11 years later, El Meson has a new location in Minneapolis

What he's saying: Demand for his food truck was so strong that Ruiz decided he would open a physical location. It's a tiny joint geared toward carryout, though there are a few seats.

What to expect: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with most items costing between $10 and $17. I went on Sunday and Ruiz took my order, cooked the food, and rang me up.

What I tried: The chicken jambalaya ($17) and pollo jamaiquino ($16). Both were excellent, though the jambalaya may be too spicy for some Minnesotans.