By Jacob Mathias

The newest offering by local chef and restaurateur Christian Czerwonka is going to be mobile.

Dubbed Chef C’s Munchie Mobile, the new roving restaurant is the fourth establishment in the family of restaurants owned by Chef Christian and Leah Czerwonka. It follows the most recent El Jefe Tacos y Tequila, Father Fats Public House and their flagship restaurant, Christian’s Bistro.

The new food truck is expected to hit the road early this summer though a firm opening date has yet to be determined.

“It’s always been one of my dreams,” said Christian Czerwonka. “That’s my retirement. Being able to sit on a food truck and just cook food, for me as a chef, it’s what I love to do is cook, cook, cook.”

The food trailer was originally used by the popular Tortuga Express, which recently shut down. Christian Czerwonka said the truck has all the equipment his full service restaurants do with the exception of an oven so the menu options are numerous.

“All the food I do in all the restaurants I can in one way, shape or form most of the time do on the food truck,” he said. “It’s a matter of finding out what kind of environment we’re in to do that kind of food.”

Menu items could include sandwiches, salads, fried risotto balls, creole boiled shrimp, antipasto, mac and cheese bites and pasta plates. Loaded, locally-sourced french fries topped with truffle oil, Parmesan cheese and garlic aioli, and roasted pork nacho fries are also being planned for the menu.

Much of the food preparation can be done in one of the Czerwonka’s existing restaurant which will allow for more menu options. Locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients will play a part in menu planning as well, a tradition in all the restaurants.

“Learn how it works and what works best,” said Leah Czerwonka. “How far can we push it? Which is what we want to know.”

The Munchie Mobile will hold a semi-permanent position at Central Waters Brewery in Amherst and serve food on Fridays and Saturdays from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. As the operating capabilities of the Munchie Mobile become more clear, the Czerwonka’s plan on expanding the operating hours, menu and offering catering options. Plans also include food service at various city events.

Updates for Chef C’s Munchie Mobile can be found on its Facebook page.