[Update: Closed June 2011]
Location: SW 9th and Alder
The Story:
Portland always gets teased by a false spring in late February and early March. The sun is out, the air warms and the crocus bloom. We start wearing short sleeves and begin sitting out on the deck at the local bar. Then, without much notice, winter returns with a bang and we’re back in the gray, rainy, windy weather we’re use to here in Portland. I call that soup weather and north Portland can now welcome The Kettle Kitchen to the neighborhood serving up hot soups daily.
The Kettle Kitchen is owned and operated by the culinary team of Gina Dewald & JR Huntington. I met Gina the other day when I visited for a nice bowl of Indian Curry and Shrimp soup. Gina stated that they make new soups daily, source locally, and usually have four to choose from along with different biscuit options. As the weather warms, they plan on offering cold soups also like gazpacho or cold cucumber soup. She even mentioned something about fruit soups which I have never tasted nor thought of, so I’m excited to see what they come up with.
The Indian Curry and Shrimp soup I enjoyed had a wonderfully complex flavor. It took me awhile to figure out what it was that I was tasting and then it came to me – coconut milk. The soup was full of nicely chopped onions that had taken on the flavor of the curry and milk along with a nice pinch of cilantro. The soup is prepared without the shrimp, so it is vegan. The sauteed shrimp can be added at your choosing for a more complex flavor profile. I simply loved it. Along with the soup came a jalapeno and cheddar homemade biscuit.
The Kettle Kitchen is a great addition to the neighborhood. Overlook and Arbor Lodge will benefit from having a place to grab a simple yet complex soup either by the cup, bowl or quart. Glancing over at their Facebook page, I see they plan on offering up granola with yogurt parfaits on the weekend. If you are chilly or just want a down home style meal, check out The Kettle Kitchen and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.
[Updated Feb, 2011 - cart moved to downtown Portland]
Sample Menu:
Soups change daily, so check their Facebook page for updates
Cup: $4; Bowl: $6; Quart to go $12 – all soups come with biscuit
- Indian shrimp and curry: spicy curry soup made with coconut milk. sauteed shrimp can be added
- Barley fagioli: Italian bean soup made with carrots, basil and barley – vegan
- Cream of broccoli
- Guinness Chili: a beer based hearty chili
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-2pm
Facebook: The Kettle Kitchen
I LOVE their soups. Well actually I’ve had the Tortilla twice, it’s really good. And now they’ve got a combo deal that comes with soup, a loaded biscuit and a really good soda for $7. Can’t wait to see what they come up with for summer…me thinks ceviche?
The Carrot Ginger soup is amazing and I think I could eat it every day! I also had the Black Pepper & Gorgonzola Biscuit which was also great. I look forward to trying more soups.