Circle the Wagons
What has 6 food trucks, a 21-tap self-serve beer- and wine-pouring system, and a covered heated pavilion with seats for 50 people? That would be Scuffletown Food Truck Park, this first food truck park in the Upstate. Owners Justin and Allie Holck designed the park, which opened in late December, as a family-friendly place for the community to gather to socialize, enjoy good food—from barbecue to birria—and local beer, and watch their favorite sporting events on the 120-inch LCD screen. Tucked back behind a shopping center off Fairview Road, the park features live music, fire pits, and plenty of space for the kids to run around—a great feature now that the weather is warming up.
206 Ladean Ct., Simpsonville, 864.887.5010, scuffletownsc.com
New Menu at Paloma
Travel can be inspiring. Case in point: A recent trip to Spain stirred Chef Fernando Coppola to dream up a new menu for Paloma at the AC Hotel. Treat your tastebuds to shareable tapas such as a Vidalia and Cheddar Buñeulos (onion and cheese fritter); the Spanish classic, Patatas Bravas; and Pintxos de Pollo (chicken skewers with chorizo). For entrees, you can’t miss with Swordfish a la Vasca (served with steamed clams and a sauce made with piquillo peppers and spiced with paprika). For a true Spanish classic, order the paella.
Portioned for two people and filled with fresh shrimp, squid, mussels, and clams over Calasparra rice, Paloma’s version of paella is inspired by the chef’s grandmother’s recipe. To wash it down? Try one of the signature cocktails, or a glass of house-made red sangria. Longtime fans of Paloma, never fear: the chef wouldn’t dare take the beloved Gambas al Ajillo off the menu.
315 S. Main St., Greenville, 864.720.2950, palomagvl.com
Southern Roots: A BBQ Reunion
Ready, set, smoke—barbecue, that is! Join the crowd at Trailblazer Park to sample bites and barbecue from more than 30 chefs and pitmasters. A cornucopia of great local restaurants will be represented, paired with acclaimed pitmasters from around the South: Topsoil and Davila’s BBQ (Texas), Patterson Kitchen + Bar with Hamfish BBQ (Virginia), and CAMP with Swig & Swine from Charleston—just to name a few.
They’ll all get their smokers fired up while you get your appetite fired up for a finger-lickin’ good time, complete with wine, cocktails, and live music. VIP ticket holders have access to a separate tented area with its own bar, tasty bites, and a kickoff oyster roast. And it’s all to benefit iDefine, a nonprofit created by Southern Roots founder, Chef Geoff Rhyne, to help families of children with Kleefstra Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.
Trailblazer Park, 235 Trailblazer Dr., Travelers Rest. Apr. 20, Sat., noon–4pm. General admission, $95; kids 6-12, $25 (free for kids under 6); VIP, $200. southernrootsreunion.com
