The Best Little Food Truck in Big Lake

BIG LAKE, TX — If you are ever in Big Lake and have an appetite, the M and J Kitchentopp with Markello’s Taco Truck inside is dual culinary delight. Chef Jonathan Bermeo said its not just cooking but "making love” to the ingredients helps the partners create stunningly delicious menu items. His partner, Mark Jimenz, or Mark J on Snapchat, mans the order-taking window. Business is brisk Saturday night.

We tried two menu items, the Monte Cristo and the Taco Rice Bowl. The delights our taste buds felt made the hour-long trip to Big Lake worth it.

The food trailer is located behind the red metal drive-thru convenience store called “The Beer Barn” on the south side of U.S 67 in Big Lake. If you’re driving through town from San Angelo, it’s on the left side of the road, approximately right smack dab in the middle of town.

There, you will find scrumptious delights!

The Monte Cristo infuses a unique blend of spices on a generous portion of ham and bacon with cheese between two pieces of French toast made from very fresh bread. Jonathan spices the Cristo up with slices of avocado and serves it with pancake syrup on the side.

The Taco Rice Bowl starts with a homemade crispy tortilla bowl. The rice is made with a unique blend of spices. You can choose your meat, either al pastor (pork) or chicken. The meat is blended with another set of spices designed to compliment the rice. A healthy portion of lettuce and tomato, pico de gallo, shredded cheddar cheese, avocado, and a dash of sour cream round out the bowl.

Choose either for only $10 each.

For dessert, Mark J’s Banana Pudding Bread is worth every calorie. Served hot with homemade vanilla ice cream and sprinkled with raisins, the pudding bread melts in your mouth.

Mark J markets the food truck enterprise on SnapChat. When Mark J (@mark_j199) starts Snapping videos of what’s on the grill, you know the smells and tastes behind the Big Lake Beer Barn are ready.

Mark said he and Jonathan have a brisk business with the oilfield workers traveling through, especially since they relocated the trailer behind the popular beer barn. He said they are considering setting up in San Angelo in April when there is a food truck festival. Also on the partners’ radar is opening a location in New Braunfels. But for now, the two seem content with busy Big Lake.