Location: SE 21st and Tibbetts

The Story:

SIP is one of those carts we have heard about for years, but have never had the pleasure of visiting. Now I kick myself for not going sooner. SIP is that shiny silver vintage trailer in the courtyard of People’s Co-Op in southeast Portland that serves up some of the best smoothies and juices I have had. Makes me want to buy a juicer.

Being right in front of a co-op that specializes in natural and organic foods is a perfect choice for this cart. I spoke with Brian who made my tasty shake and he stated that he gets most of his produce from Organic Growers Company, a supplier who sources local for as much as they can for produce before expanding outside the area. At this time, Brian is getting most of his winter greens from local farms. Granted, bananas and pineapple aren’t from Oregon. Once summer arrives, almost all of the ingredients used in the smoothies end up being local and organic – even sometimes right from the farmer’s market that occurs every Wednesday in that lot. Way to go SIP in finding a way to support the local farmers.

You know those late night infomercials featuring the old dude with the huge white eyebrows selling the JuiceMan? I guess he’s close to 100 yrs old and looks 50 because he juices everything daily. All joking aside, juicing fruits and veggies is a wonderful way to get your vitamins and minerals. If you just can’t take kale or chard or other green veggies, mix them with some ginger or apple and juice them. You will barely taste the greens. I enjoyed the Incredible Hulk, a smoothie made from kale, spinach, lemon, apple, agave, ginger and ice. You may think the kale and spinach would be the dominant flavor, but that little bit of apple, ginger and agave make it a sweet shake.

SIP has been open now for around 3 years and is there in front of the co-op every day of the week. SE Portland is lucky to have such a great resource for fresh, healthy juices. And everything is vegan for those of you who prefer that. I’m going to try and get down there more often, I promise. If you are down that way, visit SIP, have some wheatgrass and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:
(full menu at SIP’s website)

Juices – 12oz: $4.50; 16oz: $5.50

• Standard Juice: apple, lemon, ginger, carrot
• Ruby Juice: carrot, celery and beet
• All Greens Juice: apple, kale, celery, cucumber and ginger

Green Smoothies – 12oz: $3.95; 16oz: $4.95

• Incredible Hulk: kale, spinach, apple, lemon, ginger, agave, ice
• Tropical Greens: kale, spinach, orange, pineapple, coconut oil, agave, ice

Smoothies – 12oz: $3.95; 16oz: $4.95

• Gingerberry: strawberries, blueberries, apple, ginger, agave
• Vegan Protein: banana, peanut butter, cocoa powder, vanilla, agave, soy and almond milk, protein and ice

And so much more

Hours: Daily, 1oam-7pm
Website: SIPJuiceCart.com
Twitter: @GetYourSipOn Facebook: SIP