Salmon Fusion

Location: SW 3rd and Washington
Hours: weekdays, lunchtime

The Story:

Earlier in the month, a new sign appeared on a cart that has been a few different vendors in the past year. Salmon Fusion. I wasn’t sure what to expect until I read the posted menu – Smoked Salmon all day long. It felt like Christmas waiting for them to open.

Roger Mumm launched the cart this month bringing his salmon to the eaters of Portland. The salmon in all of his dishes were caught by him this past summer while he was working for Deep Sea Fisheries in Bristol Bay, Alaska. The sockeye is then smoked weekly for us to enjoy. I’m not sure if I would share my salmon with the world. Visit the cart and Roger has photos of his fishing boat and daily catch.

As stated, the cart focuses on smoked salmon dishes like chowder, pot pie, a few sandwiches and tacos. If you’re shy about salmon, Roger will give you a taste of his chowder which is served hot in a toasted cheese bread bowl. Every time I have walked by, customers are raving about the chowder sample they are enjoying. I decided on the smoked salmon sliders served on Alessio bread with a mild pineapple teriyaki sauce, baby spinach and a side of Hawaiian slaw and saffron rice. For $7.50, the sliders were a great value and came with so much tasty smoked salmon, some even fell out for later nibbling. I’m a fan of all smoked salmon and Roger’s is some of the best with a briny flavor that doesn’t come across as too salty nor too fishy. The sauce that comes atop the salmon is more of a slaw with the sweetness of apples coming through to juxtapose the saltiness of the fish. A great meal.

Smoked Salmon Sliders from Salmon Fusion

Salmon Fusion is now open on SW 3rd between Stark and Washington in the former GIN Thai cart. Roger mans the window daily and may even lean out to draw you in with a sample. Check this new cart out, enjoy some smoked salmon goodness and let him know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• Smoked Salmon Chowder w/toasted cheese bread bowl: white whole cream chowder w/roasted corn and Yukon gold potatoes served with Hawaiian slaw and saffron rice – $7.50
• Smoked Salmon Pot Pie: pot pie served in a mild jambalaya with puff pastry cooked golden brown served with Hawaiian slaw and saffron rice – $7.50
• Smoked Salmon Pita Wrap: shredded lettuce, mango pieces, shaved red onion, shaved cucumber and topped with tzatziki or mango chutney and served with Hawaiian slaw and saffron rice – $7.50
• 2 Smoked Salmon Sliders: on Alessio bread with a mild pineapple teriyaki sauce and baby spinach served with Hawaiian slaw and saffron rice – $7.50
• Teriyaki Smoked Salmon Sandwich: teriyaki pineapple glazed salmon served with Hawaiian slaw and saffron rice – $7.50
• 2 Smoked Salmon Tacos: served with sweet and spicy salsa and Hawaiian slaw and saffron rice – $7.50

Hours: weekdays, lunchtime
Phone: 503 719 9018

Batavia

Location: SW 3rd and Washington
Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-3:30pm; Sat, 9am-5pm

Please welcome guest author Aaron Wakamatsu

The Story:

While downtown Portland has a stunning array of cuisines to choose from, there aren’t too many places offering Indonesian food. Thus, Rizky and Nella opened Batavia, a family-run food cart near SW 3rd and Washington. Here, you’ll be treated to this family’s take on Indonesian flare.

Since I love spicy food, the spicy beef satay (sate padang) caught my eye. Usually, the meat is boiled first to soften it, then gets seasoned, skewered, and grilled. Four or five skewers of cubed juicy grilled beef is set atop an alluring yellow sauce containing rice flour, coriander, turmeric, ginger, garlic, cumin, etc. At the base of the dish lies several sliced pieces of rice cake that possess a smooth texture…think a whitish-colored polenta without the grainy, mealy feeling. You’ll even get a small bag of crispy shrimp chips with the satay. The dish is prepared to order, so you’ll get a steaming, hearty container of yummy goodness in this chilly weather.

Beef Satay from Batavia

Was the dish spicy? Well, it depends on your tolerance for heat. As a person who has eaten “ghost peppers” before (not a smart idea), I could easily handle a spicier dish, but my taste buds were at least prodded out of their slumber.

Batavia offers Indonesian coffee that comes from Rizky’s father, so of course, I had to try that. The aftertaste on the coffee commands an exotic presence that domestic coffees lack. It’s a full-bodied, rich coffee experience. Batavia also has two types of Indonesian teas (from SariWangi): Melati Flower and Jasmine. (a Jasmine tea) and a cold bottled tea. Batavia has got some seriously good eats. Check them out today!

