Courtesy of Essentially Fries
Many food items can be divisive. It's a notion arguably illustrated best by the dividing line down a pizza with different toppings on each end.
But if there's one thing everyone can agree on—it's probably French fries.
That's partly why Matt Borchardt of Edibles & Essentials, his St. Louis Hills restaurant and market that opened in 2015, decided to launch a food truck, Essentially Fries. Borchardt had always wanted to start a food truck, and he toyed with a different concept at one point. Then last summer, the Edibles & Essentials fries went up on its ever-changing menu.
"They've been one of the biggest hits we've ever put on there," he says, adding: "People are continually, almost on a daily basis, telling us they're the best fries they've ever eaten... It kind of dawned on me that no one was really doing this, and [fries] are a good medium for other toppings. I thought, 'Why not?'"
The truck is now taking bookings and is scheduled to start hitting the streets the third week of June. It will be available for catering, private events, local festivals, and other events around town that feature food trucks.
Courtesy of Essentially Fries
So what makes those classic fries stand out? Borchardt modestly claims he's not exactly sure. "We do it the right way," he says. The fries are made from Idaho potatoes. They're blanched and fried to order skin-on so they're "nice and crispy," he says. "We use good oil, fresh garlic, and good cheese. All those things help make a good fry."
The initial menu for Essentially Fries will include that classic treatment, plus four other topping options:
- Carolina Pork: smoked pork shoulder, coleslaw, Carolina barbecue sauce, and sweet pickles
- Beef Bulgogi: Korean beef, kimchi, sunny side-fried farm egg, Korean hot sauce, and scallions
- Greek Caprese: cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, red onions, fresh basil, and balsamic vinaigrette (pictured above)
- Duck Poutine: duck confit, caramelized shallot gravy, and "garlic 'n herb cheese curds"
Also expect Excel Bottling Co. soda and bacon chocolate chip cookies. Borchardt says the menu will change seasonally, just as it does at the restaurant and market. For example, a winter fry creation might include a white chicken chili cheese topping. He also adds they're open to working with clients to make custom fry creations for events.
"[Essentially Fries] is an extension of Edibles & Essentials," Borchardt says. "We figure it's a way to create more revenue and build on something that people really enjoy. Who doesn't like French fries, right?"
Edibles & Essentials is located at 5815 Hampton. Follow Essentially Fries on Facebook, or contact at 314-328-2300 or essentillyfries@icloud.com.
