene = food hygene. Dirty truck = dirty food. You’ll get cleaned out later if you’r not careful.
You passed go to the next class.
Mobile dining rule 102a … Watch the staff! I seen a cook picking his ear once making sliders. Beware! Ear wax sliders may go down easy but will return to haunt you later! Pay attention!
You passed go to the final class.
Mobile dining rule 103 … talk — talk — talk. Get a rap going with the trucks workers. Cook, owner, driver these are the folks who’ll be feeding you. I’ve never gotten bad service or food when I shoot the shit with the peeps. Often they’ll make special order or custom dishes just for asking.
Graduation Time. Cap & Gown? Naw, bib & napkin await you at the ceremony.
Like I said I’d been eyeballing this truck for quite some time. And what a great time to find her at a wine tasting PYE at OC wine mart Outstanding. I’m still mad at myself for not having at least a bite or two of some of the other foods. That pizza looked awesome! My Calendonia Blue Prawns and pasta was sooooo tasty.
The squid Ink pasta, roasted grape tomatoes, garlic & herb butter was fantastic! Super truck tapas. 4.5*****star mobile food!
Can’t wait to try them again, hope we cross paths yet again!

Considering Chef Youkhan’s culinary achievements, it is only fitting to begin with the end result in mind. Respectfully offered:
* Napa Pizza: Thyme Roasted Grapes, Caramelized Onions, Prosciutto ($ 10.00):
* Calendonia Blue Prawns: Squid Ink Tagliatelle Pasta (made fresh daily), Slow Roasted Tomatoes, Garlic Herb Butter ($ 15.00):
* Pork Belly Sweet Potato Hash: Grilled Poblano Chiles, Caramelized Onions, Red Wine Poached Egg ($ 9.00):
If you have the opportunity to enjoy Chef Youkhan’s unique creations alongside a glass (or bottle) of wine and some stimulating conversation, do so. To neglect one or both would be sinful. His menu is completely social. In fact, I’m sure that Chef Youkhan is fully cognizant of varietals best suited to further pair with his eye-​catching and flavorful delicacies. Ask him. However, sommelier up! This is your chance to also explore!
My favorite: I had never before tried squid ink (Caledonia Blue Prawns.) Truthfully, I had only thought it to be used as a coloring agent, but it actually has its own unique flavor. It’s briny. And it pairs well with seafood. The wine?: a Truffle Merlot. Chocolate plays well with everything, doesn’t it? =] The California sunshine, some great friends lounging together at the OC Wine Mart, and Chef Youkhan’s Tasting Spoon on hand… Some things don’t get any better!

As part of the PYE Sidney was hosting at OCWM Chef Joe Youkhan’s Tasting Spoon was on site much to my delight!
After reviewing Chef Joe’s colorful menu and much contemplation I went with the Bianca Grilled Pizza!
The Bianca consists of artisanal cheeses, arugula, and white truffle oil. This pizza was thin and crispy and rich with flavors. I also had the chance to try the Napa Grilled Pizza courtesy of Laina A., which consisted of caramelized onions, thyme, roasted grapes, and prosciutto. This pizza was also delicious but very sweet from the combination of the roasted grapes and the caramelized onions.
This food truck is reasonably priced and offers a variety of items that are ever-​changing. I did wish I was able to try Caledonia Blue Prawns that I saw everyone else trying and recommending. It did look yummy!
Chef Joe came out and introduced himself and made sure that we enjoyed the food and even took our finished plates (what awesome service)!! This is definitely a food truck that you have to try!