Da Fat Boyz BBQ

dieselboi
August 28, 2013 Written by dieselboi 1 Comment
Da Fat Boyz BBQ

Da Fat Boyz BBQ

Location: SE 82nd and Harney – Cartlandia
Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays from 11am to 6pm 

The Story: Competition BBQ. I have watched it on TV, yet never been to one in person. I know the work these guys put in to create their perfect sauce or rub in order to win. Da Fat Boys BBQ is a competition BBQ team here in Portland and have won more than a few competitions. Lucky for us eaters, we no longer have to wait for the next event – Da Fa Boyz now have a food truck on SE 82nd.

John Bagorio started out the business in 2008 catering for events and meetings. On a dare, he entered into a competition and the business grew from there. Visit the truck and the trophies showcase the quality of what they server. They were First Place – People’s Choice at Rogue Ales Bones & Brew in 2012. The menu here offers ribs, chicken, pulled pork, brisket and sides. Ribs are my crutch, so I grabbed four with a side of slaw and beans. Slow roasted, the meat on those bones couldn’t wait to be pulled off. I had to be careful not to drop bits of pork all over my lap. Smoky, salty, charred to perfection. A testament to how good these ribs were came a few hours later when eating something else, I could still smell the smoke on my fingertips. Superb.

I think I need to get out more to one of these competitions to learn the differences between these teams. It also wouldn’t be so bad to have to enjoy a few more ribs along the way. Located on NE Holladay st, just east of 82, the bright orange food truck is hard to miss. Drop on by and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

  • 4 Ribs with 2 sides – $9
  • 1/2 slab ribs with 2 sides – $13
  • Full slab with 2 sides – $23
  • BBQ Chicken with 2 sides – $9
  • Pulled Pork Sandwich with 2 sides – $9
  • Beef Brisket with 2 sides – $9
  • Sides – BBQ Beans, Cole Slaw, French Fries, Deep Fried Mac & Cheese – $2

Website: DaFatBoyzBBQ.com
Phone: 503 975 0721
Facebook: Da Fat Boyz BBQ
Twitter: @DaFatBoyzBBQ

Filed Under: BBQ, Comfort Food, Lunch, Sandwiches, SE 82nd and Harney, Weekends

Lisa’s Lip Smackin’ Kitchen

Lizzy C
July 31, 2013 Written by Lizzy C Leave a Comment

Lisas 1

Location: N Vancouver and Fremont
Hours: Mon-Fri, 11am-9pm; Sat/Sun, 7:30am-11pm

The Story: They call it Soul Food for a reason. Sometimes you just have a craving for foods that nurture, foods that scream home cookin’, foods that might take you back to your Grandmother’s house. For me, being from a Southern family, Sundays often meant going out for BBQ, or 15 of us kinfolk tightly knit around my Nana’s large kitchen table where piled high were the likes of brisket, greens, mac n’ cheese, red beans and rice and a whole lotta love.

Lisas2

Lisa’s Lip Smackin on N. Vancouver hits all the right Southern food classics: creamy mac n’ cheese, melt in your mouth greens, and smokey, fall off the bone BBQ. In the South BBQ is a noun, y’all! (little insider Southern joke, by the way). At Lisa’s the BBQ shines: tender smoked brisket in a tangy vinegar-tomato sauce, pulled pork, and smoked ribs are the stars. Yet, wait, Lisa’s has a dual menu!  Burgers! Purists can get a tasty classic Hamburger or Cheeseburger, or zest it up a bit with a beef and avocado burger, a Hawaiian Burger (yes, with pineapple), a turkey burger for the red meat avoiders, and even a veggie burger, cause even Southern cuisine respects the veggies. Crispy hot out of the fryer French Fries and and an all beef hot dog (make it a chili or cheese dog if you like) round out the offerings.

One of the hardest working food carts in N Portland, Lisa’s also serves a late breakfast and weekend breakfast sandwiches on homemade biscuits, and a pretty hearty and tasty Biscuits and Gravy.

Food at Lisa’s is really made with care and love, and the quality shows. It’s honest Southern inspired home style food, right where NE meets North Portland. Keep on keeping on, Lisa’s. Your food is certainly lip smackin’ indeed.

