On the neverending hunt for really good food in Orlando, we all tend to do our browsing for new spots on social media platforms. Tik Tok has honestly been far more helpful in this for me than Instagram or Facebook, and that is how I initially found Lumenes Catering Food Truck. It showed up on my FYP and I saw lines and happy faces all celebrating the opening of the truck which is located over near Pine Hills at Hiawassee and W. Colonial.

Since it wasn’t food influencers singing it’s praise, but regular consumers, I immediately bookmarked it hoping it would be worth the adventure.

One thing to immediately appreciate and love about their socials is how active they are. They constantly let you know where they are, what the menu is, keeping you updated on what is sold out, and if their opening time is delayed. On the day I visited they were supposed to be open at noon, when I got there they weren’t open, so I checked their socials to see they were running behind. I had errands I could run nearby, so I didn’t give up and go home, but waited for them to open.

I was warmly greeted, asked a few questions about some of the choices I had and easily placed my order.

What I ordered:

Griot (pork shoulder)

Oxtail (the tail of either beef or veal cattle)

The Griot and the Oxtail both came with two sides. I ordered plantains, mac and cheese, and Diri djondjon which is a native dish to Haiti and on the menu is simply called “black rice”.

If you are familiar with Cuban and Carribean food, citrus marinades are prevalent, so I immediately felt comforted by the flavor of the Griot. Being braised and fried, you get a crispy outer skin, but a tender meat inside. The Oxtail is very rich, but very tender so it basically falls off the bone. Both have different flavor profiles, but I truly loved each one. The addition of the black rice for me was really exciting since I had never had it before and it’s so different from yellow rice or white rice and black beans. It’s very unique in its flavor, more earthy and it was paired with it’s own sauce that gave it a light punch.

The two meals and a fresh pineapple juice cost $44 which I felt was a good deal since the food portions were plentiful and it acted as both my lunch and dinner that was even shared with my husband.

The meal so a bright spot in my week, and I will absolutely go back and try more.

Follow them on Instagram @lumenescateringservices and look for their light blue truck at 6801 West Colonial Drive.