Bobby-Q

July 31, 2012 by 1 Comment
Bobby-Q

Bobby-Q

CLOSED

Location: N Fremont and Vancouver
Hours: Mon-Sat, 12-8pm

The Story:

The area around N Fremont and Vancouver has been changing slowly over the last 15 years. I remember a commercial truck tire company on the corner that hosted some amazing graffiti before it was torn down. On another corner, where Franz Bread use to be, construction has begun on a new grocery store for the neighborhood. All the while, the former gas station has been home to budding entrepreneurs setting up car washes, a flower shop, a dry cleaner and now hosts three international food carts. Bobby-Q is the latest to join.

When I saw the name a few weeks ago, I chuckled. A great take on BBQ with a twist. While my order was being prepped, I asked the robust chef if he was Bobby – indeed he was. He went on to tell me as a chef in Japan, his peers would call him BobbyQ and it just stuck. Bobby-Q serves up a myriad of BBQ dishes and more. You can get sausages, ribs, chicken and even fried catfish. I believe that some of the best catfish I’ve had has been at BBQ joints.

Rib Tip dinner from Bobby-Q

Rib Tip dinner from Bobby-Q

While watching one of the many food network shows recently, they were in a midwestern town talking BBQ and kept referring to rib tips. I’ve had ribs, but never rib tips, the end of the ribs that are usually left on the butchers floor and require a different approach with slow cooking. I thought I would try Bobby’s out. A large plate of five chunks of rib tips greeted me flanked by potato salad and smoky collard greens. While I had a couple of napkins in hand, I needed more. Instead of being delicate, I just dove in, got messy and the meat fell off the cartilage. So good. The sauce was a bit sweet, but mostly it was there to accent the pork instead of hide it. The tips were top notch. The greens were crazy smoky. I’d never had them prepared like that and initially, it was difficult to eat, but after a couple of bites, I couldn’t get enough of that smoke. Reminded me of being at a cookout.

Bobby-Q is a great addition to the lot at Fremont and Vancouver, adding BBQ to the eclectic international cuisine offered by the other carts. If you’re craving a hotlink or maybe some brisket or a half a chicken, check them out. Let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

  • Hotlink Sandwich – $4
  • Sausage Sandwich – $4
  • Ribs Sandwich- $9
  • Chopped Chicken Sandwich – $7
  • Brisket Sandwich – $8
  • Ribs Dinner with 2 sides – $12
  • Rib Tips with 2 sides – $11
  • 1/2 Chicken dinner with 2 sides – $11
  • Fried Catfish dinner with 2 sides – $11
  • Sides, $3: collard greens, cabbage, mac & cheese, potato salad, fried okra

Hours: Mon-Sat, 12-8pm
Phone: 503 839 0578
Facebook: Bobby-Q

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Filed Under: CLOSED CARTS

Inasal Filipino BBQ

July 28, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Inasal Filipino BBQ

Inasal Filipino BBQ

Location: SE 48th and Division
Hours: Mon-Fri, 11am-8pm; Sat, 12-5pm

The Story:

Driving down Division street, you can’t miss the sunset orange 70′s era RV parked at the corner of SE 48th and Division. It screams “VISIT ME.” So I did and enjoyed a nice lunch from Inasal Filipino BBQ.

Inasal is the latest cart to take over the corner spot of the D-48 food cart pod. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by a couple of BBQ grills working their magic with chicken and pork. The dishes at Inasal, most served with a side of rice and steamed vegetables, include Sesame Beef, Orange Chicken, BBQ Pork Skewers and what I enjoyed, the Insasal Chicken. While looking over the choices, the robust owner and chef leaned out the window and heartily recommended it, stating he ate it every day when he was living in the Philippines. Breasts of chicken marinated in a unique blend of spices and then grilled, yet what makes it special is the basting sauce that is unique to the region. I understand there are whole chains of restaurants that focus solely on Inasal chicken dishes in the Philippines. Served with bright white rice and a salty dipping sauce, the chicken was moist and flavorful with hints of ginger and lemongrass and even a sweetness as if a sugary drink was used in the marinade. Researching recipes tells me they sometimes use lemon soda in the marinade. The dipping sauce paired well with the chicken and rice, adding a saltiness that wasn’t over the top, but just right.

Inasal Filipino BBQ is open daily for lunch and into the evening for dinner. While there, they did a brisk business of the BBQ pork skewers, so obviously the neighborhood loves pork on a stick. Drop on by and check them out and let them know Food Carts Portland.

