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One trend that really took the food cart world by storm was to use social media as a tool to build buzz and a loyal audience. One tactic is to announce your location via Twitter. In other cities where the carts can’t necessarily park in the same spot every day, it has become vital for the customer to keep apprised of the next location. Here in Portland, trucks like Koi Fusion and Van Schnitzels have used this method successfully. Now comes Sweet Wheels, a fully mobile van selling cupcakes.

Peter Lu launched Sweet Wheels in June with a tweet storm the first week he was open. I wish Twitter had a mapping tool so I could retrace his travels. One minute he was parked in SE and soon after that, downtown and later in the day, NE. With his smaller van, he can pretty much go anywhere at the drop of a hat. Portland has some great cupcake shops that have successfully survived the cupcake revolution of the last decade, but now, we have a cupcake only food truck. And they’re good.

We were down by PSU at SW 4th and Hall when I saw Sweet Wheels parked in the gas station. Since I knew he roamed, I jumped at the chance to get some treats. I’m not normally a sweets fan, especially after lunch, but needed to try them. His menu for the day included vanilla with chocolate, red velvet, coconut with white chocolate, chocolate with strawberry and a few others. I ordered an assortment so my lunch mates could try some. Secretly, after seeing them all, I wanted to ditch my lunch and just eat cupcakes. That first bite of the chocolate with strawberry was decadent. Sweet, creamy, moist, melt in your mouth chunk of love. These weren’t the cupcakes we made when I was a kid. Everyone else who tried one that day emphatically stated they were some of the best they’d had.

Peter and his Sweet Wheels is ironing out regular locations for the week so we don’t have to sit by Twitter waiting for an announcement. As of this week, they have been at NE 9th and Multnomah on Monday, SW 4th and College on Tuesday and Thursday and will be at SW 2nd and Oak on Friday. These are some great cupcakes. Drop on by and pick some up for you and your friends and let Peter know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• All cupcakes are $2.50
• Flavors vary, and may include vanilla w/ chocolate, chocolate w/ strawberry, coconut w/ white chocolate, red velvet and more.

Hours: 11:30am at each location
Phone: 503 87 SWEET
Website: SweetWheelsPDX.com
Twitter: @SweetWheelsPDX Facebook: SweetWheelsPDX

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Simplicity may be the root of success. Pick an item you like to cook, source the right ingredients and prepare it well and you too can make it in the food cart world. Pastrami on Rye does that with their namesake sandwich.

The cart is a collaboration between a brother, a sister and their mom. I like seeing a family support each other in these types of endeavors. It tells me they are willing to put in the long hours and hard work for those they love. The day we visited, Dre was taking orders while his mother Kelly made the sandwiches. Here in Portland, when an item like pastrami is discussed, many transplants jump to the front of the line to tell you how awesome the pastrami is somewhere else – usually a deli in NYC. Well, I have never been to those deli’s so have virgin taste buds and think Portland makes some great sandwiches. A contentious issue for sure.

The sammy I devoured came either on marbled rye or what I ordered – caraway rye. Kelly commented that the cut of the meat was off and apologized, but I couldn’t tell. How could you be wrong with sliced pastrami thickness? Almost an inch of that smokey corned beef love then topped with sauerkraut and deli mustard. How can one not enjoy such a work of sandwich art. The kraut wasn’t overwhelming, allowing the pastrami to be the star between the slices. The edges of the pastrami had a light crusting with what appeared to be crushed black peppercorns and other whole spices. Just a nibble of that and I’m in meat heaven.

