by Erin Bosetti

A new food truck has popped up in south Ballard, near the now shuttered Two Bit Saloon (4810 17th Ave NW). Basil and Javi’s (pronounced ha-vi) is a vegan wonderland bringing delicious fresh ingredients to Ballardites on the go and those taking in the various breweries in the area looking for a bite.

Named after two of owner Evan Cox’s favorite cats, the truck is committed to sustainable practices and excellent products.

“My wife and I are vegan and wanted to see what we could do to bring it to the mainstream,” says Cox. "We want to do fresh vegan takes on classics."

Their business practices are incredibly respectable.

“The whole philosophy [behind the business] is trying to be, in general, sustainable, socially and economically, with our products”.

This means that Basil and Javi are sourcing the freshest and most local ingredients possible, reducing their carbon footprint.

They are also taking care of their employees. Starting pay at Basil and Javi’s is $15 an hour, which is not something that most Ballard restaurants and bars can also say.

Another cool thing about this vegan emporium is that the menu, developed by cooks Harold Dodd and Ben Tatton, is specifically formulated for omnivores palates. Basil and Javi want to pique the interest of even the most carnivorous of diners, and they don’t specifically target vegans. Neither Dodd nor Tatton are vegans, but their goal is to simply make food that tastes good and appealing to everyone, and it shows.

This reporter tried the sweet potato burger, which also came with delightfully crispy fries. The sweet potato and lentil patty was delicious, but the fresh topping of cilantro, tomatoes and roasted tomato remoulade made the dish really shine. You can tell that Cox’s claim that Basil and Javi’s ingredients will be the freshest around is no lie, and the truck is definitely worth checking out!