‘Eclectic’ mix of vendors fill Foodie Fest in Henderson

Myriad aromas filled the air at the Great American Foodie Fest at Sunset Station during the last weekend of September.

Food trucks from the Las Vegas area and neighboring states filled the parking lot outside the resort, serving sushi burritos, shrimp skewers, funnel cakes, beef jerky, barbecue, pizza and burgers. There was also a Ferris wheel, carnival games and a makeshift stage for breakdancers.

Las Vegas vendors proudly announced their roots and said festivalgoers appreciated supporting local businesses.

“A lot of people visiting want to try the local food,” said Angel Morales of Truk-N-Yaki, a food truck serving teriyaki rib-eye, chicken and shrimp.

The food vendors, including some selling Spanish street cuisine and fried ice cream, circled the center stage of the event, where bands played throughout the day.

“(The food scene) is very eclectic,” attendee Bill Lanker said. “There’s more to offer when it comes to the food than just what you know of on the Strip.”

For the Gorilla Cheese Truck, which sells gourmet grilled-cheese sandwiches and is based out of Phoenix, the Foodie Fest provides a way to share with a new audience.

“We go here every year; people eat it up. They love this stuff; everybody loves a ‘gangsta,’” said Jaron Skipton, referring to one of Gorilla’s most popular sandwiches, which has mac and cheese, slow-cooked pork, bacon and brisket. “This definitely proves that you can go anywhere and there’s amazing food. Food trucks are meant so that we can travel and bring amazing food all across the U.S. It’s exhausting sometimes but a fun experience.”