Sample Menu:

  • Inasal Chicken – BBQ chicken with dipping sauce and rice – $7
  • Orange Chicken – breaded chicken with rice and orange sauce – $7
  • Sesame Beef – sliced beef with veggies and rice – $7
  • BBQ Pork Skewer – with rice – $7
  • Bihun Speicla – Filipino noodles with rice, chicken, 2 lumpia and a pork skewer – $10
  • Sinigan na Baboy – pork soup with veggies – $8

Hours: Mon-Fri, 11am-8pm; Sat, 12-5pm
Contact:unknown

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Filed Under: CLOSED CARTS

Trinidad Doubles

July 26, 2012 by 6 Comments
Cleopatra's Kitchen

Cleopatra’s Kitchen

Location: SE 13th and Lexington in Sellwood
Hours: Mon-Sat, 11:30-7:30, Sun, 12-8pm

The Story:

Sellwood has long been a hub for street food vendors. While many upstarts head to the larger lots where they get traffic from the collective sum of eaters, Sellwood is known for having single carts who do really well over the years. The success of those early carts helped make the lot at SW 13th and Lexington a hug of street for for the neighborhood. Cleopatra’s Kitchen Trinidad Doubles, the newest cart on the lot offers up Mediterranean cuisine.

Cleopatra’s Kitchen has been open for a few months now, with Sarah, the owner, having  taken the cart and menu over from the previous owner. The chef stayed and does his magic behind the grill. While the cart offers true Mediterranean cuisine like beef kafta and falafel and dolmas, Sarah is introducing something new items never seen before in Portland – Trinidad Doubles. Doubles are two fried breads with curry chickpea filling and a sweet and spicy green mango sauce. A Caribbean-Indian fusion street food. Having just heard about it and it being on my mind, I mentioned it to a cab driver in New Orleans and he almost crashed so surprised someone knew about this amazing street food from his country. Small world. The Trinidad Doubles hit the cart this week, so I haven’t tried them, but am eager to visit the cart again.

Falafel from Cleopatra's Kitchen

Falafel from Cleopatra’s Kitchen

I’m an eater and return to the same foods over and over again to figure out the nuances. I tell myself it is research to discover who’s doing what that differentiates them from the others. I did it for burgers awhile back and now I’m finding myself eating a lot of falafel where there is a ton of variety. Lebanese, Egyptian, Iraqi or Syrian. Each cart has their own recipe and I’m hard pressed to discover one I don’t like. Cleopatra’s Kitchen falafel was made fresh as I waited and you could tell by that first soft bite. Still warm from frying, the outer fried shell was not hardened by the cooking process. While browned, I loved that it just mixed in with the fresh vegetables and tahini sauce to create a mix of everything. I found myself reaching in and pulling out the falafel to eat by itself instead of in the sandwich it was so good. Soft and flavorful and oh so delicious.

Cleopatra’s Kitchen Trinidad Doubles is open daily for lunch through dinner right on the corner of SE 13th and Lexington in the Sellwood neighborhood. There are covered picnic tables behind the cart for anyone to sit at and get out of the elements. It was great to talk with Sarah about her new menu item. She is so excited to introduce Portland to the Trinidad Doubles. Drop on by soon, check them out and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

[Cleopatra's Kitchen was renamed to Trinidad Doubles in 2012]

Sample Menu:

  • Falafel Sandwich – $6
  • Dolma – 75c each
  • Chicken Schawarma Sandwich – $7.50
  • Lamp Gyro – $6.50
  • Beef Kafta – $6.50
  • Lamb Plate – $7
  • Trinidad Doubles – 2 for $1.25

Hours: Mon-Sat, 11:30-7:30, Sun, 12-8pm
Phone: 503 388 1809
Website: CleopatrasKitchen.com

Filed Under: Dinner, Falafel, Greek, Gyros, Lunch, Mediterranean, Sandwiches, SE 13th and Lexington, Vegan Options, Vegetarian Options, Weekends

The Fix

July 23, 2012 by 5 Comments

Location: SW 5th and Oak
Hours: 8am-6pm, Mon-Fri

The Story: At many food carts, the portions and size of the dishes are so substantial; one has no choice but to eat at a table with a knife and fork. Sometimes, it’s refreshing to visit a cart where the food is truly mobile. Something you can carry in your hand and eat on the go. The empanadas coming from The Fix are just such items—flaky, homemade crust encompassing a delicious filling.

It was lunchtime, and the pod at 5th and Oak was hopping with corporate denizens and street kids alike. Tucked away on the corner of this pod, facing Oak Street, is The Fix. Owners Dylan and James were inspired by a recent trip to Argentina, and motivated by Dylan’s girlfriend Lourdes, who kept searching for a cart in Portland with truly authentic empanadas.

Hungry for lunch, I decided to try two savory empanadas, and a sweet one for dessert. I started with the Green Mafia—filled with spinach, mushrooms and ricotta cheese. The flavor was mellow and balanced, which was a perfect compliment for the chipotle mango sauce. Next was El Jefe—a beef picadillo made in the Cuban style, with potatoes, peppers and olives. This empanada was rich and flavorful on its own, but when paired with the chimichurri sauce, it was heaven. The chimichurri sauce is a perfect blend of herbs and spices, and was so delicious I would like to buy it on its own!

