Plates on Deck Sizzles on the Great Food Truck Race

The Great Food Truck Race has rolled into its 17th season on the Food Network, and Central Florida's own Plates on Deck is part of the four-wheeled armada. This Lakeland-based catering company, represented by chef Ken James, partner and fiancée Ziomara Taveras, and his cousin Samuel Jenkins, are competing in the "Games on the Gulf," where they'll be vying for a grand prize of ,000 while feeding folks on a coast-hugging journey from Houston to Miami.

Bringing Eclectic Soul Food to the Masses

Shrimp Passa Passa Pasta: A Fusion Masterpiece

Plates on Deck's Shrimp Passa Passa Pasta, a dish that won First Place at Fusion Fest 2023, has already made waves in the first episode of The Great Food Truck Race. "It's where jerk meets Alfredo," says James, a Queens, New York native who describes it as embodying the Plates on Deck "eclectic soul food" philosophy. The dish's unique blend of Caribbean and Italian flavors showcases the team's culinary creativity and their ability to fuse diverse culinary traditions into a harmonious and delectable offering.

Embracing the Melting Pot of Queens

James' culinary journey has been shaped by his upbringing in the diverse borough of Queens, New York. "As a kid in Queens, Flushing especially, you're growing up in the world's borough," he says, reflecting on his mother's American Southern roots and his father's Caribbean heritage from the island of Barbuda. This multicultural background has instilled in him a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of global cuisines, which he now brings to life through Plates on Deck's innovative menu.

From Nonprofit to Food Truck Entrepreneur

James' path to becoming a successful food truck entrepreneur was not a straight line. He initially worked in the nonprofit sector before discovering his true passion for cooking. It was while coaching a middle school competitive culinary team that he realized his calling was in the kitchen. Plates on Deck began as a way for James to cook for friends and family while working as a chef and dietitian in a residence for adults with developmental disabilities. His fiancée, Ziomara Taveras, recognized the potential in his culinary skills and encouraged him to turn Plates on Deck into a full-blown catering business.

Navigating the Challenges of Food Truck Life

Competing on The Great Food Truck Race has been both a dream come true and a test of resilience for James. "Having a food truck, something that's been a goal of mine since I was 15, was everything I dreamed of and everything I didn't," he says. One of the unexpected challenges he faced was the physical toll of working in the confined space of a food truck, as he frequently hit his head on the roof window lever. Despite these obstacles, James and his team have embraced the thrill of the competition, adapting to the curveballs thrown their way by celebrity chef and host Tyler Florence.

Forging Friendships and Facing Emotions

The Great Food Truck Race has not only been a culinary challenge but also an emotional journey for the Plates on Deck team. "It's a competition, of course, so you're always leery about trying to be friends with everyone, but at the same time, you're all there and everyone's excited and it's impossible not to establish some connection, so it's really nice to come out of this with new friends," says Taveras. The experience has been both exhilarating and taxing, with James describing it as "heavy on the tears!"As Plates on Deck continues their journey on The Great Food Truck Race, Central Florida and food enthusiasts across the nation eagerly await to see if this dynamic team can bring home the grand prize of ,000. With their unique blend of eclectic soul food, culinary creativity, and unwavering determination, Plates on Deck is poised to leave a lasting impression on the competition and the hearts of their customers.