Mono Malo

[Update 6/2011 - Closed]
Location: SW 9th and Alder

The Story:

North East Portland is the latest growth spot for new food carts here in the city. NE Alberta street has, for the last ten years, been a location where entrepreneurs can thrive. Even with the housing bubble and new fancy buildings being built, the street still attracts those who want to succeed. Food Carts are the new artist’s colony. Mono Malo, a cart that specializes in Spanish style tapas is one of the newest on the strip.

Tapas: traditionally defined as small dishes, appetizers or snacks. I remember the first time I had tapas here in Portland and was told the tradition was to just throw your napkin (in which the tapas was served) on the floor. I loved it. You could just wander around, try different items for less than a cup of coffee and freely litter. Outside of Mono Malo, I saw no napkins, so decided to not start that tradition.

Mono Malo

On a very wet and rainy Friday, I ventured up to visit Mono Malo and see what they had. After reviewing a menu of tapas and bocadillos (little sandwiches,) I decided upon a ración, a full meal, that would allow me to try a few different items and satisfy my craving for a burger. (Fridays are burger days.) The combo I enjoyed included a Hamburquesa, a croquette, patatas bravas (potatoes) and a salad. I dove into the croquette first because I am a sucker for aged Manchego cheese and Serrano ham that has been deep fried. A tasty little morsel. The hamburquesa was the crown of the meal. Made with cascade natural ground beef, the burger was what I was looking for that rainy day. I really enjoy that first bite when you taste the seasoned beef, whatever condiment they put on and make that discovery that you are going to enjoy that burger. Add in the salad and the potatoes and it was a well rounded meal and enjoyable on a cold day.

Mono Malo has been open now for about two weeks. The lot they are in is catering to the lunch to dinner and evening crowd. As of now, there are three carts there with a large awning covering some picnic tables so you can enjoy your food out of the rain. I understand a 4th cart is to join the lot that sounds intriguing. More on that when we hear it. Mono Malo does offer vegetarian options for their tapas. Next time you venture out to NE Alberta, check out Mono Malo and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

[Updated December 2010, Mono Malo moved to SW 9th and Alder]

Sample Menu:

• Patatas Bravas – fried red bliss potatoes in spicy tomato sauce with aioli – $2.75
• Croquettes – 3 per order – Serrano ham and Manchego cheese or Seasonal Vegetable – $4
• Tortilla Española – Spanish omelet – seasonal vegetables or chorizo and onion – $2.25 or $2.50
• Arugula Salad – with roasted beets, carrots, sherry poached raisins and sherry vinaigrette – $2.50
• Chicken Villaroy little sandwich – Draper valley chicken breast, romesco and arugula on Grand Central campagnola bread – $4
• Hamburquesa – Cascade Natural beef, Spanish slaw and smoked paprika aioli on soft roll – $4.50
• Queso Barra & Manchego Cheese – with sun dried tomatoes on grilled sourdough – $4
• Full meals with a combination of the above range from $6.50-$8.50

Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm
Phone: 503-964-0126
Contact: @MonoMaloFood on Twitter; FaceBook Page
Website: MonoMaloTapas.com