New Mexican food truck opens on east side

Tuesday, May 7 — Across the street from El Oasis on Francis Avenue is a new Mexican food truck specializing in seafood tacos, quesadillas, burritos and more. It opened on Cinco de Mayo. 

 Nita’s Cocina is Dave and Nita Fedewa’s first food truck after working in the restaurant industry for years. They coined the term “Mexclectic” to describe their Mexican inspired dishes. 

 “This is the food we have been making for our family and friends,” Dave Fedewa said. “We decided to bring it here. We both love food and love people who love food.” 

 Every item on the menu is below $10, including Nita’s fish platter, a Mexican take on fish and chips drizzled with cilantro lime aioli. 

The food truck takes a similar approach as the former Streetkitchen on Michigan Avenue, operating as a food truck from the outside with tables and chairs in an indoor space. 

The space was the former lobby of a car dealership. It now has a tropical palm tree and beach theme courtesy Lansing artist Domingo Gamboa. 

A food truck wasn’t in the plans at first, Dave Fedewa said. The couple looked at purchasing a building in Traverse City to open up a restaurant in but was advised by a friend that a food truck could be more lucrative and flexible. 

Opening a food truck became the couple’s mission last year and the hunt for suitable vehicles began, Dave Fedewa said. 

They settled on a Ford van, renovating it into a food truck with a 1948 Woody wood-paneled wagon theme. 

Though the food truck is directly across from El Oasis, Nita Fedewa doesn’t see it as a problem. 

 “Our menu isn’t the same as theirs. Theirs is authentic Mexican while ours is a twist on Mexican food. There are not too many comparisons.” 

Nita Fedewa learned to cook from her mother growing up in Texas, still employing her recipes with every dish. “There are no shortcuts here,” Dave Fedewa said. “Every batch of beans gets a ham hock and every side of rice is cooked in a skillet.” 

The restaurant portion has a capacity of 24. Outdoor seating is available. 

“I’ve been in the restaurant business all my life, raising my kids working as a waitress and putting them through school. It is in my blood,” Nita Fedewa said.