I Heart This Cart

January 4, 2013 by 3 Comments
I Heart This Cart

I Heart This Cart

Location: SW 3rd and Washington
Hours: Tues-Thurs, 11-4; Fri, 11-4 and 9pm-2am; Sat, 11am-9pm

The Story:

Multicultural Comfort Food is the theme for I Heart This Cart, one of the newest to join the vendors at SW 3rd and Washington. Looking at the diverse items on the menu, I see what they mean.

On a cool windy January day, I read the entire menu trying to decide which amazing item I wanted. Cory, the chef, has an eclectic blend of sandwiches, soups and event homemade mac and cheese. Cory’s been cooking since his teens and was the head chef at the Lake Hotel at Yellowstone National Park for two years. Nice resume. Also, when neighboring food cart owners urge you to visit, you gotta know it’s going to be good.

At I Heart this Cart you can pick up small bites like Arancinis or full size sandwiches like a seasonal po’boy with pork belly or a classic Philly cheese steak. I chose the hearty Southwest Mac and Cheese with chipotle cream sauce, cavatappi pasta and tossed with black beans, sweet corn, scallions, roasted red pepper and sided with a few tortilla chips. At Cory’s recommendation, I added in pork belly. A hearty meal served in a GO Box, I loved that it wasn’t a traditional cheesy cheesy Mac and Cheese. The sauce had a spicy bite, but mild and smoky from the chipotle. Al dente pasta is the perfect choice. More like an al fredo sauce. Did I mention the pork belly added in a wonderful creamy fattiness also. More than I could finish in one sitting.

Southwest Mac and Cheese

Southwest Mac and Cheese

I Heart This Cart had a steady stream of patrons while I stood around chatting with other vendors. Cory has built a following in the three short months he’s been open and is here for the long term. Drop on by next time you’re looking for something new and let him know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

  • Arancini – 2 breaded risotto balls stuffed with Parmesan and fresh Mozzarella, deep fried and served with marinara – $4
  • Chicken and Dumplings – braised chicken thighs, brussell sprouts, root vegetables and potato dumplings – $7
  • Southwest Mac and Cheese – $8; add protein for $2
  • Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese with Vegan Tomato Soup – $7
  • Seasonal Po’Boy – braised and seared pork belly, apple fennel and radicchio slaw, served with a curried remoulade sauce on po’boy roll – $8
  • Classic Philly Cheesesteak – $4/half; $7/full

Phone: 707-299-7711
Facebook: I Heart This Cart

Filed Under: Comfort Food, Downtown, Go Box, Late Night, Lunch, Pasta, Sandwiches, SW 3rd and Washington, Vegetarian Options, Weekends Tagged With:

Herb’s Mac & Cheese

September 21, 2011 by 7 Comments
Herb's Mac & Cheese

Herb's Mac & Cheese

Location: SE 43rd and Belmont – Good Food Here
Hours: Wed-Sun, 12-8pm

The Story:

Pasta and cheese go hand in hand. There should be a bumper sticker about it. Herb’s Mac & Cheese opened to focus on that combination and add their own taste combinations.

I’m a child of mac & cheese. Seriously. I loved it and ate it whenever I could. I even remember making a batch for dinner but burning the butter before adding the cheese powder. My parents were so nice, they ate it anyways. As I grew older, the boxed goods I grew up on bored me. It was then a friend introduced me to home-made mac & cheese and I was hooked. Taking pasta and different types of cheese and layering it together with extra ingredients and then baking it is probably one of the best dishes out there. I was excited to see Herb’s Mac & Cheese open and offer up dishes that go beyond the standard macaroni and cheese.

Herb's Mac & Cheese

Herb's Mac & Cheese

At Herb’s you can get traditional mac & cheese made with penne macaroni and his signature Mornay sauce. Herb’s starts with white sauce at its base and then mixes in his own secret combination of no less than 4 different cheeses. You can get the traditional dish or create your own with ingredients that include chicken, pepperoni, bacon, garlic, jalapenos, tomatoes, and more. Add extra cheese with choices ranging from blue cheese crumbles to pepper jack to Asiago. If you don’t think you can create your own, Herb will always have a couple of specials for you to choose from. We opted for the Micro-Raptor, a daily special with bacon, tomatoes, garlic, blue cheese and topped with Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. I added in jalapenos to give it a little more kick. With two size options, the small was enough for two people to share, so if you opt for the large, be prepared. The pasta a large tube style penne captured all the creamyness of the sauce much better than old style macaroni does. The jalapenos and hot sauce gave the entire dish the spice we love with flavoring and not just heat. I had eaten throughout the day and didn’t think I was hungry, but it was so tasty I devoured it right there, event getting in a bit of trouble for eating more than my share.