Empanadas from The Fix

Empanadas from The Fix

For dessert, I tried the Runaway Goat, an empanada filled with goat cheese, almonds and raspberries from Sauvie Island. The smooth and sweet goat cheese tamed the spiciness of the El Jefe. I really enjoyed the texture, a balance between the crunchy almonds and the smooth cheese. After three empanadas, I was pleasantly full and happy.

The Fix has many vegetarian options, as well as breakfast and smoothies. Lunch combinations are available; $6 gets you one empanada and one side, and $8 covers one empanada, two sides and a drink. Availability of the sides vary, but may include Ceveggie—a vegetarian ceviche with corn & black beans, Mexi Slaw, or Caprese salad. The Fix accepts all major credit cards, with a $5 minimum purchase. Let them know Food Carts Portland sent you.

Sample Menu:

Empanadas, $4 a la Carte for first, $3 each additional

Savory

  • Neptuna: Tuna, minced olives, capers and peppers
  • Green Giant: Asparagus, portabello and crimini mushrooms, onions, garlic & sunflower seeds
  • El Jefe: Cuban style beef picadillo with potatoes, peppers, olives, tomatoes & raisins
  • Lambada: Fried plantains, black beans, onions & garlic
  • Green Mafia: Spinach, ricotta cheese, onions & mushrooms

Sweet

  • The Guru: Coconut, conconut cream, dates, cashews, almonds & spices.
  • Runaway Goat: Sweetened goat cheese, almonds and honey-sweetened jam from Sauvie Island raspberries.
  • Cocoa Loco: Dark chocolate, banana & dulce de leche (or almond butter)

Smoothies, $5 each

  • Ava Maria: Honey-sweetened avocado with Holy kakao chocolate syrup
  • Cocado: Avocado with coconut cream and lime.
  • Orange Julio: Mango coconut cream.
  • Cooler Than U: Icy watermelon and cucumber with raspberry.
  • Monkey Puzzle: Banana milkshake.

Hours: 8am-6pm, Mon-Fri
Phone: 503.893.4FIX
Facebook: The Fix Food Cart
Twitter: @TheFixFoodCart

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Filed Under: Argentinian, Debit/Credit Carts Accepted, Downtown, Lunch, Smoothies & Fresh Juices, South American, SW 5th and Oak, Vegetarian Options

Papa-Pau!

July 21, 2012 by 7 Comments
Papa-Pau!

Papa-Pau!

CLOSED
Location: SE 32nd and Hawthorne
Hours: Wed-Sun, 11am-midnight

The Story:

Standing there at the intersection of Folsom and 24th in San Francisco last summer, I watched the zombies in food induced coma as they moved from cart to cart at the San Francisco Street Food Festival. Among the legit carts participating there were a few going rogue. Little push carts selling bacon wrapped hot dogs with tons of toppings. Little did I know that these were traditional Sonoran dogs and now Portland has its first cart serving them up – Papa-Pau!

Luis Miramontes grew up in Sonora, a northern state in Mexico south of Arizona. His parents started with one of those push carts selling Sonoran dogs and grew the business to have twelve. Luis smiled and chuckled remembering his high school years spent wrapping hot dogs for the family business. Luis went on to school and became a plan reviewer until recently when he and his wife decided to pursue a food cart. Since there are already plenty of Mexican trucks throughout the city, Luis decided to try what he new best – his mother’s recipe. She gave it up, including how to make the homemade bun for the dog. I love hearing these types of stories. Every Sonoran dog they serve tells a generational story.

Sonoran Hot Dog

Sonoran Hot Dog

The Sonoran hot dog is either pork or beef, wrapped with bacon, grilled and topped with a huge list of condiments – chopped tomatoes and onions, pinto beans, grilled onions, mustard, mayo, jalapenos, guacamole, and cotija cheese. You can add more if you want – he has a giant list. The bun that carries all this is unique with both ends closed creating what Luis called an accordion that can hold both the dog and all the tasty additions. The bun also keeps everything together while you eat. Nothing squirts out the back or drops out the bottom and they are made in the cart. The dog was superb, a good quality dog mixed with the cold condiments and grilled onions made me smile. I just sat there, eating, listening to the wind waft through the trees while Mexican pop music played in the background.

Papa-Pau! has only been open for a couple of weeks and Luis already says they’ve been discovered. A group of men from sister state Sinaloa came on the second day of opening and had dinner at the cart for the next 9 days. This is a taste of home for them. Papa-Pau! is open Sunday-Thursday, 11am-midnight, Friday from 11am-9:30pm and then closed for the day on Saturday. They re-open for Saturday night at 9pm. Drop on by, say hi to Luis and his wife and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

[Papa-Pau! has moved to SE 32nd and Hawthorne in November 2012]

Sample Menu:

The cart serves up the Sonoran style bacon wrapped hot dog with your choice of condiments and additions. You can get a Pork or Beef dog for $5 or a grilled turkey wiener for $4.

Hours: Wed-Sun, 11am-midnight
Phone: 503 890 3853
Facebook: Papa-Pau!

Filed Under: CLOSED CARTS Tagged With:
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