Food from the Mediterranean famously relies on olive oil; food from France—butter; but the foundation of food from Eastern Europe is sour cream. Omnipresent in our dough, sauces, and soups, it is this importance that makes us take the extra step of culturing our own.  

Smetana Food Truck was established in 2021, the culmination of owner and head chef Nick Valenta’s heritage, formal education, and professional experience across several industries, linked together by an unwavering curiosity and drive for excellence.  

Born and raised in Bristol, CT, Nick’s parents emigrated from Poland and the Czech Republic imploring him to get the formal education they never received. Their work ethic inspired Nick to become a lawyer, an advanced sommelier, and a chef.  

Having worked in numerous award-winning and Michelin-starred restaurants in NYC and CT, Nick’s life savings were spent opening a truck unlike most others—every item is cooked to order and there are no heat lamps or chafing dishes. He is committed to seasonal and responsibly sourced food of the highest quality. After all, just because it is a food truck, doesn’t mean there have to be shortcuts.