Food critics around the nation are beginning to take notice of St. Augustine’s local food scene and thanks to meals like this Chilled Soba Noodle bowl at Streaming the Bullet, vegetarian dishes are taking their rightful place in the limelight. Gone are the days of garnishes being the only viable dining options for vegans and vegetarians.
Streaming the Bullet, a twenty-seven-foot 1971 Airstream kitchen, has been around for about two years and splits its time between DOS Coffee and the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. The vision of Ed Baltzley and Misty Lake was brought to life when the couple saw a need for seasonal street food. They focus on fresh (local when possible), hand-held food that concert-goers can easily eat before shows at The Amp.
This summer dish features pickled ginger, mushrooms, radishes, scallions, seasoned tofu, and fresh arugula all suspended in a flavorful shiitake dashi broth. Dashi, in case you don’t know, is a staple of Japanese cuisine and can be made with dried kelp and fish flakes or, in this case, shiitake mushrooms. Each bite offers a different consistency and flavor, the tastes coming together to perfectly complement one another. Al-dente noodles served cold rather than hot allow the full flavor and texture of the buckwheat to shine. A squirt of fresh lemon adds just the right amount of tang to this refreshing summer cuisine. I’ll be honest, after just returning from Japan, I was a little skeptical trying a chilled version of something I’d eaten several times during my travels, but this creative summer twist turned out to be a delight.
Carnivores don’t despair. Meat options are offered as well, including cheeseburgers and southern-style fried chicken sandwiches. Fries seasoned with Old Bay and a Vietnamese Bahn Mi sandwich were also on the menu during my visit. Hot vegetarian ramen made with seasonal vegetables and greens is available during winter months.
Streaming the Bullet is located at both 1340C A1A South and 300 San Marco Avenue. Find them online at www.streamingthebullet.com. Written and photographed by Tammy Harrow.
