On the go and want Italian cuisine? Jilligans Kitchen food truck has a dish for you
A tropical theme may not seem appropriate for an Italian food truck, but Chris and Jill Ballard compromised as Jilligans Kitchen formed in Carlsbad.
“It was Chris’ idea. I wanted a tropical island scene, Chris said Jilligans Island. Jilligans Kitchen is where we landed,” she said.
Chris Ballard said his wife has always enjoyed cooking and had a dream of opening a food truck or restaurant.
“Everyone that has eaten her cooking has suggested she follow her dreams. This has been about 15 years in the works,” he said.
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Meet Chris and Jill Ballard
Chris, a Carlsbad native, has worked in the oilfields since graduating from college. Jill Ballard worked at the Rock Inn, a hotel, bar and restaurant in Holywell Green in the United Kingdom after graduating from high school.
“Her love for cooking started there (Rock Inn) and has driven her to Jilligans Kitchen,” Chris Ballard said.
Jilligans Kitchen opened in September 2023. Italian was not on the original menu for Jilligans. The food truck only began serving it because Italian food was something Carlsbad wanted, said the Ballards.
What is on the menu?
Lovers of Italian cuisine have a selection of lasagna, pasta Pomodoro, chicken alfredo and spaghetti.
Each entrée is served with a side of homemade rosemary garlic bread and tossed green salad with a drink.
Sauces and bread are made fresh daily and each order is made individually and takes 10 to 15 minutes, according to the Ballards.
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Do not forget dessert and a drink with your entrée
“We make all sorts of cheesecake flavors, but we usually have chocolate, lemon blueberry, banana pudding and either café mocha or tiramisu,” said Jill Ballard.
Jilligans Kitchen offers soft drinks, bottled water and a ginger lemonade slushie.
She said the idea for the ginger lemonade slushie came a year ago when her parents visited Carlsbad from the United Kingdom.
“My dad told me about all the great health benefits ginger has and told me about this ginger lemon drink he was buying back in the UK. Well of course he couldn’t find any here, so we decided to make some and I have drank it daily ever since,” Jill Ballard said.
Want to order?
Open from noon until 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday at 603 West Pierce Street behind Hot Shot Espresso.
Phone orders can be placed at 575-361-5406.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Jilligans Kitchen food truck offers a taste of Italy with tropical vibes
