If you live or work in Downtown Jacksonville, then you know the food options can be limited in the area, especially when it comes to lunchtime.
Instead of getting in your car and driving elsewhere, why not check out the brand new food truck that's rolled into town: Pita Dream Food Truck.
Pita Dream Food Truck celebrated its grand opening at 60 Broad St. on Tuesday. It specializes in whipping up quick, yet fresh and healthy Mediterranean and halal eats, which are perfect if you're on-the-go and need to get back into the office right away.
Some of their more popular menu items include their chicken shawarma platter, mixed lamb and beef gyro pita, or their "Dream Combo," which is a mixed lamb, beef and chicken platter that comes with pita bread, a salad and rice.
Pita Dream also serves vegetarian and vegan options.
(See below for location and hours.)
The manager, Marisol Santiago, says the crew originally came from Bakersfield, California where they operated Pita Paradise Food Truck for the past five years.
"It became the number one food truck in town for three years in a row," Santiago said.
She said it has always been her and Chef Nas Asada, the owner's dream to move and expand in Florida.
"We've been to Tampa, Orlando, but we fell in love with Jacksonville and the community," Santiago said.
When it came to the name, Santiago said they, unfortunately, had to change it.
"We wanted the same name, but someone else had it already," she said.
Still, the crew stuck to its roots. They decided to keep "Pita" in their name, but change "Paradise" to "Dream" to reflect their dream of moving to the Sunshine State and sharing their foods to the Jacksonville community.
"We make everything from the heart," she said.
Santiago says all of their dishes are freshly made every day, from the hummus to the falafels to the baklava and the meats.
"Everything is fresh, fresh, fresh," she said.
She also said the food is seasoned with spices that they order from overseas, "making it very authentic."
Pita Dream serves platters, pitas and sides like fries and garlic fries. Their prices range from $5.99 to $11.99, depending on what you order and if you want to make it into a meal.
Location varies depending on the day of the week:
Mondays and Tuesdays: Marsh Street between Maxwell House Coffee Co. and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office parking lot.
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 60 Broad St.
Saturdays, Sundays: Closed (but this may change)
Hours:
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Stay up to date with Pita Dream by following their Facebook page. Don't forget to also follow First Coast Foodies on Facebook and Instagram.