Sample Menu:

• Fried Noodle – $4.99
• Chicken Curry – $6.99
• Fried Rice – $5.99
• Beef Rendang – $6.99
• Chicken Satay – $6.99
• Spicy Fried Chicken – $6.99
• Spicy Beef Satay – $8
• Noodle Soup – $6.99

Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-3:30pm; Sat, 9am-5pm
Phone: 503 954 7529
Twitter: @bataviapdx
Facebook: Batavia PDX

Hog Time

Location: SW 3rd and Washington
Hours: M-F, 11:30-3pm

The Story:

When you see a cart with Hog in the name and the logo has a pig above a fire made from 503, you know you have a local who want to sell you some pork. Hog Time is here for you pig eaters.

Opened in June of 2011, Hog Time is made up of the mad chef skills of Dave and the welcoming attitude of Garrett. Dave cut his teeth in Portland’s restaurant scene at Macadam’s Grill before he and Garrett decided to buy a trailer and take their show on the road. If the name didn’t let the cat out of the bag, this cart is focused on pork sandwiches. Using the shoulder cut of the hog, they braise it and then slow cook it for their sandwiches.

Hogita from Hog Time

A cart can define itself not only with the unique name and excellent food, but also with memorable food items. At Hog Time, the sandwiches have some great titles including the Boss Hog, the Sloppy Hog and the one I enjoyed, the Hogita. The Hogita is a wrap, similar to a gyro, but with braised hog. The pita used is handmade and Dave’s own recipe which includes yogurt to give it a moistness and a bit of masa flour for texture and flavor. The wrap, while messy, melts in your mouth. As I devoured it, I could taste the masa in the pita and with the chipotle sauce they add, the kick was just what I was wanting on that cool summer day. The pork was top notch, similar to pulled pork, but with more chunks. Overall, I enjoyed it and even returned a couple days later for a follow-up wrap. These guys know their pork and have figured out a few new ways to present it for lunch.

Hog Time is open at the lot at SW 3rd and Washington on the Washington side of the street. In addition to sandwiches, they also have fries and even a taco. Check them out next time you have a craving for some pig and say hi to Garrett and Dave, two friendly guys who want you to enjoy their food. Let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• Hogita: braised hog, lettuce, tomato, chipotle and yogurt sauces on homemade pita – $7
• Boss Hog: braised, battered and fried hog, lettuce, tomato, green chili and chipotle sauce on grilled brioche bun – $6.50
• Sloppy Hog: shredded hog, chipotle sauce on brioche bun – $6
• Pig Pen: crispy salted fries below shredded hog, queso fresco and sauces – $5

Hours: M-F, 11:30-3pm
Facebook: Hog Time

The Burrito Box

Location: SW 3^rd and Washington
Hours: Tues-Thurs, 11:30-6pm; Fri/Sat – 11:30 – late night

The Story:

There are plenty of places in Portland to get a good burrito, that’s for sure. Everything from the traditional Mexican restaurants and carts to the ultra hip and healthy Laughing Plant and many others in-between. As far as carts go, most burritos come from the Mexican carts, but Burrito Box is here to change that.

The Burrito Box opened in late April after having to jockey for a spot downtown after his initial choice fell through. Cameron, the owner and burrito slinger, had initially planned to be at NW 4^th and Burnside until that lot was told it could no longer support food carts due to zoning rules. Luckily, he snagged a spot right on the corner of SW 3^rd and Washington and with a bright yellow cart with a couple of wide open windows, he shouldn’t have any trouble attracting customers.

The Burrito Box is switching it up a bit from what you would normally expect from a burrito. When I think of burritos, I imagine pinto beans and red rice, meat and shredded lettuce. Cameron has those basics, but puts a twist on each: for example instead of rice in the grilled chicken burrito, he puts in red quinoa and for the buffalo burrito, he uses black rice. Also, the beans he is using are white beans which blend well with the other ingredients. The buffalo burrito I enjoyed included ground buffalo, red cabbage coleslaw, black rice with red onion, corn and a bit of cilantro. I asked him to add some of his own smokey chipotle sauce and am glad I did – it added an extra bit of heat to the entire wrap. I enjoyed the creaminess of the beans mixed with the crunchy of the thick strips of cabbage in the coleslaw. The black rice added both color and texture, and a different flavor you don’t  get with white rice. A great burrito, made to order with a great assortment of ingredients and flavors.

