Bender Helper Impact

It was a hazy summer afternoon when I was first introduced to the Kogi BBQ truck, one of the many gourmet food trucks that have taken Los Angeles by storm. 

Days after becoming a follower of Kogi’s Twitter account, my co-workers and I embarked upon our first trip to try their Korean-inspired tacos and burritos.  As we approached the long line outside of TLofts, the urban loft community near the Bender/Helper Impact (B/HI) office, I did not understand the hype. 

I soon learned what all the fuss was about...

Within seconds of my first bite of the chicken taco, I was hooked.  Never having tasted anything like Kogi’s Korean and Mexican signature fusion flavor, I quickly became obsessed.  Kogi has returned to our area nearly every Thursday since my first visit, and it has become a weekly ritual to walk over to TLofts to experience the finest in mobile dining.

As word of Kogi’s popularity continued to spread, TLofts became home to other popular food trucks of Los Angeles.  Vehicles serving up everything from Philly cheesesteak sandwiches to hot dogs to cupcakes soon began to arrive daily, making every day a new culinary adventure.

I may seem overzealous about my food trucks, but I’m not ashamed.  I love that in the span of one week I can have such diverse meals as a mac & cheese melt from the Grilled Cheese Truck, a gyro from Louks To Go and a breakfast sandwich from the Buttermilk Truck -- and they are within walking distance from my desk!

It has also become an office-bonding experience for many of us at B/HI who enjoy the delicious offerings of the dozens of food trucks that journey the streets of Los Angeles.  We follow them on Twitter; we let each other know when a new one is coming to us for the first time; and we make group trips together at lunchtime.

As social media continues to rapidly expand, it is permeating everything that we do, right down to where we choose to eat.  Whether it is a Fortune 500 company, a mom and pop food truck, or a single individual, social networks are encouraging everyone to connect and share more than ever before.  The result: increased knowledge, enhanced social engagement, and most importantly, delicious food.

[Follow Whitney: @whitneychampion]