Sample Menu:

  • Smoked Pork Ribs (weekends only) with 2 sides – full slab $24, 1/2 slab $12, 1 rib for $1
  • Smoked Brisket Platter with 2 sides – $9
  • Pulled Pork Sandwich – $6
  • 3 Cheese Mac – Small $3, Large $4
  • Collard Greens – Small $3, Large $3.75
  • Red Beans – Small $2.75, Large $3.50
  • Burgers (Beef, Turkey or Vegetarian) in various combos – $4 – $5.50
  • All Beef Hot Dogs – $1.75, Chili Dog add $0.75

Phone: (503) 926-1208

 

Filed Under: BBQ, Dinner, Late Night, Lunch, N Vancouver and Fremont, Sandwiches, Weekends

Korean BBQ Box

dieselboi
January 18, 2013 Written by dieselboi Leave a Comment
Korean BBQ Box

Korean BBQ Box

Location: NW 19th and Quimby, Q19
Hours: Mon-Fri, 11-7; Sat, 11-3pm

The Story: For many years, I would visit different vendors throughout downtown for something new – bento. These vendors were grilling marinated chicken and placing it sliced over rice – truly groundbreaking for a kid from a farm. Some even added steamed vegetables. Around 2008, when the collective food cart eater began experiencing a sea-change in what was offered at the carts, I was introduced to bi bim bop from a Korean vendor. Ever since, this delightfully colorful dish has been a staple in my diet. Korean BBQ Box at Q19 does it up right.

Bi Bim Bop

Bi Bim Bop

Bi bim bop is considered the most representative of Korean cuisine. A low calorie dish, it combines numerous ingredients into the same bowl and can be done with or without meat. The word even translates to ‘mixed meal.’ With a base of rice, the dish is then topped with sauteed and seasoned vegetables, just a small bit of each, and then topped with meat and a fried egg. The idea is to add go chu jang, a Korean chili paste, and mix it all together. I chose a different route, dipping each of the savor vegetables into the paste in order to A) eat slower and B) enjoy the broad flavors. I’ll admit, the chopsticks were eventually replaced by a fork when my hand cramped. What I love about this dish is the diversity of flavors from zucchini to radish to shittake mushrooms to sprouts. Each has its own distinct flavor and when mixed with others or just simply the fried egg, it all tastes great. Such a fun and colorful meal.

Korean BBQ Box also offers Korean BBQ, noodle dishes like udon and yakisoba, stir fries and daily specials. Located at Q19, you can take your order inside Quimby’s and stay warm. Next time you’re in the mood for something different, drop on by Korean BBQ Box and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

  • Chicken and Beef with vegetables over white rice – $7.99
  • Chicken and Pork with vegetables over rice-  $7.99
  • Chicken and Gyoza with vegetables over rice – $7.99
  • Korean Spicy Pork BBQ with vegetables over rice – $7.99
  • Bulgogi Beef BBQ with vegetables over rice – $7.99
  • Yaki Udon – stir fried vegetables and thick noodles in special sauce – $5.99
  • Yakisoba – $5.99
  • Fish Cutlet deep fried with rice and sides – $7.99
  • Bi Bim Bop – $7.99

Phone: 503 490 1662

Filed Under: BBQ, Dinner, Korean, Lunch, NW 19th and Quimby, NW Portland, Vegetarian Options, Weekends

Roadrunner BBQ

Brett Burmeister
November 1, 2012 Written by Brett Burmeister 7 Comments
RoadRunner BBQ

RoadRunner BBQ

Location: SE 52nd and Foster, Carts on Foster
Hours: Thurs-Sun, 11am-6pm

The Story:

When I first set eyes upon the Roadrunner BBQ truck, I questioned whether they were serious about BBQ or about having some fun. The bright red truck is adorned with a full size Chief Wiggum from The Simpsons. But, Roadrunner BBQ has made a name for itself and I was eager to taste some good Q.

RoadRunner arrived in Portland over a year ago and has been at Carts on Foster for at least a few months. Jimmy, the owner, is a Dallas native and admits he’s not a chef, but a meat cutter. I think knowing how to break down a cow qualifies one to cook it. With mesquite from Mexico, Jimmy smokes his brisket for 12-14 hours before he feels it is right to serve. Now that’s dedication. Learn patience young man were Jimmy’s parting words.