Pastrami on Rye is now open at SW 4th and Hall, a vintage travel trailer sandwiched between a Thai cart and an Indian cart. They serve up all things pastrami including a veggie reuben with sauteed mushrooms and onions and home made matzo ball soup. There are a lot of carts out there doing great sandwiches. Hopefully, Pastrami on Rye will meet your expectations. Check them out and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• Pastrami on Rye: choice of caraway or marble rye, sauerkraut, deli mustard and 1/4lb pastrami – $4.75
• Reuben: 1/4lb pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and homemade Russian dressing – $5.75
• Veggie Reuben: sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, tomato, sauteed mushrooms and onions with Russian dressing – $4.75
• Homemade Matzo Ball Soup: small $2.50; large $3.50

Hours: Weekdays, 11am-2:30pm
Twitter: @PastramiPDX

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Every so often I realize I go to the same set of carts and eat all the same meals. I’m a creature of habit. As a result, I sometimes miss the carts that sit on the outer edges or are alone in a lot. The other day, while perusing the choices at SW 4th and Hall, I saw a cart in the 76 station parking lot that I hadn’t tried. I bee-lined it, intent on trying something new, no matter what it was. I’m glad I did because Ahla W Sahla Lebanese food was superb.

This bright silver cart is newish, but I think it has been around for awhile. Run by an older Lebanese gentleman, it offers some of the standards you would expect from a middle eastern cart – falafel, hummus, gyros, kabob, kafta and much more. The prices are reasonable – $6 for a sandwich and $8 for a platter. I think the difference may be what you get.

I ordered the kafta sandwich which includes ground beef mixed with herbs then formed into small patties and grilled. Once cooked, it is chopped up for the sandwich and placed on a pita with pickles, lettuce, parsley, some potato slices and a red hot sauce. Everything was prepared fresh while I waited, which is perfectly fine with me. As I watched him construct the sandwich, he piled on the ingredients and started rolling it together. There were splits in the pita and stuff was falling out which concerned me, yet he then rolled it in a second pita and placed the entire wrap in a toaster oven. It was at this point that I realized I was getting something new. Kafta sandwiches elsewhere haven’t been toasted. The sandwich came out crispy on the outside with the pita formed perfectly around the goodies inside and while I ate it, nothing fell apart. A great sandwich with just the right mix of spiciness and ingredients.

While I waited, the owner had a spirited conversation with a young many who came to order. They spoke in what I can only assume was Arabic. What I gleaned was that they were discussing the food being served. Back and forth. A sample of a rice dish.  Back and forth. Hands flailing about in animated fashion. The owner even pulled out a huge bag of jasmine rice to show the young guy what he was serving. I enjoyed the conversation even though I didn’t know what was going on. I just knew they were talking food, no matter what the language was.

Ahla W Sahla serves up Lebanese food from their cart at the 76 station at SW 4h and College. If you are down by the big pod on 4th, cross the street and try something new. I’m glad I did because I was introduced to a new way of serving kafta. Let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

Veggie Sandwiches:

• Falafel – $5
• Hummus – $5
• Labneh – strained yogurt – $5
• Zaatar – mix of Middle Eastern herbs spread on pita – $5

Meat Sandwiches:

• Gyros – $6
• Chicken Shawarma – $6
• Chicken Kabob – $6
• Kafta – $6

Platters:

• Kibbeh and Rice – $7
• Chicken and Rice – $8
• Falafel and Hummus – $8

Hours: Monday-Friday, lunchtime
Phone: 503 901-8951

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Description:

All Vegan Barbecue. Got that? All Vegan. I know that immediately throws a curve ball, but once you’ve tried it, you will say to yourself – “where has this been all my life?”  Homegrown Smoker is taking barbecue in a different direction, yet with reverence to barbecue’s history and style.

What is vegan anyway? Vegan is a the choice to neither use nor consume animal products of any kind.  Vegan is taking vegetarian to the next level. Homegrown Smoker decided to head in that direction and is succeeding. Having been open now for only a month or so, they are keeping busy. We visited the other evening for some take home dinner and I wanted to try everything. Luckily, I was with my partner in food crime, so we did try everything. We opted for the two plates of HomeGrown specialties – smoked soy curls, field roast chorizo, chronic tempeh ribs, mac-no-cheese, BBQ beans, chipotle slaw, and corn on the cob.  All meals come with molasses gluten-free cornbread.

