Looks like we’ve got us a convoy! (In Milton and Rehoboth)

Breaker one-nine! This here’s Rubber Duck. I’m hungry!” Well, the Food Truck Takeover (with apologies to C.W. McCall) is upon us. And we shall eat better because of it. It’s no secret that Milton’s Truckin’ Tuesdays has been an unqualified success. It’s an impressive sight: A phalanx of wheeled eateries circle the proverbial wagons, and fire up the generators to feed hordes of hungry guests hankerin’ for something different.

Of course, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. With that in mind, the folks at Epworth UMC on Holland Glade Road were so impressed by Milton’s homage to rolling restauranting they put together one of their own. It’s not really a competition - Milton is Milton and Rehoboth is Rehoboth, and Epworth’s event is on Fridays. But they both help bolster one another’s attendance, as fans of any particular truck can bring even more people to one or the other event. And it gives us a chance to try out even more of the local (more or less) food trucks!

Regarding the “imitation” comment above, Epworth organizers Susan Selph and Reber Whitner wrote this in their press release: “We are also grateful to Lisa Sumstine of the Milton Chamber, who came up with the brilliant idea of ‘Truckin’ Tuesday’ and worked so hard to convince vendors that it was worth their while to do small-town events. All credit for success starts with her.”

Last Friday’s event at Epworth included New Castle County’s Mama Mia (with eggplant parmesan poppers, zucchini parmesan fries and meatball subs), and our very own Zogg’s Sea Hogg with the fish tacos that made that little taste of Key West on Wilmington Avenue so popular. Attendees also enjoyed Sherri’s Crab Cakes; brats, pierogis and galumpkis from Maxie’s Grill; and Indonesian curry and satay from Jakarta’s. The casual vibe continued with former NYC mounted police officer Phil Manfra’s Hot Dogs at the Beach (you can’t miss the iconic Sabrett’s umbrellas), Steve Ruiz’ Mojo Loco (ahi burgers, short rib grilled cheese, falafel and more) and the SnoYo mobile showcasing Hopkins Farm Creamery ice cream. And a heartfelt mazel tov to Warren Rosenfeld’s Jewish DeliMobile’s maiden voyage bringing geshmak O.C.-based noshes to Rehoboth Beach.

Epworth’s event raises funds for the Food and Love Soup Kitchen and Epworth Skate Park. It runs from 5 to 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Friday of each month through November. By the way, I appreciate your emails asking why the event ends at 7. It’s simple: These are food trucks; not C.W.’s 18-wheelers. They can only carry so much food. In fact, Susan Selph tells me most of the vendors ran out of provisions around 7. So don’t hesitate to have yourself planted firmly in line at 5 p.m.

Susan is enthusiastic about all the vendors, and tells me that they are happy to take part in the new fundraiser. Tri Sari, chef/owner of Jakarta’s, says they are always looking for new opportunities to showcase Indonesian food. Lori Suglia of Mama Mia says she has cooked for homeless shelters and has done a lot of volunteer work over the years.

“We hope that a lot of people come and have dinner for a good cause,” said co-organizer Reber Whitner, who co-manages Epworth’s soup kitchen with Penny MacLennan. She hoped that people would come not only for a good dinner but to support a good cause. And they did. “It’s a win-win,” says Selph. Those of us who made it to the inaugural event couldn’t agree more. Intrigued? Stroll through Food Truck Alley next Friday, Sept. 25, at Epworth UMC on Holland Glade Road. You’ll be glad you did.

Bob Yesbek is a serial foodie and can be reached at byesbek@CapeGazette.com.