Jul 22 2010
Oregon Ice Works
Location: SE 13th and Lexington
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 12:30-8 or 9pm
The Story:
Summer is here and it brings the heat. While Portland doesn’t experience the heat like the south or the muggy conditions like the east cost, when the mercury crosses 80, we start to sweat and seek out the nearest water. Portlander’s also look for cool treats and the food carts are satisfying these needs. Oregon Ice Works opened in spring to bring Portland an alternative to the traditional dairy ice cream.
Kevin Bell is the brains behind Oregon Ice Works and the creator of the treats on the menu. He keeps it pretty simple for the ice items – fresh fruit or herbs like mint or cilantro, organic cane sugar and ice. Put it all together and you have Italian Ice, Oregon style. I understand Kevin is from Philadelphia or at least spent some time there. His Oregon Ice is similar to what the Philadelphians know as water ice, something they say can only be found there. Thank Kevin for providing Portland with our version of this cool icy pleasure.
The flavors offered by Oregon Ice Works are ever changing from lemon or blueberry to boyznberry or razzberry and even vanilla coconut or mojito, there is always something to cool you down. [his z's] We tried the bozynberry and blueberry on a hot Saturday afternoon while wandering the streets of Sellwood. Italian Ice is mostly flavor of the fruit and sugar. Unlike ice cream which has that creamy velvety texture, Italian Ice just quickly melts on your tongue and presents you that burst of sour or sweet, depending on the choice of fruit. With the boyznberry and blueberry, our mouths were tart for an hour. Both were great and half way through, we traded. I love visiting the carts with others – I get to try more items.
Sellwood is lucky to have this great cart this summer. 13th street is a busy hub of activity most weekends with shoppers visiting the antique shops that neighborhood is famous for. If you’ve never been down there, check it out and stop on by Oregon Ice Works. You won’t be disappointed. Let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.
Sample Menu:
Italian ice sizes:
- Kids: 1 scoop – $2; 2 scoops $3.50
- Adult: 1 scoop – $3; 2 scoops $4.50
- Smoothe: $4.75
Some available flavors: lemon, boyznberry, razzberry, mango-pine, passion pit, pineapple, blueberry, vanilla coconut, mojito
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday: 12:30-8pm; Thursday: 12:30-9pm; Friday-Saturday, 12:30-9:30pm
Facebook: Oregon Ice Works
Oregon Ice Works definately hits the spot on a hot day! Their ices and smoothies are wonderful and refreshing and Kevin is a really nice guy. Go here and go here often.
We stopped by this afternoon and the ices were amazing. Fresh, sweet, tart and cool. We will definitely be back. Thanks!
As soon as our two sons saw the “Italian Ice” sign over the Oregon Ice Works cart, they wanted to try one. Our older son had a raspberry/mango smoothie which he loved and our younger one had a raspberry icy which was just delicious! Since we are from out of state, luckily I had read up on the Portland food cart scene before coming. We have really enjoyed trying so many of the carts & meeting the friendly people who run them! All of the food has just been fabulous!
And Oregon kombucha– which we poured over our coconut ‘nilla scoop. Intriguing and fresh alternative to gelatos. Quality ingredients and bright flavors.