The Original Food Truck

The viandero (fruits and vegetable street vendor) has made me appreciate more fruit with bruises, birthmarks, war wounds and the flavor to Mother Earth. His products have nothing to envy those of big chains or those sold under the organic label. His produce taste as they should.

I remember being at my grandmother's house and listening to the loudspeaker on the street announcing the merchandise (eggs, squash, taro, avocados, potatoes, tomatoes); everything needed for a delicious family meal. Back then, about 30 years ago, everything was fresh, seasonal because it was what it was, and naturally, it was organic.

When you heard the announcement, you went out to meet the vendor who ready, willing and able to give you the best of the harvest, weighing your purchase on the scale that hung in his truck and when it was necessary to sell on credit.

I miss the "cantaíto"(catchy tune) announcing the merchandise, exchanging stories of the cultivated land and recipes all while looking forward to repeating the routine days later.

For the childhood memories with loved ones, on my Caribbean island, and because I can now support my Miami community is that the “viandero” is one of my favorite stops. That stop allows me to rediscover myself; It gives me a different type of respite and offers me a conversation to meet part of the family that I am helping with my purchase, the one who harvests and the one who sells and also get some neighborhood gossip.

And because the world always conspires in our favor, as I started visiting the “viandero” and recalling tasty memories of my childhood, I started noticing others around me. Some make good use of their loudspeakers while others sit and wait for their usual clientele, but either way, I feel that the universe is talking to me, asking me to reconnect, reminding me to “relive to keep on living,” and eat more fruits and vegetables.

Side dish: “You Get What You Give” by New Radicals