EnRich Bistro to return to Bradenton. But chef’s Bradentrucky food truck is already here
Matt McSwain figures he has had Bradentrucky Grub Truck’s Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich 21 times, including the one he ordered this week.
The chicken in that sandwich is covered with lychee slaw and includes a pickled okra, which was grown locally at Geraldson’s Family Farm.
McSwain, a Bradenton financial advisor, also likes the garlic wings, the gumbo and the fries.
But it’s the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich that keeps calling McSwain’s name.
“Once you find what you like,” he said.
Rich Knowles, a chef and owner of Innovative Dining, a catering business, launched Bradentrucky Grub Truck last fall, and served its first food in Fort Myers helping feed residents there after Hurricane Ian devastated the area.
In early October, Bradentrucky Grub Truck began selling its food in the Bradenton area at special events and often at 5239 Manatee Ave. W, an address which has a special significance for Knowles.
Why is it special? Because that’s where Enrich Bistro, the fine dining restaurant that he owned and operated before the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be reborn.
A comeback for EnRich Bistro
Knowles decided to close EnRich Bistro in 2020 because the headwinds caused by the COVID-19 pandemic were too strong, including concerns about the disease, government lockdown rules, and plummeting sales.
Also, his lease was coming to an end.
The planned restaurant space in the Fairway Center shopping center is now a construction zone.
“At the moment, it’s moving along like a snail. We did demolition and found some structural issues. We had to go back to the architect and the engineer and make some changes, and then return to the county,” Knowles, 37, said.
“I like the redesign. I like what we are doing and I’m planning to be here for life,” Knowles said.
Although projected opening dates can be problematic these days, based on supply issues and staff recruitment, Knowles is hopeful EnRich Bistro can open be December.
When that happens, regulars of the old EnRich Bistro will recognize some favorites on the menu as well as new offerings. Knowles believes guests will like the expanded bar and patio area.
Fine dining at a food truck
Knowles is staying very busy with his three businesses: EnRich Bistro, Innovative Dining and Bradentrucky Grub Truck.
In addition to the buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches, Bradentrucky Grub Truck offers other certified chef touches.
Among them: fried banana pepper rings with charred poblano ranch, jumbo wings with a variety of sauces (lemon pepper dry rub, Guajillo BBQ, Oaxacan Mole, Yuzu Sesame, Buffalo spicy garlic, scotch bonnet plantain and “Full Zap”).
Also on the Grub Truck menu: a dinner-sized wasabi salad with local farm greens and more and, last week, a brisket taco special.
For dessert there was key lime panna cotta (think Italian flan) with roasted graham crumble.
Where you’ll find Bradentrucky Grub Truck
The food truck prepares and serves its fare at many special events, including most recently at The LECOM Suncoast Classic golf tournament.
Check Bradentrucky’s web site at https://bradentrucky.com/ or their Facebook page for where they will be next and when.