Herb’s Mac & Cheese offers up a childhood favorite with some artistry in one of the most unique shaped carts seen to date. If you’re a pasta and cheese fan, you need to visit and enjoy what Herb has to offer. Let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

Two Sizes: Small, $5; Large, $7. Choose to add from the following ingredients:

  • Meats: Bacon, Chicken, Pepperoni
  • Veggies: garlic, spinach, broccoli, jalapenos, diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes
  • Extra Cheese: blue cheese, feta cheese, pepper jack, cheddar, Parmesan, Asagio

Hours: Wed-Sun, 12-8pm
Phone: 503 928 7559
Website: HerbsMacandCheese.com
Twitter: @HerbsMacandCheese
Facebook: Herb’s Mac & Cheese

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Filed Under: Comfort Food, Dinner, Lunch, Pasta, SE 43rd and Belmont, Southeast-Portland, Vegetarian Options, Weekends

Artigiano

July 14, 2011 by 5 Comments
Artigiano

Artigiano

Location: SE 33rd and Division
Hours: Mon-Sat, 11am-2:30 and 5pm-close; Sun, 10am-2pm

The Story:

I have enjoyed some amazing dishes at Portland’s Italian restaurants over the years. I learned that a good pasta dish wasn’t just spaghetti and a tomato sauce with sliced sausage and bell peppers, a dish I ate my weight of after college because it was cheap. Italian fare is broad and flavorful and the chef at Artigiano knows how to make it well.

In a 16′ cart in the parking lot of a local handmade furniture designer, Artigiano has made its home, serving the community and broader Portland some of the finest meals you can get from a cart. The chef, Rachael Grossman, began her culinary career as a child in her grandmother’s kitchen. She took that passion and graduated Le Cordon Bleu and spent some time in Casperia, a village outside of Rome where she fell in love with local ingredients and the simplicity of Italian county cuisine. After her return and some work at prestigious restaurants, she decided mobile kitchens are where its at and opened Artigiano in the Woodstock neighborhood of Portland. After enjoying one of her dishes, I’m envious of those neighbors.

Fettuccine and Garlic Scapes

Fettuccine and Garlic Scapes

At Artigiano, they pride themselves in fresh local ingredients and handmade pasta. While the regular menu offers salads and pasta dishes featuring fettuccine, ravioli, gnocchi and rigatoni, there is always a daily special. At a cart like this, that is the first thing I go for. If the chef has taken the time and effort to go “off menu,” you know it is going to be worth it. The day I visited the special was fettuccine with garlic scapes, red pepper flakes and shaved Parmesan served with a mixed green salad and sliced baguette on the side. Yes, please! The scapes were so fresh, they had just finished prepping them for lunch. The dish was brilliant with that light garlic flavor, a buttery texture and a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes. One of the finest pasta dishes I have enjoyed.

Artigiano knocked it out of the park and with that kind of skill in the kitchen, I know Chef Rachael has a home here in Portland’s culinary scene. They serve lunch and dinner and have seating if you prefer to eat at the cart. They even offer a tasting menu if that interests you. Just ask. It excites me to see carts like Artigiano with the level of cuisine one would normally expect at a multi-star restaurant on the streets of Portland. It tells me we still have area for growth. Check out Artigiano when you’re down in Woodstock and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

  • Bread & Oil Ciabatta, Extra Virgin, Balsamic – $2
  • Garlic Bread Toasted Ciabatta with Garlic Butter – $4
  • Caesar Salad* Romaine Hearts, Grana Padano, House-made Dressing & Herb Croutons – $4
  • Hand-cut Fettuccine with your Choice of Tomato or Cream Sauce – $10
    • Add Pork or Chicken – $2; Add Meatballs – $3
  • Seasonal Ravioli Stuffed with Locally Grown Garlic Scape & Parmigiano in a Cream Sauce – $11
    • Add Chicken – $2
  • Handmade Yukon Gold Gnocchi with Sauteed Zucchini & Browned Butter – $10
    • Add Bacon – $2
  • Rigatoni Budget conscious diner’s dream! (not handmade) With Tomato Sauce – $6; With Cream Sauce – $7
    • Add Pork or Chicken – $2
    • Add Meatballs – $3

Hours: Mon-Sat, 11am-2:30 and 5pm-close; Sun, 10am-2pm
Phone: 503.781.3040
Website: Artigiano.com
Twitter: @Pastawagon        Facebook: Artigiano

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Filed Under: Dinner, Italian, Lunch, Pasta, Southeast-Portland, Vegetarian Options, Weekends

Noodle House

June 30, 2011 by 9 Comments

Noodle House

Noodle House

Location: SW 9th and Washington
Hours: Mon-Sat, 11am-6pm

The Story:

Portland foodies were abuzz a few weeks ago about the opening of Noodle House and now I know why. Hand pulled noodles can really change your perspective of many dishes.