The Burrito Box is now open and ready to serve you lunch. They have a vegetarian option with sauteed tofu, collard greens with garlic, annatto seed rice and beans. Something for everyone. Drop on by, welcome Cameron to he neighborhood and let him know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

All burritos are $6.50 or customizable for $7

• Grilled chicken, sauteed peppers and onions, red quinoa and beans
• Sauteed tofu, collard greens with garlic, annatto seed rice and beans
• Buffalo (ground), red cabbage coleslaw, black rice with red onion, corn, cilantro and beans
• Sauces available: Honey Balsamic, Soy Ginger and Smokey Chipotle

Hours: Tues-Thurs, 11:30-6pm; Fri/Sat – 11:30 – late night
Phone: 503 936 8114
Facebook: The Burrito Box

Location: SW 3rd and Washington
Hours: Mon-Fri, 7am-2:30pm

The Story:

I chuckled the first time I heard this cart’s name. Happy Grillmore. What a great play on words. When I visited, I learned that Grilly Madison had been an early front runner. Granted, a cart isn’t just the name, but have a catchy name and a well prepared product and you should garner a great following. I think Happy Grillmore may have those two ingredients.

Happy Grillmore is the work of Kryse and Darren. Kryse is the brains behind the menu and Darren works the counter. The cart offers up mostly sandwiches, but they do have specials including kalua pork, spam musubi, tacos and mac and cheese. A broad menu to satisfy even the pickiest eater. Kryse and Darren are also in a prime location for the morning commute and open at 7am to serve breakfast, placing them on that small list of carts who open early.

I visited on the first day they were open and ordered one of their specials, a black bean and chipotle burger. The burger is hand made daily mixing the chopped chipotle peppers into the black bean mixture to make one tasty patty that isn’t too spicy. You may think the chipotle (a roasted jalapeno pepper) would overwhelm the palatte, but it doesn’t, giving more of a smoky flavor than a spicy one. The burger was placed with arugula, avocado and a spicy mayo on roll instead of a bun. What I loved the most was the bitterness of the arugula mixed with the spicy smoky flavors of everything else. A great mix of flavors.

Happy Grillmore is now open weekdays at 7am to feed you. Located between 2nd and 3rd ave, just west of Mother’s Bistro. Kryse and Darren were kind and welcoming and put together a quality product with a bit of humor. If you’re an Adam Sandler fan, check out the menu and play the game of figuring out which movie each sandwich comes from. I think there is a Wedding Singer reference in there somewhere. Drop on by Happy Grillmore if you’re looking for a new sandwich spot and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

Breakfast:

• the Lucy: Portuguese sausage w/ rice & egg – $6
• the Nick: Spam w/ rice and egg – $5
• the Sonny Koufax: fried egg and cheddar w/ arugula – $4

Sandwiches:

• the Bernice: grilled Nutella and banana – $3.50
• the Jullian: choice of peanut or almond butter w/ bananas or jelly $3
• the Georgie: cheddar, havarti & brie grilled cheese – $4.50
• the Love Stinks: egg salad – $3.50
• the Chuck: salami and herb roasted turkey w/ havarti and arugula – $4.50
• the Chubs: 1/3lb Angus beef patty w/ cheddar and arugula – $4.75
• the Conchata Ferrell: 1/3lb beef and chorizo patty w/ havarti and arugula – $5
• full menu available at happygrillmore.com

Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-2:30pm
Phone: 503 369 3981
Email: happygrill@me.com
Website: HappyGrillmore.com
Twitter: @HappyGrillmore Facebook: HappyGrillmore

Sonny Bowl

Location: SW 3rd and Washington

Description:

I was in a discussion with some cartivores the other day and we arrived on the topic of uniqueness for carts. There are some carts that offer a menu that while focused maybe on a type of cuisine, the offerings are so broad, it is difficult to choose one item. Like when you go to the local restaurant which as a 4 page menu. We all agreed that if you do one thing very very well, just do that and you will succeed. We see this type of focus with food carts daily. Sonny Bowl is such a cart. They focus their energy and skill on creating a bowl that is vegan, yet fills you up with everything a growing boy needs.

Sonny Bowl specializes in what these days are called rice bowls. Anywhere you see bento advertised, it is usually a chicken skewer over a bowl of rice with a few veggies. Not here. Sonny Bowl takes it beyond veggies and rice by adding in black beans or chickpeas, salsa, soy curls, green beans, and robust sauces. I don’t know why I haven’t discovered this gem all these years. I chose the One, and for $5, I got a pretty large bowl with brown rice covered with black beans, mixed veggies, cilantro-lemon sauce, green chile and salsa. I added in Soy Curls for the extra $1 since they are my newest soy favorite.