The meal was great. Flavorful, unique, and very filling. The tempeh ribs were sliced chunks of tempeh marinated in BBQ sauce and then put on the grill. They had a smokiness I hadn’t tasted in a long time, especially with veggie faire. Homegrown, in standard BBQ tradition, uses fruit wood and other hardwoods to create the smoke that gives the food that unique smoky flavor. One immediately smells and tastes that element when diving into Homegrown’s meals. The veggie sausage was chorizo style, so, along with the BBQ sauce they put on, it had some kick. The soy curls tasted just like thinly sliced brisket. The mac-no-cheese is just as it sounds, mac and cheese without the cheese. It isn’t dry or flavorless, just the opposite. The beans and slaw kept up with the standards we had tasted so far – simple and great tasting.

HomeGrown Smoker is launching a new adventure for Portland’s food carts. Vegan barbecue. If you’re out and about in NE SW and are looking for something new and unique, check them out. Tell them Food Carts Portland sent ya.

[HomeGrown Smoker moved to SW 4th and College in April 2010. This post was originally published in August, 2009 and updated in May of 2010]

Sample Menu:
Full Menu Posted Here

• SloMoFo – Carolina style sandwich w/ smoked soy curls, slaw and sauce on a bun – $7
• Macnocheeto – tortilla stuffed with MacNoCheese, TB Beans, peppers and onions, bbq sauce and more – $6
• Loafaroni – slow smoked meatloaf, bbq sauce, MacNoCheese, on a bun with a side – $7
• Chili Dawg – smoked chipotle sausage smothered in chili, cheese and onions.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 11am-7pm
Website: Homegrownsmoker.wordpress.com
Email: homegrownsmoker@gmail.com
Twitter: Homegrownsmoker

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Fernando’s Mundo Fiesta is one of those carts that is always crowded at lunch time. With a menu that covers 3-4 poster size boards, you can understand they have something to satisfy even the most picky eater. I had initially thought it was a traditional Mexican taqueria, but to my surprise, I realized they do burgers, Philly cheese steaks, vegetarian sandwiches, wraps and more.

I was asked by friends to introduce them to some new food carts so we walked down to the cart pod at SW 4th and Hall by PSU. With 18 carts, I thought it would offer the best selection. Fernando’s was not busy that day and offered up burgers, something we all agreed upon wanting. It was actually challenging to choose which burger I wanted from the menu – they list 12 different burgers along with daily specials. Pineapple, hot peppers, ham, bacon, mushroom – most any topping you would want, you can get.

I decided on the fuego burger which comes with pablano peppers, cajun spiced grilled onions, pepper cheese and habanero mayo. While it was spicy, it wasn’t overly hot, but more a flavorful spice. The pablanos are a great pepper for this as they are a milder spice. Fernando’s offers the burgers up with fries if you want them but I passed. My lunch mate ordered the Fernando’s special which was two patties, ham, egg, bacon, mushrooms and guacamole on a hoagie roll. I think I’ll need to try that next time.

When I mentioned Fernando’s to a couple of other cart fans, they immediately expressed their love for this cart. I think I hadn’t visited because it always had a line. Don’t let that discourage you. Fernando’s puts together a great meal and quickly. More than likely, Fernando’s has something on the menu that you’ll like, so the next time you are down that way, give them a try and tell them Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• Fernando’s special burger – hamburger with grilled ham, bacon, mushrooms, guacamole and a fried egg on a hoagie roll – $5
• Fuego burger – hamburger with grilled marinated poblano peppers, cajun onions, pepper cheese and habanero mayo – $5
• 4th Avenue BBQ burger – hamburger with sauted onions and peppers smothered with BBQ sauce and cheese – $5
• Rip City Garden burger – veggie patty topped with sauted mushrooms and swiss cheese – $4.50
• Nopalita burger – hamburger with grilled nopalita (cactus,) pickled oniones, house chile mayo, pico de gallo, and guacamole – $5
• Casa Carnitas Sandwich – seasoned pork with grilled onion, peppers and tossed with fer’s BBQ sauce. Topped iwth ham, fried egg, cheese – $4.50
• Philly Steak Fiesta Sandwich – seasoned steak or chicken, grilled bell peppers, onions and cheese on hoagie – $5
• Wraps and other sandwiches available.

