The new trend in food carts may well be food cars.
Business partners Sarah Pinkin and Elizabeth Payne, both 38, have recently launched Frenchie, serving French picnic food out of a restored vintage Citroen car.
Pinkin is a former chef at Murphy’s Irish Pub and a co-founder of Sonoma Meals. Payne is a former Williams-Sonoma chef and Ramekins alum. Payne explained that the friends have wanted to start a business together for some time.
“Sonoma’s picnic food scene lacks options beyond the boxed lunch,” said Payne. “We feel like this is different from what anyone else is doing.”
With the back seat removed, customers can reach in to a vintage cooler on a platform in the back of the retro grey Citroen. Payne and Pinkin converted a red hot dog cart to use alongside the car, which provides work and cooler space and a counter to take orders.
Frenchie offers French picnic food and provisions, with most items priced from $12 to $15. Choices include Croque Monsieur, Salmon Nicoise and Moroccan chicken salad.
Frenchie debuted at Gundlach Bundschu’s Huichica Music Festival, and the chef partners have plans to be at the Vintage Festival. The Frenchie Citroen has also been spotted this summer parked at 3 Sticks Winery and at the Panel on West Napa Street.
Frenchiesonoma.com.
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