Sonny Bowl

I almost couldn’t get the top on. Further, I didn’t want to put the top on and crush that beautiful presentation. When I see green chile listed as part of the dish, I think more of a sauce, but the green chili here was a chunky thick salsa that didn’t disappoint. The beans and rice were cooked just right, not mushy, but not al dente. As far as mixed veggies go, I wonder if they shift with the season. My dish had thinly sliced steamed yellow and green zucchini. The soy curls were great. If you haven’t tried soy curls, either BBQ’ed or in a dish like this, you have to. They have the best flavor and texture; a great addition to the meal.

Sonny Bowl offers three different vegan bowls with simple names like one, two and three. All are $5. Like I stated, I love it when someone specializes in one food type and does it right. Sonny Bowl does it right. If you are down off SW 3rd looking for a filling and healthy lunch, give Sonny Bowl a try and tell them Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• One – black beans, mixed veggies, brown rice, cilantro-lemon sauce, green chili and salsa – $5
• Two – chickpeas, mixed veggies, brown rice, sweet-pineapple curry sauce – $5
• Three – BBQ soy curls, brown rice, green beans in ginger-citrus sauce – $5
• add soy curls to any bowl for $1
• drinks, $2; water $1

Phone/Contact:
Hours: Monday through Friday 11:30am-3:30pm
Website/Twitter: unknown

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

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.

Location: SW 3rd and Washington

Description:

El Masry has a prime location.  On the corner of SW 3rd and Washington, it is one of the first food carts one would see when arriving into downtown Portland after crossing over the Morrison Bridge.  And such a nice cart too.  It is brand new and very welcoming with two windows to server the masses.  El Masry opened just a week or so ago and already has people waiting to be served.

El Masry is an Egyptian Food Cart.  Egyptian?  Yep.  They have an extensive menu covering one whole side of the cart including colorful pictures of each meal.  They have gyros, falafal, hummus, kofta, stuffed grape leaves, lentil soup, and so many other options, I couldn’t keep up.  As a newbie, I always try something I know I’ll like, so I opted for the kofta kabob sandwich – similar to a gyros.  A kofta kabob is like a beef meatball, but better and with more diverse flavors.  The sandwich was pita with kofta, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, carrots and yummy sauce all wrapped up.  When I bit into it, I knew I would enjoy every last bite.

My lunchmate opted for a schwarma sandwich.  He stated it was one of the best lunches he’d had all year – and I quote him on that.

Welcome to the food cart scene El Masry.

Sample Menu:

• Falafel Sandwich: $5.25
• Kofta Kabob Sandwich:  $5.50
• Mahalbya – $1.99
• Mixed rice, shish thwouk, salad – $6.75
• Grilled Chicken, mixed rice, salad – $6.75
• Stuffed grape leaves, kofta, salad – $6.99

Hours: Monday through Friday, lunchtime
Phone: 503 360 1251
Website: www.Zabiha.com

Location: SW 3rd and Washington

Description:

I have been a fan of Tito’s Burritos for a few years now.  I moved back downtown for work in 2004 and quickly jumped back into the food cart scene.  I was so jones’n for some great tacos.  It took me a few years to actually discover Tito’s and thier $1.25 (at the time) tacos, but when I did, I was a happy young man.  Last summer I decided to do a comparison, so hit many of the local taco carts specifically to sample their wares.  In the end, I kept coming back to Tito’s.

Tito’s does a traditional taco (as far as I can understand is traditional.)  This isn’t the childhood taco I nor any of my friends had in the burbs when we were kids.  They offer up tacos, burritos, enchiladas, nachos and tortas.  They offer many of the traditional meat options you would normally find at a Mexican restaurant including vegitarian.  Chorizo, Carnitas, Pastor, Machaca, Pollo, Asada, and Fish.  I picked up 4 tacos – Carnitas, Asada, Pastor and Fish and none dissapointed.

Tacos are only $1.50.  That’s cheaper than a latte.

There is also a Tito’s Burritos II at 9th and Alder.

Sample Menu:

• Combo Plates: $5.50 – Nachos, Chile Relleno, Enchiladas
• Burritos: $5 – Chicken, Asada, Carnitas, Machaca, Chorizo etc – with beans and rice
• Tacos: $1.50 – Asada, Pastor, Carnitas, Chicken, Machaca, Chorizo, Fish
• Veggie Tacos: $1.25
• Beans and Cheese: $3
• Beans and Cheese and Rise: $3.50
• Assorted drinks and hot sauces available

Phone: unknown
Website: unknown
Hours: Lunchtime weekdays and weekend late night
Email: unknown