Hours: Monday through Friday, lunchtime
Phone: (503) 481-6306

Chopollos

Location: SW 4th and Hall (by PSU)

Description:

Chopollos is one of those carts that has taken their space and converted it into both a cart and dining area. By taking over 2 spots in the lot, they have a place for their cart and a place where you can enjoy your food under an awning. In the realm of carts, there are few that offer covered seating.

Chopollos

Chopollos specializes in Mexican food – a traditional taqueria with tacos, burritos, tortas and other items you would expect from a Mexican cart. They do have on their menu some items that I haven’t seen at the other carts downtown that intrigued me, but only after I had ordered my carnitas burrito. One item, Huarache (yes, like the sandal) is a masa base made with corn flower topped with all different toppings. Like many taquerias, they had photos of their food and just looking at the huarache made my mouth water. But I had ordered the burrito and vowed to enjoy it.

Chopollos

The carnitas burrito I received for $4.50 could have fed a small family. It was a monster. Filled with refried beans, rice, carnitas, pico and guacamole, it was just what I needed on that busy day. It came with hot sauce, which I used, but only to spice it up. The flavors in the burrito were enough to keep me eating even though I knew I shouldn’t finish it. I did.

Chopollos has an extensive menu, yet when you peruse it, you realize there are only a few variations on traditional Mexican fare. They do offer breakfast burritos along with hamburgers and even fish tacos. Judging from the steady stream of customers, they are pretty popular down there which tells me they make some great food consistently. Check out Chopollos next time you are down there and need something different and tell them Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• Tacos – choice of meat including carnitas, asada, pollo, veggie or fish – $1.50
• Burritos – rice, refried beans, choice of meat or veggies – $4.50-$5
• Breakfast burrito – eggs, potatoes, cheese, bacon – $4.25
• Chorizo con papas – chorizo, eggs, potatoes, cheese, sour cream – $4.50
• Chopollo burrito – chili relleno with refried beans, rice, steak, picado and guacamole on flour tortilla – $5
• Hamburger – $5
• Veggie or Chicken tamale – $1.50

Hours: Breakfast through lunchtime, Monday through Friday
Contact: unknown

Buddha Bites

Location: SW 4th and Hall

Description:

“Hey, that’s a new cart isn’t it?,” was the first words out of my mouth when I walked up to the carts on SW 4th avenue by PSU. Tucked in between Thai Pasta and a cart named Rice and Noodle was Buddha Bites, all bright and shiny and new. When I got closer, I began to see the key words of the 21st century – organic, sustainable, farm direct, probiotic. Gotta try it. And I’m glad I did.

Just looking at the menu and the cart’s banner, one can tell these cartrepreneurs have their finger on the pulse of Portland’s food culture. Offering up local organic farm direct meats and produce, along with gluten free options seems to be what people are asking for daily in our email box. The menu is broad, ranging from breakfast to lunch, sandwiches to soups and salads and even fruit and veggies smoothies. As it was lunchtime, I went for the sandwich part of the menu and picked out “Our Awesome Meatloaf.”

Our Awesome Meatloaf sandwich at Buddha Bites

Served on their freshly made Naan bread, the meatloaf sandwich was just that, meatloaf, some ketchup, may and then leafy greens. No iceberg lettuce here. We’re talking flavorful, rich greens that you would normally find in a salad. The freshness of the greens complemented the rich full flavor of the meatloaf. I even thing the ketchup was special as it added just the right zing to the entire sandwich and I don’t normally use ketchup. This was a hearty meal; filling, satisfying and enjoyable.

