Louie Ortega’s first entrance into the food scene was catering with his grandmother in El Paso, Tx. He washed dishes, bussed tables, served, but hardly ever cooked, as his Grandma was the only one allowed to cook. Eventually he was able to cook and learned so much about Mexican food and went on to be French trained in culinary school.
He knew he wanted to start a food truck when he grew weary of the corporate hotel/restaurant world. Since he grew up with Mexican food he wanted to share his version of southwest/ Mexican cuisine with the Midwest. He knew he wanted to be independent with food, but not start a brick and mortar restaurant, mobile cuisine was the way to go and test my market.
Painted Pepper’s signature and best selling item for the last 7 years has been their Texas Chicken Quesadilla. It has fresh roasted chicken, Texas caviar (black beans, onion, roasted red bell peppers, cilantro and spices), and cheese, all stuffed in a 12 inch flour tortilla seared and served with house made salsa and sour cream.
He wants his customers to know that they serve homemade fresh southwest cuisine, food from some local farms that is prepped daily. He says, “when people eat our food, I want them to enjoy the delicious flavors, and know they are also supporting a local family.”
Breakfast pockets – flour tortilla stuffed with eggs, chorizo and cheese, then deep fried and served with a side of salsa verde.
While the food truck is still out and about, Louie and his wife Amanda are now also “slingin’ tacos and more with a permanent location in Downtown Springfield, Ohio inside COhatch “The Market.” Located at 101 S. Fountain in downtown Springfield, Painted Pepper is one of several food vendors in this dining hall. Others include Crust & Company, North High Brewing, Ironworks Waffle Cafe, Fresh Abilities and The Market Bar.Their Co-Hatch location is open Monday 8am -1:30pm and Tues- Sat 8am- 8pm and you can even place your order online. The menu includes breakfast burritos, chicken quesadillas, tacos, corncakes, dessert chips and chips, salsa and guacamole.
The Food truck is still out and about and here’s where you can catch them:
Sat, May 8th 9am-5pm
Asphalt Row at Springfield Health and Fitness
202 N Limestone St, Springfield
Sat, May 15 & Sun, May 16 noon 7pm
Columbus Taco Fest at Ohio History Connection near MAPFRE Stadium
800 E. 17th Ave., Columbus Ohio, 43211
For future dates, keep an eye on their facebook page.
