Words by Jenny Watson
Photos by Katie Kennedy & Marcus Cole
A passion for food, the need for a career change and a social conscience are the perfect ingredients for an exciting new gastronomic venture in Dumbarton.
Early this year Dave Summerson, owner of the Mexican-inspired food truck The Big Taquero, decided he was going to seal the deal on an eight-year dream.
He explained: “I worked away a lot when I was young.
“I got to try lots of different dishes. My love of food just blossomed from there.
“When I was home, I would cook for the boys, and got right into it. From there, I wanted a food truck.
“One day at work last year I decided I’d had enough and just wanted to cook.
“Mexican food is just class and has a great social aspect to it. You can sit with your pals for hours enjoying it.
“Now I turn up at work with a smile on my face.”
Delicious Delights
Dave and his great team Gerry and Matt can be found at Unit 23 Skatepark in Dumbarton.
Their truck is a hidden gem.
The smells wafting through the hatch and along the queue make a solid promise to your taste buds that they are in for a treat.
I tried the Platter on my first visit – it offers a taster of the menu’s staple items.
I also ordered the special of the day.
Every bite was flavoursome, delicious and moreish.
There was spiciness, smokiness, sweetness, saltiness, creaminess and freshness!
I washed it all down with a Jarrito, a pineapple-flavoured Mexican soft drink.
On my second visit (which won’t be my last) I ordered the Mexican toast – a take on the eggy bread we call French toast.
If you like scrumptious, indulgent, sweet treats, this is for you.
You’ve got to be quick though, it makes an appearance on Sundays and sells out quickly.
Helping Community
But it was not the lure of tacos which first caught my attention.
Scrolling through Instagram, I noticed a post offering free meals on Saturdays for families accessing a local food bank.
“It’s wrong in this day and age kids are going hungry, it’s b*llsh*t,” Dave said.
“There’s no judgement here. We just want folk to have good food. Turn up, get a scran and have a giggle.”
If you are registered with West Dunbartonshire Community FoodShare, let the team know you are interested.
Claire Coyle, from WD Community FoodShare, said: “Dave has been great.
“He came in with donations from his customers earlier in the year, so we gave him a collection box and he’s been back with it a few times.
“He’s also left skatepark tokens for people to use at the truck for food.
“We are delighted another local business sees what is going on in the community and is trying to help.”
If you like great food and good banter, get yourself to the hatch!
Open Fridays and Saturdays 5:30pm until sell out and Sundays 11am – 2pm.
Need further convincing… check their Instagram page: @thebigtaquero I dare you not to salivate!
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