A couple of weeks ago, I was searching Yelp for new restaurants to explore and ran across Samantha’s Gift, a food truck serving Venezuelan eats. A review by my friend Matthew, Tallahassee’s own Yelp community manager, sung Samantha’s praises and I added it to my list of must visit spots.
On a quiet Friday afternoon, I tracked Samantha’s down at the Tallahassee Food Truck Court. It was after the lunch rush, and I was the only customer. I approached the brightly colored food truck and was greeted warmly. The menu affixed to the side of the truck announced Samantha’s serves tequeños (fried Venezuelan cheese sticks), cachapas (traditional corn pancake full of fresh cheese) and arepas (unleavened corn patty split in two and full of fixings).
After learning a bit about the food, I decided to order two arepas. Eight varieties of arepas are available including the rosada (hot dog sausage with pink sauce), sifrina (turkey bacon and cheese) and the llanera (steak and cheese). Unsure of the size of each arepa, I asked one of the owners, Omar, for guidance. He announced he could easily eat two or three, and recommended the rumbera, and the pabellon. I ordered one of each, made it a combo meal, and added a piece of Colombian chocolate and an ice cold Colita.
A brown paper bag was handed to me through a window by the co-owner and chef, Erika. Inside each arepa was individually wrapped and labeled. I peeled open the rumbera and was met with a simple corn patty overflowing with roasted pulled pork and cheese. The meat was tender and flavorful. The addition of creamy melted cheese took the sandwich to another level of flavor. For more on Samantha’s Gift read the full review at Tallahassee.com.
Sweet Tea & Bourbon’s Rating:
Atmosphere: A
Taste: A
Presentation: A
Service: A
Cleanliness: A
Price: $
Sweet Tea & Bourbon 
This made my mouth water! The next Friday that I decide to take a long lunch, I’m going to grab the guys and we’re going to find this food truck and go for the catera and the rumbera.