I’ve said it before and I’ll continue saying it, I envy the shit out of those people who have the balls to get up and walk away from a stable career in order to pursue their dreams into the rocky world of the food industry. Sebastian Gallucci, owner of Che, is one of those people who I’ve had the opportunity to meet and get to know. Sebastian used to spend his days as a financial advisor at Royal Bank of Canada, but, according to him, he never loved it.
Sebastian Gallucci, owner of Che
His ascent , or descent if you ask some people, into food started when he was around 5 years old making tiramisu at his father’s restaurant, but food wasn’t his only love. Soccer, I prefer to call it football just like the rest of the world, has also played a big part in his life. A soccer (football) scholarship took him to a school in Texas that was very close to the Mexican border where some of the culture and cuisine influenced his crazy mix of cooking.
Let’s pretend that I’ve never eaten from your food truck before, how would you describe the experience to me?
When you come by CHE food truck it’s the whole experience that makes your meal. It’s the music, it’s the service, it’s the dancing, it’s the laughs, and of course, it’s the amazing homemade food. And the funny videos I post on social media.
Why choose Argentinian food as your niche?
I wanted to show Toronto and Canada just how amazing Argentinian food is. It’s so simple but the flavours are remarkable. It’s just beautiful.
Tell me about your menu.
We change our menu often. I now have my cousin Mario, aka #ELGORDO, on the truck who was a head chef for over fifteen years and he brings that experience to the food on a daily basis. We have authentic Argentinian street food with a crazy Che twist, everything is just fresh, fresh, fresh!
The famous Choripan
Where did the name Che come from, and what does it mean?
Che is the most popular word in Argentina and it’s equivalent to “EH” in Canada. It means, “Hey”, or “Hey you” or it can mean “Mate” or “Buddy”.
Che foodtruck
You’re new to the food truck scene in the city but what advice would you give someone looking to operate a truck here?
Be patient. It’s lots and lots of hard work. Also be ready to work long hours, but if you love it then you won’t mind it.
Why did you decide to launch a truck instead of a brick & mortar restaurant?
First of all it’s a lot less overhead but a lot more freedom, and I’ve always wanted to own a food truck.
What’s the best thing you’ve eaten from a truck, other than your own?
La Novela’s Cubano, well done brother!
Sebastian, James Cunningham and a choripan
What’s the best part of operating a food truck in Toronto?
I just love it! it’s amazing meeting all these people that love food. My favourite is when they come back for seconds.
How can people find your truck on a daily basis?
They can find us on Instagram, Twitter or on Facebook, we always post our locations and pictures of our awesome food.
Do you have any closing remarks for us?
I just wanted to say that without the support of my amazing family and friends this would not be possible. I quit my job at RBC after 5 years to follow my dream and I want to tell everyone that I’ve never been happier. Finally, I want to give a special thank you to the legend, #SammyG!
