FARMacy Cafe and Food Truck: Mexican Fusion at its Finest

by Beth Miller-Herholtz

Mexican fusion is a perfect way to describe FARMacy Cafe and Food Truck. Fusion is simply a term used when a cuisine combines elements of different culinary traditions. Thanks to Jessica and Gabino Lino, we can enjoy the delicious combination of his Mexican roots and her holistic nutrition roots, both of which appear throughout their creative offerings. 

Jessica is an outgoing, “never met a stranger” kind of  person who is both passionate and knowledgeable about the importance of organic, local ingredients that fuel our bodies, minds, and spirits. Simply stated, “What we eat matters.” It is this passion that has led her to collaborate with local organic farmers who produce everything from hormone-free, pasture-raised eggs to responsibly raised fruits and vegetables. She’ll even find a way to add a touch of superfoods, like kale and spirulina, into their recipes. 

Gabino is happy to let his skills in the kitchen speak to us from the plate to the fork. He was raised in a very small town in Mexico, where they relied on the fruits and vegetables they grew in their home garden. He’s adapted their family recipe for salsa and created a unique spice blend to enhance the flavors found throughout FARMacy’s menu. You can even take a bottle of the hot sauce home with you!

What started as a food truck has morphed into a takeout cafe on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall in the CODE building courtyard. If that wasn’t enough to keep them busy, they also provide catering to small to mid-size groups. I stopped by the cafe where I saw the team in action. A steady stream of customers came through the door, including several regulars. I selected the Pico Burrito with carne asada and a mild salsa to enjoy while sitting outside listening to the water fountains. I can’t think of a better way to spend a lunch break.

FARMacy Cafe is Located at 222 West Main St., with hours Monday-Thursday 10am – 3pm, and Friday 10am – 2pm. Look for their award-winning food truck at local establishments like Fridays after Five, Ting Pavilion concerts, Carters Mountain, Boars Head Resort, UVA events, and more. Their list of venues changes month to month so keep an eye on their social media for the latest stops. No matter how you choose to dine with FARMacy, you’ll be sure to nourish your body while satisfying your cravings!

Photo credit: Beth Miller-Herholtz