Chopped Brisket Sandwich From RoadRunner BBQ

Chopped Brisket Sandwich From RoadRunner BBQ

Brisket is what’s in store when visiting the red truck. While he does offer smoked pork butt, four of the six items on the menu are brisket. You can get a sandwich or a plate, chopped or sliced. A chopped brisket sandwich for me! I want to dive into the fatty bits and taste the salty chewy crust. Jimmy doesn’t skimp. I swear there was at least 1/2 lb of chopped brisket there and every bit of it was a salty, meaty moist delight. A sign of brisket well done is the red between the inner meat and the crust and Jim had that spot on.

Portland has some great vendors who do excellent BBQ, but RoadRunner BBQ has raised the bar. If you’re a BBQ fan, you need to head out there and try what Jim has to offer and judge for yourself. Located at SE 52nd and Foster, the lot now has indoor heated seating and a pod bar with beer and wine. Drop on by and let Jimmy know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample menu:

  • Sliced Brisket Plate with 2 sides – $10
  • Chopped Brisket Plate with 2 sides – $9
  • Pork Butt Plate with 2 sides – $9
  • Chicken Breast Plate with 2 sides – $7
  • Sliced Brisket sandwich  -$7
  • Chopped Brisket sandwich – $6
  • Chopped Pork Butt sandwich – $6
  • Sides, $1.50 each – potato salad,creamy cole slaw, baked beans, mac & cheese

Hours: Thurs-Sun, 11am-6pm
Phone:503 310 2837

Filed Under: BBQ, Debit/Credit Carts Accepted, Dinner, Lunch, SE 52nd and Foster, Southeast-Portland, Weekends

Little Piggy BBQ

dieselboi
September 15, 2012 Written by dieselboi 2 Comments
Little Piggy BBQ

Little Piggy BBQ

Location: SE 82nd and Harney, Cartlandia
Hours: Wed-Mon, 11am-9pm

The Story:

I was asked one day to show some visitors around to the BBQ carts. For the life of me, I couldn’t think of where they were. My vision of BBQ is the huge pull behind smoker one sees outside and a guy with a long spatula turning ribs and sausages. I stepped back and realized there is excellent BBQ in this city in each lot, just done on a smaller scale and inside each cart. At Cartlandia, there are now three vendors doing it and Little Piggy BBQ is the latest to join.

Little Piggy is the work of Marianne,Walter,Alex and Caralina, two couples who decided it was “about time” to try out the ideas that have been simmering in their heads for 15 years. Walter and Alex have worked together in restaurants for years and the food cart became a way for everyone to work together and for themselves. With a smoker inside the cart, they can do ribs, brisket, smoked chicken and smoked pork loin. They also make some amazing side salads.

Brisket plate from Little Piggy BBQ

Brisket plate from Little Piggy BBQ

It has only been in the last year that I’ve fallen in love with brisket. I don’t know where it has been all my life, but a good friend from New York took me on a brisket journey and I fell down the rabbit hole. When done right, it melts in your mouth. The combination plate at Little Piggy BBQ came with a good portion of smoked brisket, potato salad and a watermelon mint fruit salad. The brisket was done well with a light smokiness to go with the sweet BBQ sauce they serve it with. Fall apart in my mouth, it blended well with the potato salad. Let me talk about that salad. Instead of chopped up potatoes, they took whole slices of baked potatoes and mixed it up with chives, green onions and oil. An interesting presentation yet so tasty. Finish the entire meal off with the simplest of fruit salads, the mint mixed so well with the cubed watermelon, I devoured it even though I was fuller than full.

Little Piggy BBQ is tucked back away from the larger group of food carts on the lot at Cartlandia, so venture to the back to find it. It’s worth the trip. I missed the BBQ cook-off at the lot a few weeks ago and hope they do it again. Drop on by and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

Combination plate, $7 with 1 protein and 2 sides. Sandwiches – $5

  • Proteins: smoked ribs, smoked 1/4 chicken, chicken wings, smoked pork loin, hot link sausage, blackened catfish, grilled salmon, beef brisket
  • Sides: cole slaw, potato salad, fruit salad, Texas toast, chili beans, home fries

Hours: Wed-Mon, 11am-9pm
Phone: 503 737 5450
Facebook: Little Piggy BBQ

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Filed Under: BBQ, Dinner, Hot Dogs & Sausages, Lunch, Salads, Sandwiches, SE 82nd and Harney, Weekends
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