Food truck fans feast at Arlington Park

People lined up for lobster jambalaya, fresh fruit smoothies, gourmet cupcakes and dozens of other culinary treats during Saturday's Third Annual Food Truck Festival at Arlington International Racecourse.

Sponsored by the Daily Herald, the fest featured nearly 20 food trucks, each specializing in a different type of cuisine, from fresh mini doughnuts to Korean bulgogi (barbecued beef) sandwiches. There also was live music by the Robbie Gould Band.

The colorful trucks lined the back of the park as well as part of the parking lot. Long lines formed by most trucks, some more than 50 people deep.

Adrian and Elizabeth Salata, of McHenry, were waiting in line to get a Steak and Cheese Sandwich from Gino's Steak Truck, having already sampled food from the Cajun and pizza trucks. They still planned to hit up the cupcake and smoothie trucks, too.

Adrian Salata said the food's great, and he likes to support the small, local businesses.

"It's good, it's different, and I like the variety," he said.

Renee and Jon Warner of Schaumburg waited in the longest line, at the Chessie's grilled cheese sandwich truck, to order the Tater Tots smothered in cheese. They loved the lobster jambalaya and lobster mac and cheese they had already tried at the Cajun Connoisseur truck.

"You get outside, eat good food, and it's a nice atmosphere," Renee said.

"Plus, it's great people-watching," Jon added.

Chris Heilemann and Josh Joiner of Elgin said they like to patronize the food trucks at U.S. Cellular Field and at Plank Road Tap Room in Elgin. So they were drawn to the food trucks while at the racetrack for a friend's party.

"It's more of a city thing, but you're seeing them pop up in the suburbs more and more," Joiner said.