The Garden of Eaten Food Truck in North Carolina: Meet the Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Jordan Watson of The Garden of Eaten Food Truck in North Carolina. Come and discover a culinary experience like no other at this vibrant food truck! They provide themselves on serving the freshest, highest-quality ingredients to create flavorful dishes that are both satisfying and innovative. Whether you're craving a classic favorite or eager to try something unique, the diverse menu has something for everyone. Stop by and taste the difference freshness and creativity can make!
The Garden of Eaten Food Truck in North Carolina: Meet the Chef
Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?
My morning routine consists of taking our two kids, Isla and Finn, to the grocery and to local farm stands for produce and whatever special ingredients needed while my wife, Allie, opens and runs our coffee shop/grocery, The Bogue Inlet Grocery. I then drop the kids off to her after her morning rush and I head to the food truck and stock/prep for the dinner shift.
Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
We recently received 3rd place for best food truck on the crystal coast behind dank burrito and captains kitchen by Carteret Curated. I consider that an honor to be ranked up there with two amazing trucks. We have been featured in Southern Living Magazine, and also headlined the Beaufort music fest when one of my favorite Disney/country singer was opening grace potter. We also have catered events for the Big Rock, a rather large blue Marlin fishing tournament that brings people from all over the world.
Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?
My favorite chef, hmm I’ve worked with some fast cooks I’ve been in quite a few delis with some great sandwiches with so many intricate steps, and worked for catering companies that had it down to a science but overall my grandmother taught me the most. A lot of German food like her German dumplings, a style of thin crepes you roll up with jelly and cinnamon sugar, a beef stroganoff, and even perfecting tapioca pudding. I always noticed how she could cook and bake without needing any help or any sort of pat on the back. I always admired her hardworking ethic in the kitchen even though she wasn’t being paid, it was all from the heart.
The Garden of Eaten Food Truck in North Carolina: Meet the Chef
What do you typically cook at home?
I typically keep it simple at home, I usually eat after midnight due to my hectic schedule. I like baking Mac and cheese, making a steak sand-which, or I’ll heat up my wood fired oven outside and make a nice flatbread with whatever toppings I have in my fridge. I have come up with some tasty combos by throwing together things from my fridge, like my fried chicken wrap.
What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?
A food trend I’m loving right now is probably making fresh breads and pastas from scratch with fresh milled flour. Once you’ve had it you can’t go back to store bought flour, pastas, and breads.
What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?
Octopus and capers, I’m not a fan of either, I’m pretty basic though. My wife loves the strangest food combinations and makes me try them. Most recently she sliced up some fresh Georgia peaches, Stilton cheese, chopped walnuts, mozzarella, basil and a balsamic glaze on a wood fired pizza. She also loves putting Granny Smith apples on pizza. It’s actually pretty good though, just don’t tell her I said that.
What drink do you enjoy most?
My favorite drink hmmmm this is a good question I love Mountain Dew when we have a huge line outside the truck I don’t know why but if I chug it I’m not as anxious. But other than that I drink some electrolyte drinks and spring water. Mountain Valley water in the glass jar just hits different. When I’m not working I drink tea. Hot tea, iced tea, I love it all.
Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?
I haven’t really cooked for many stars maybe some local surfer legends or a few college basketball coaches (Coach K) I’ve wanted to serve Michael Jordan when he comes into Morehead City for the big rock fishing tournament. And I’m a fan of Dave Portney pizza reviews we have a wood-fired pizza oven and we make pizzas every Thursday night!
What’s your Instagram so readers can follow you?
It’s @gardenofeatenfoodtruck.
The Garden of Eaten Food Truck in North Carolina: Meet the Chef
Why should readers visit The Garden of Eaten Food Truck in North Carolina?
The Garden of Eaten was created by me. At first it was a great learning experience but once we got underway we always have strived for greatness. We have health conscious dishes, some sweet and savory entrees, and a full kids menus as well. Try our Buddha bowl, the Southern fried avocado chicken wrap, or street corn nachos. The food truck industry is tough and I have some very stiff competition out here in a tourism driven area by the beach, so my goal was to be the very best!! We have a unique all original menu everything is fresh made to order. our final touches are made minutes before opening. We are a force to be reckoned with. We like to have the line and knock it down. if we were a pirate ship we’d be the black pearl. I was inspired by one piece, there’s a chef in the show that takes care of everybody, uses everything without waste and sticks to his moral code that’s something we strive for no matter what send it out right and if you can’t afford a meal we are here to help.