"Our food is based on classics with some added inspiration from living abroad," says Steele Johnson of the newly opened Rainy Day Gourmet. After studying culinary arts at Seattle Central Community College, Johnson made for Florence, Italy where he found more than delicious pasta. "There I met my wife, Laura. She is Italian and keeps our food real."

Real, and inspired. Mousse is made with Nutella, for instance, and pulled pork, that ubiquitous curbside edible, is freshened up with balsamic. A grilled cheese is loaded with truffled mushrooms and aged cheddar—gourmet, and ideal rainy day grub indeed.

Here, Johnson pulls over for a few questions—and tells us more about that grilled cheese.

What items sells out first? Truffled mushroom grilled cheese. Always, and for good reason.

What else should I try? Rigatoni with wild boar ragu. It’s different and wildly tasty.

What item will you never reveal the recipe for? We don’t hide much. If someone wants to know, we tell them. It’s a real compliment.

If you could park anywhere in the city, where would it be? Green Lake on a sunny day. People are outside enjoying themselves—it’s a happy place.

Best part of the city relaxing street food regulations: Food trucks are everywhere now. So many choices. You can get great food cheap and on the go.

When I’m not in my truck you can find me eating at… Green Leaf Vietnamese restaurant in the International District or Molly Moon’s.