Smorgasburg is Brooklyn’s Mecca of food truck gatherings. Its outdoor location, hugged by Brooklyn’s greenway and the East River, paints a calm and picturesque image in any visitor’s mind. However, that is not entirely the case. Smorgasburg is an event that requires a game plan. Unless of course you arrive with the intention of waiting in a two-hour line for a Ramen Burger…then this article is not for you. With food selections inspired by various ethnic regions, creative conglomerates, and all-natural health trends, there is something for everyone; the choices are endless.

Before you eat your way through several selections without leaving room for the true winners, you must familiarize yourself with the options. Social media has somewhat facilitated the selection process. Unfortunately, many attendees wait anxiously in line for fan favorites only to take a photo that will garner #instafame. To their disadvantage, coconut water doesn’t taste as good as it looks in pictures. The true champions of Smorgasburg are the ones that meet the basic requirements of any food truck: creative, transportable, and utterly delicious.

To start, Gooey & Co deserves its fair share of recognition for reminding us of why we love butter. As an avid supporter of EVOO I must admit that for Gooey & Co’s deliciously moist and miniature cakes, I will sway to the dark side. Hands down the winner of Smorgasburg Olympics if there ever was one.

Takumi Taco runs a close second with its refreshing and inventive Japanese-inspired Mexican street food. After ordering the Spicy Tuna Taco, I expected something that tastes similar to the popular sushi roll it’s named after. I was pleasantly surprised with fresh sashimi, lightly covered with spicy mayo and complimented with a crispy gyoza shell. Worlds away from a typical spicy tuna roll masked with Sriracha, and refreshingly cool on a hot summer day. A true winner.

Lastly the “Bruffin” deserves credit for creativity. Inspired by the different countries around the globe, this brioche-like pastry packs a combination of flavors into each unique muffin.  Some flavors include The Greek: spiced beef, spinach, feta and olives; The Italian: pepperoni, pesto and parmesan; and The French: lardons, gruyere, and brie. For any first-generation American, the Bruffin offers a pleasant reminder of home in the compact form of one delicious pastry.