Mar 09 2010
Valhalla Sandwich Co.
Location: SW 9th and Alder
The Story:
You may know Valhalla Sandwiches from when they were in SE Portland down behind Dollar Scholar in 2009. In the past six months, they have done some moving about and even acquired a new cart. Now located at SW 9th and Alder, Valhalla Sandwich Co. is a great new addition to that Pod.
I first heard about Valhalla Sandwiches last summer via Twitter and emails. At that time, with a new cart opening almost daily, I was never able to make it out to their SE location before they closed and announced their move downtown. When winter came, we saw their panel truck parked at the corner of SW 4th and Hall. I ventured down a couple of times, but they were always closed. Finally, in January, we saw tweets about the new cart moving to SW 9th and Alder and they reopened in February. I guess SW 4th and Hall had some challenges with power and they were unable to get their equipment running properly there – thus the move.
Horseradish, cheddar, avocado and mushroom
Valhalla Sandwich Co. makes some great panini style grilled sandwiches. When we visited, they had veggie and vegan options, but in talking with Matthew Woodward, the owner, we learned that they will be adding more items to the menu (meat) in March. My lunch partner and I decided to try two different sandwiches and then trade halves so we could both enjoy the different options. (I love this idea and am going to recommend it to all my lunch partners so I can keep trying their food.) I had the horseradish, cheddar, avocado and mushroom sandwich and my partner ordered the pear, Gorgonzola and brie sandwich. Both came with some grilled hand cut home fries and a sun dried tomato ketchup. The star of the day was the pear and Gorgonzola/brie sandwich. With a thick slice of pear and that melted cheese, I wasn’t sure if it would work, but it did. After my first bite, I couldn’t put it down and stop raving about it. A simple sandwich with a ton of flavor. The other sandwich was equally tasty with just a hint of horseradish. Don’t let that scare you off.
Pear, Gorgonzolla and Brie
I have been a big fan of Portland’s new sandwich options and I put Valhalla on the list as a new destination spot. Tucked in a spot next to Spella Cafe, Valhalla is a great new lunch option. They have had some challenges the past few months with their move, but are taking it in stride and moving forward. Drop on by, enjoy a sandwich and tell them Food Carts Portland sent ya.
Sample Menu:
All grilled sandwiches on Grand Central bread and served with home fries
- Horseradish, cheddar, avocado and mushroom sandwich – $5
- Pear, Gorgonzola and brie – $5
- Sharp cheddar, fontina and tomato – $5
- Vegan cheese and tomato – $5
- Vegan ham and cheese – $6
- The B.S.T.A – vegan bacon, spinach, tomato and avocado – $7
- Homemade juices – varies daily – $2
Hours: Monday through Friday, 11am-4pm
Twitter: ValhallaCartPdx
I’ve heard a lot of stuff online about how this is an “all-veg” cart, etc. I think it’s important to note that it’s not (which obviously isn’t a huge deal but can be misleading). It was somewhat confusing because the sandwiches say “bacon, ham, …” and they are vegan bacon, ham, etc. and the special also said the same and was made of real meat. So, if you order a special that’s not listed under the vegan section and you are vegan, be careful.
Anyway, I had the Pear, Gorgonzolla and Brie sandwich and it was awesome. I’ll be coming back for sure.