One of these is not a food truck

It was Mobile madhouse once again, a bit saner than the first Chowdown clusterfeed three months ago (more seating, more toilets, Top Pot donuts) but still a sad commentary on the American diet: 20,000 Seattle mouths navigating to an Interbay parking lot to get stuffed with street food.

Virtually the only commenters who pronounced the first event a success were its boosterish sponsors, Seattle Magazine, but down in Portland they've got it right: they tie the food carts down in pods, with water and power provided, right downtown (and in several leafy nabes as well), and they're a big hit. Attempts to create similar amenities locally, in a park, say, have been met with typical Seattle pussyfooting (health department concerns, parks department concerns, etc.) C'mon, gang, our own Marination Mobile has been named America's Favorite Food Cart by no less an authority than Good Morning America! Don't let these trucks run amok like stray dogs, tie them down! Mr. Mayor, are you listening?