‘Dill’ with it

You might have noticed the announcements by Sun City announcing the Perk-N-Pickle at Pavilion Circle Drive every Friday or seen the Food Truck parked there.

Justin and Alicia, the owners, keep busy. They have been serving up food at a constant rate from 11 to 7 p.m.

Justin said, “It’s a steady pace with some pockets of long lines usually around noon and again from 5:00 to 6:30.”

How is operating with the health concerns associated with Covid-19?

“We all wear masks and gloves and provide customers a hand sanitizer. The customers all have masks, and keep a social distance. While they wait in line or dine, they enjoy the music we play some Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and other musical favorites,” Justin said.

Residents who enjoy the food truck have been sitting at the picnic tables in the pavilion, tailgating in the parking lot, social distancing with lawn chairs, or just picking up food to take home.

Justin said, “Our menu is always changing. We are trying to provide diverse menu choices, but there are some staples. We have theme foods occasionally featuring Mexican food, barbecue, or Italian.”

Residents Donna and Bob Messina enjoy picking up an evening meal. Bob said, “I am Italian and the only Italian I like is Donna’s, but I have to say these meals are just as good. We get a good portion, its quality food and the price is right.”

Alicia said, “This is a full working kitchen, we strive to provide quality food, restaurant quality. We cook fresh, never frozen meals.”

What do other residents have to say about the food?

Janet Brand said, “The food is great! Have had the grilled brie sandwich and also bourbon chicken. Outstanding.”

“I went this afternoon and picked up a Cuban with a side of slaw. Both were very tasty. The first time I had the excellent Brie, too,” said Andrea Berebitsky

Cheryl Mauzer said, “I have been there once, during the Poker Run. The Grilled Brie sandwich with applewood bacon, grilled onions, and green apple on sourdough bread was outstanding.”

One of the most-commented items enjoyed by the customers is an American staple – French fries.

“You can pick a side dish with each meal. The fries are great! They have fresh watermelon pieces too,” said Kathy Culotta.

Darlene Rutledge said “I was surprised the fries seemed homemade, not frozen crinkles.”

Residents have started to look forward to Fridays, giving them a chance to enjoy one of Perk N Pickles’ menu items.

“Their food is amazing! The menu has something for everyone. Justin, his wife and staff are always professional and very nice to everyone. My 98-year-old dad looks forward to Fridays because it’s ‘Perk n Pickle’ burger and fries’ night,” said Debbie Liberatore.

This year has brought challenges to us all Businesses must navigate the financial and operational challenges of coronavirus. Justin and Alicia face those challenges by working long days, keeping their enthusiasm going, and striving to provide healthy meals prepared fresh.

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