Your Daily Dose of Food News, Events, and Must-Read Miscellany

Food trucks have been woven into the fabric of Seattle culture over the past several years. And so it stands to reason that food truck “pods” should start popping up around town. Ballard will be the first recipient: Former owner of Bad Albert’s Tap and Grill, Steve Katsandres, will work with his partners to transform a vacant lot at 1502 N.W. 50th St. into a beer garden and food-truck park called Ballard Bites and Brews by this upcoming April. The venue will also feature drive-thru espresso and a stage for live music. Sounds like a party waiting to happen!

For those looking for a good cause to support, check out EFESTE’s 6th Annual Rockin Sips fundraiser to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In 2006, winery owners Kevin and Angela Taylor learned that their 5-year-old son Joe was diagnosed with leukemia. Happily, Joe is cancer-free today. The Taylors founded Rockin’ Sips to contribute to medical advances in the fight against cancer. Cover band Soul Siren will headline the show, with a number of Washington wine, beer, and cider companies joining in. EFESTE, pronounced F-S-T, is an acronym for the winery’s original founders: Ferrelli, Smith, and Taylor. The event is $50 per person and takes place at EFESTE, 19730 144th Ave. N.E., from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28. Tickets can be reserved online at efeste.com.

Bargain food hunters should be on the lookout this morning as San Francisco-based startup meal-delivery service SpoonRocket launches on the UW campus. They are partnering with Paseo to offer $1 sandwiches to customers who order through SpoonRocket today from 11:30 am to 1 pm. To participate in the “Hype Meal,” order online at spoonrocket.com or download the app . Food is available while supplies last and orders are limited to one sandwich per customer.