Four new food trucks, and one new place to find them

Though most signifiers of summer have been elusive so far (note to the sun: You can come out any time now), the summer food-truck explosion is right on target. Just today we counted four new trucks that have, or will soon, hit the streets, and one new weekly summit at which to catch them. Here are the deets:

1. Strawberry cupcakes, salted brown butter rice krispy treats, apple sour cream coffee cake and fresh lemonade. Those were just some of the items on the opening menu of the Alexander Beetle Bakeshop, which started rolling Tuesday. The baker behind these unique creations is 18-year-old Leah Koch. Track the youngster and her lilac-colored ride on Twitter: @alexbeebakeshop.

2. Tested and perfected on the streets of St. Louis, the Falafelwich Wagon (@falafelwich) will start hawking its Mediterranean pita sandwiches in late July. All the sandwich contents are made fresh daily, and the pita is baked in a wood-fired oven on the North Side. The original vegetarian "falafelwich" will go for $6; chicken or beef versions for $7; and a watermelon-and-basil infused lemonade for $2.50. The wagon will cruise seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

3. Strawberry pie, banana toffee pie, even pablano cheese pie. That's right, people: We're getting a pie truck. Bang Bang Pie and Coffee Show hits the streets on July 6 and opens a cafe at Fullerton and Kimball in early August. Husband and wife owners Dave and Megan Miller split duties for the business: She does the pie, he handles the coffee. The pie is baked fresh daily using as many local and organic ingredients as possible, including house-churned butter. The pies are sold by the miniature pie rather than by the slice for $4–$8 each; coffee is $2. Look for the Millers and their mosaic truck daily starting at 10 or 11am around Wicker Park, Logan Square and near 600 W Chicago. Bang Bang will also be camping out by various bars including California Clipper and Archie’s for the late-night pie lovers. Find 'em on Twitter: @bangbangcoffee.

4. Sick of fro-yo yet? Neither are we. Which is why we appreciate the news that Starfruit Cafe will hit the streets with its frozen kefir (similar to frozen yogurt, but with a tarter taste) this weekend at Taste of Chicago. Keep an eye out for the pink Mercedes Sprinter at other city events throughout the summer, or track the Flat Belly Truck's location on Facebook to score a cold, sweet, low-calorie treat.

Wait, what's that? You don't feel like tracking these trucks on Twitter? We hear that. Luckily you can soon get your food truck on at Truckin' Thursdays. Starting June 30, seven food trucks will set up shop in Ethyl's Beer & Wine Dive's parking lot at 324 S Racine Ave every week from 6–9pm. Gaztro-wagon, Southern Mac, Meatyballs Mobile, 5411 Empanadas, Haute Sausage, Flirty Cupcakes and Sweet Ride are set to park next week. 324 S Racine Ave (312-433-0007).