NYC Love Street Coffee no match for Mud Truck

June 15, 7:53 PMManhattan Food ExaminerMarlo Hunter

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I do love a juicy back story.  But I love even more when a good back story results in an even more delectable food-child.  Unfortunately, this is not the case for fraternal twins, The Mud Truck and the NYC Love Street Coffee Truck.  A tangerine hued staple in Astor Place for years, the Mud Truck has been serving delicious coffee drinks since March 5, 2001.  Stereo ablast, and Mud merchandise strewn along the truck's exterior, Mud is known for the atmosphere it creates outside Astor Place's uptown 6 train, as much as it is for its java. 

So a couple of days ago I'm with a friend in Union Square, hoping the Mud truck was parked just south of it, as I could have sworn it has been in the past.  And oh wait -- yes! I see it in the distance!  Er, um...I think I do.  The truck up ahead looks slightly more blood orange than tangerine.

But the font and the logo I can't quite make out also boast the Mud colors.  Am I seeing things? 

As I approach the truck, I note the absence of music;  rather, I'm greeted by the steady chortle of the exhaust pipe.  And one really unhappy looking dude inside who looked like he could have used a colorful Mud tee to brighten his mood.  Then I see the sign:  "NYC Love Street Coffee".  And below:  "Gormet" with a "u" hand-drawn in.  Hm.

"Are you guys associated with the Mud truck," I ask the guy.

"No."

"Oh.  Where are your beans from?"

"I have no idea."

"Ok. Um.  Do you have any paraphernalia?  Info on the company?"

"No." 

Alrighty.  I'll just take the coffee (with steamed milk, just like Mud).  Except the coffee is decidedly mediocre. 

Confused by the events at hand, I did a little research.   Apparently, the couple who started Mud coffee entered Splitsville a couple years back.  And one of the two (although I can't seem to track this info down), started a "so there" imitation truck to sell coffee also.  Unfortunately, it's not exactly sticking it to him (or her).  I have no love for this street coffee.  And perhaps they should get a barrista in there who doesn't look like they're in the the Stuck in Mud Truck.  Ok, I'm done.  I swear.

The original Mud Truck is parked in Astor Place Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm, and weekends from 10am-6pm.  A second truck is also parked in Sheridan Square, with the same hours.  And don't forget to visit the Mud Spot at 307 E. 9th St -- their covered back garden is fabulous in the summer!

The Love Truck's website is www.nyclovecoffee.com.  But I can't get it to work.