Noodle House is the work of Leung Kwun Hung, the former chef at Du Kuh Bee, a Korean gem in Beaverton. The secret of this cart is the hand pulled noodles, made fresh daily then mixed with your choice of either seafood or a selection of meats and vegetables. The cart’s sign has a great photo of Leung with his arm’s outstretched with fresh noodles from hand to hand as if he was playing cat’s in the cradle. I wonder if the noodles would hold up in that game…

Seafood Noodles from Noodle House

Seafood Noodles from Noodle House

The Seafood Noodle dish comes with baby squid, large calamari rings, shrimp, cabbage, onions and basil. I was amazed at the amount of seafood in this dish and how fresh it tasted and the prep was perfect. The calamari and baby squid were cooked just right so at to not be rubbery, but enjoyable. The noodles, the feature of the dish, were al dente, just how I like them and add in the little bit of fresh basil and I had to force myself to slow down while eating.. A great mix of ingredients make an excellent dish with a piece of handmade flare.

Noodle House is now open at the Alder pod at SW 9th and Washington. The prices for lunch range from $6-$7.99 and the portions match the price. If you have never had hand pulled noodles or even if you have, drop on by Noodle House and give them a try and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

  • Seafood Noodles – noodles with baby squid, calimari rings, shrimp, onions, basil – $7.50
  • Teriyaki Beef – beef and vegetables – $7
  • Chicken Noodles – noodles with chicken and vegetables – $6.50
  • Teriyaki Chicken – chicken with vegetables – $6.50
  • Pan Fried Salmon – served with rice and vegetables – $7.99
  • Pan Fried Oysters – served with rice and vegetables – $7.99

Hours: Mon-Sat, 11am-6pm
Phone: 503 998 1019

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Filed Under: Chinese, Dinner, Downtown, Lunch, Noodles, Pasta, SW 9th and Washington, Weekends

Built to Grill

August 23, 2009 by 29 Comments

Built to Grill, Portland

Built to Grill, Portland

Location: SW 3rd and Washington

Description:

When I walked by Built to Grill the other day, something caught my nose, intriguing me. I had already eaten lunch, so vowed to return the next day. Luckily, my lunch buddies wanted to head in that direction for a new Italian cart. We were headed in the exact same direction. I guess I had missed the big Italian flag on the side of the cart.

Built to Grill is new on the scene, having opened just two weeks ago. The owners, Brooke and Aisha, had the cart built special for them in Florida and then shipped up – hence the name. Oh, and such a beautiful cart with everything they need to product a great meal. Built to Grill specializes in Italian sandwiches and pasta dishes. Looking over the sandwich choices makes one’s mouth water. There aren’t many places in Portland where one can find a grilled muffuletta. I sometimes need to hit up the local charcuterie and make it myself. I’ve been on a sandwich kick of late, so discovering that Built to Grill is more than pasta encourages me that the food cart gods are listening to my pleas.

I opted for the grilled muffuletta while my partners chose the Italian hero and the penne with basil pesto. All three meals were top notch. While I was noshing on the first half of my sandwich, my friend offered up a trade for half of his grilled hero. Who could pass that up? The chance to try two different sandwiches in one sitting was great.

Italian Hero courtesy of @Mondofresh

Italian Hero courtesy of @Mondofresh

Grilled Muffuletta

Grilled Muffuletta

The muffuletta was a perfect layering of thinly sliced salami, mortadella, roasted red pepper and provolone, topped with green olive tapenade. All that between artisan bread and thrown on the grill and pressed. The hero was a mix of prosciutto, salami, mortadella, spinach, arugula, peperoncini, provolone and red wine vinaigrette. Both sandwiches were the perfect size and tasted amazing. I’ve tried different olive tapenade both from stores and restaurants and Brooke’s was at the top. Reminded me of the first time I ate a muffuletta in New Orleans. I asked him about it and he informed me that he makes both his tapenade and pesto from scratch. Further, he gets all of his cheeses and meats direct from Italy. Now that’s authentic.

Built to Grill is probably going to become a go to cart for me. I’m a huge fan of paninis and Italian meats. I think I could eat salami and prosciutto for every meal if it were considered a health food. When your out looking for something new, go give Built to Grill a try. Tell them Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

  • Bowtie primavera – $5
  • Penne w/ basil pesto – $5
  • Portabella Panini: grilled portabella mushroom, caramelized onions, mozzarella w/ basil pesto – $6
  • Hot muffuletta: salami, mortadella, roasted red peppers, provolone w/green olive tapenade – $6
  • Meltdown: prosciutto, roasted red peppers, artichokes, provolone w/basil pesto – $6
  • Italian Hero: prosciutto, salami, mortadella, spinach, arugula, pepperoncini, provolone w/red wine vinaigrette – $6
  • Soups, Salads and drinks available

Hours: Monday through Friday 11am-3pm or sell out.
Contact: unknown at this time.

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Filed Under: Italian, Lunch, Pasta, Salads, Sandwiches, SW 3rd and Washington, Vegetarian Options Tagged With: , , , ,