Boston Greenway Announces Food Truck April 1 Start (2024)

Author

Jeff Gorra

March 12th 4:16 PM

Spring time is right around the corner. The weather is teasing us, baseball pre-season is underway, and we are all starting to get the itch to spend more time outside. In Boston, part of the spring experience is the opening of the Greenway and the return of food trucks.

The Rose Kennedy Greenway food truck launch will officially take start the season on April 1. In total, 25 options will be in rotation. The Boston Globe reports the following new food trucks are expected to be on board this year. “New this year: Bees and Thank You, Daddy’s Bonetown Burgers, Hometown Poke, Mr. Gourmet, North East of the Border, Smoke Food Truck, Tandoor and Curry on Wheels, Vita Gelato, and Zaaki,” they report.

Of course, the Greenway is also home to the carousel and public fountains. Both are popular spots for families and young kids.

More Boston Greenway Food Trucks + Beer

Food truck locations in the general Greenway area include Rowes Wharf and the carousel. Dewey Square, a few blocks up the street, is also a popular destination for food truck fans.

The Chicken and Rice Guys, Jamaica Mi Hungry, and Gogi on the Block are among the food truck favorites that hungry customers can expect to see parked and serving this spring.

This season will also mark the return of Paisani’s food truck. This Italian sandwich eatery was new on the scene for 2023 and immediately saw lines 20 people deep. Their “drunken parm” sandwich (chicken parm with vodka sauce) and butternut squash arancini are unlike any other items you can grab quickly in the area.

Lastly, being able to unwind at the Trillium beer garden is also a Boston Greenway highlight. It is typically nestled right into park space across from the Seaport Hotel and allows you to bring in outside food.

Food Truck Has Boston's Greatest New Sandwich

You may notice longer lines at Rowes Wharf and Dewey Square food trucks areas during lunch hours these days. That’s because of a certain “food with personality.” Paisani Food Truck has Boston’s greatest new sandwich.

The Drunken Parm

So what is it? Thin, and perfectly breaded chicken cutlet laid upon a sesame seed sub roll, with vodka sauce and fresh mozzarella. Though Paisani’s menu does contain three other delicious (and unique) sandwiches, the word is quickly spreading about the Drunken Parm. It’s a true combination of flavor and fresh ingredients. “Drunken Parm is by far and away the best seller,” co-founder Ryan Palmer tells us.

The Paisani Story

UMass Lowell friends Palmer and Matthew Minichiello noticed a void in Italian food trucks around Boston. During their school years at Lowell, they spent significant time together cooking and developing innovative and tasty combinations. Soon, they found themselves catering large events for friends and family. Obtaining the necessary approvals to land a food truck business in Boston is no small commitment. While working to receive the proper permits, Palmer and Minichiello got the Paisani business going by continuing to cater. Finally, the truck officially launched in the summer of 2022.

To help with their expansion, Palmer and Minichiello have brought on a third full-time staffer. Thomas Southwick now works with the crew full-time. Southwick was a teacher but recently left to join Paisani.

What Else is On the Menu?

How about two mouthwatering eggplant sandwiches. One of them, called the “Sloppy Paisani” has Bolognese and honey-whipped ricotta on top. The other is a more traditional Caprese. There’s also the “Bambino” sandwich, which is their take on an Italian sub.

Not to be passed over is what lies above and beneath the sandwich portion of the menu. Sweet corn arancini or an order of garlic fries pair very well with any sandwich choice. And who says no to Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cannoli for dessert?

Where Can You Find Them?

Paisini food truck has had stops at Boston’s City Hall, and various breweries in the area. The truck is available for catering events. For the spring, you can find them at Rowes Wharf on Tuesdays from 11 am-3 pm, and on Wednesdays at Dewey Square from 11 am – 3 pm. Or – until they sell out. “We serve 65-75 Drunken Parm sandwiches per day. That’s in about 1.5 – 2 hours,” Palmer says. “We have been selling out for the last couple of weeks. The Greenway is new to us, so we have been trying to gauge the demand in our new locations. It looks like we may need to start packing more food because the lines have been endless!”

Well-deserved. Paisani represents food prepared with such authentic passion and personality. Not only can you taste it in every bite, but you can see it in the way the food is presented. “I think the name catches the eye of most, but the quality and quantity keeps people coming back. And that’s what we’re all about,” Palmer concludes.

Here’s a look at our recent visit to the Paisani Food Truck to taste Boston’s greatest new sandwich. Needless to say, it well exceeded expectations.

Check them out at PaisaniFoodTruck.com

The Drunken Parm sits beside its buddy, the garlic parm fries.
L to R: Thomas Southwick with co-founders Ryan Palmer and Matthew Minichiello.
It's hard to see the truck without a line attached. But that's a good thing!
Follow Paisani Food Truck on all socials.
The sub, the hero, the legend - the Drunken Parm sandwich.
The garlic parm fries are complimented with a spicy aioli sauce.
The back of the food truck greets you with the same outgoing personality as the food itself.

Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.

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