One of the pioneers of the Twin Cities' mobile-food movement finally has gone stationary. Don't fear, food-truck fans: The four-wheeled World Street Kitchen will return next season.
Last weekend, owners (and brothers) Sameh and Saed Wadi opened a brick-and-mortar home under their popular nameplate in Uptown, on Lyndale Avenue S. near 28th Street.
While the international street-food angle is the same (yes, you'll be able to satisfy your Yum Yum Bowl cravings), the new digs give the Wadis more freedom in their menu.
"My flat top is as big as my whole kitchen in the food truck," said Sameh Wadi, head chef and co-owner, referring to his grill.
Along with new food items, the Wadis, who also run Saffron, are rolling out some boozier treats. Well, semi-boozy.
World Street Kitchen doesn't have a full liquor license, which Wadi said doesn't suit its fast-casual concept, but that didn't stop the Wadis from getting clever with a cocktail program using beer, wine and sake as base ingredients for nine "mixed drink thingies."
Wadi's not trying to compete with the Marvel Bars of the world, but he does want to spruce up his drink list and creatively complement the food while working within his license. "A lot of the food tends to be very bold-flavored, so we wanted the cocktails to tame down on the flavor," said the "Iron Chef" alum.
Chef turned drink general (or, you know, bar manager) Rob Jones helped design Saffron's cocktail menu. This is the Bradstreet Craftshouse-schooled beverage bro's first foray into the world of half-cocked cocktails. "It's hard, man, when all of a sudden half your portfolio's gone," Jones said. "It's a fun challenge, though."
