Asian Tamarind Kiwi Steak Tacos, Ceviche with fresh tortilla chips, Spicy Kale and arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and garlic chips…sounds delicious, right? Would you ever guess that all of this food is offered from a FOOD TRUCK? Oh, yes. Gourmet Bitches brings inventive, incredibly tasty, and, of course, gourmet dishes to the streets of Toronto. Though it’s only been on the road since April 2012, this food truck has quite the following—and for good reason. We sat down with founder Shontelle Pinch to get the latest.

Shedoesthecity: What does a typical day look like for you, starting from when you wake up to heading to bed?

Shontelle Pinch: Oh boy, madness! 7 am to suppliers, to picking up the truck, to being a mechanic, to prep before 11 am service.

SDTC: How did you get started in the food industry?

SP: I was 18 and a server, and it all went from there. I was hooked. The love of working with people caught me. 

SDTC: When did you decide to start Gourmet Bitches and why?

SP: November, 2011. I knew I wanted to start my own business. I knew it was food. Just didn’t know in what capacity. Then my best guy friend came back from a trip to NYC and said, “SHON , YOU HAVE TO DO A FOOD TRUCK!” That was it. Decision was made.

SDTC: What are the three main ingredients required to do your job well?

SP: Hard work, great people, and organization.

SDTC: What do you love most about your career?

SP: Pleasing and feeding our customers.

SDTC: How did you come up with the name Gourmet Bitches?

SP: My good buddy and I were tossing the names around and he said, “What do you mean? It’s easy: You’re kind of bitches and love everything gourmet.” Voila, Gourmet Bitches.

SDTC: What advice do you have for surviving the food industry?

SP: Making sure you deliver the best you can every day and working hard—isn’t that the rule of thumb for everyone?

SDTC: Where do you find inspiration for your dishes?

SP: Through cultures, travels, and the sheer love for food. 

SDTC: What’s your favourite meal to make?

SP: Pasta! A beautiful simple penne with a tomato and basilico sauce with a hint of peperoncino!

SDTC: What’s been your most memorable experience with Gourmet Bitches so far?

SP: Being able to fulfil a dream for a special little girl, Kayden, whose dream is to own/operate a food truck. One of her teachers contacted us and asked us to meet her. I went further and invited her to work on the truck for a full shift, which she did. Kayden has been fighting through cancer since the age of 3. It broke our hearts but made us smile all the same.

Follow @gourmetb1tches on Twitter.

Gourmet Bitches Vid from Olga B on Vimeo.