Buddha Bites is a welcome cart to the PSU pod. Also, the second cart in that pod to be open for breakfast starting at 7:30 am. I understand they make their own scones. Mmmmm. Don’t let winter and rain keep you away from this great new cart. They have an awning you can skulk under while you wait for your meal and if you dash across the street, you can eat in the basement of the city building. Head on down, grab a smoothie and tell them Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• Roast chicken with avocado, tomato and cheddar served on fresh made Naan bread – $6
• Our Awesome Meatloaf – with lettuce, ketchup and mayo served on fresh made Naan bread – $5
• Soy cheese, tempeh and salmon available for substitution
• Twice baked Potatoes stuffed with garlic ground beef and cheddar or broccoli and feta – $3
• Beef stew bowl served with Naan – $6
• Quinoa tabouli plate w/humus, feta, olives, naan – $7
• Naan with two eggs, chipotle black beans and cheddar – $4
• Cranberry almond scones (gluten free) – $2.50
• Fruit and Veggie Smoothies – $3
• and much more

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4pm
Phone: 503  975 8216
Website/Email: unknown

dosirak lunch cart

Location: SW 4th and Hall

Description:

A coworker and I needed something hearty for lunch and wanted to try something new. We saw the shiny yellow cart named dosirak and decided to give it a try. Talk about simple ordering. This cart offers up one dish and one dish only – marinated chicken over rice with a salad and some dumplings called mandoos. That’s it. The cart is aptly named – dosirak translates to lunchbox.

dosirak lunchbox

The “lunchbox” comes with a generous portion of sticky white rice covered with amazing marinated charbroiled chicken and a couple of mandoo (little dumplings.) The salad has a unique miso flavored dressing that is perfectly matched with the chicken. The lunch was great. A perfect portion with great tastes and wonderfully simple. I especially like the mandoo as they had a texture and flavor that melted in your mouth.

If you’re out looking for a new take on marinated chicken and rice, visit dosirak and tell them Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Menu:

• The Lunchbox: marinated chicken charbroiled to perfection; fresh green salad with miso dressing and mandoo (little dumplings – $6
• Mandoo (dumplings) – small order 6 pieces – $3; large order 10 pieces – $4

Contact: unknown
Website: unknown

Parkers Waffles and Coffee

Location: SW 4th and Hall

Description:

A couple of years ago, I would never have thought that waffles could be the focus of a cart. That was because I wasn’t thinking outside the box. I was thinking of the waffles of my youth – simple breakfast fare served maybe with fruit, but always with syrup. In 2009, waffles have taken on a whole new persona with numerous carts popping up offering a different take on the traditional breakfast nosh. Parkers Waffles down in the Portland State University POD joined this past summer and I’m glad they did.

I have enjoyed what I call “waffle gyros” from a few of the other carts in town.  Parkers describes theirs as waffle burritos – I like that. One difference I saw immediately with Parkers is that they offered up what I would normally see with a sandwich cart, but with waffles-  pulled pork, beef brisket, ham and Gruyere, egg scrambles. They still do offer up the sweetness that we all love for breakfast, but now we can have waffles for lunch.

Oktoberfest waffle from Parker's

I chose the daily special – the Oktoberfest – an Oktoberfest daufelwaffle, split brat, grilled onions, Gruyere, spicy mustard and sauerkraut. Oktoberfest! All I needed was a giant stein of beer! I’m always concerned the waffle will overpower the ingredients, but this mix was just right. It was also not that messy. I got some looks while walking to work – probably envy because my breakfast looked better than their bran muffin.

Parkers Waffles has a great niche here. They are the only cart in the PSU Pod serving breakfast, surrounded by office buildings and a university. I think that was a great decision. If you’re hungry and need both protein and sweets, take the MAX down to southwest downtown and see Parkers Waffles. Tell them Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• The Original: waffle brushed with sweet cream or maple butter and lightly dusted with powdered sugar – single-$2.50; double-$4; tripple-$5.50
• Ham and Gruyere scamble: two eggs scrambled with ham, onions, mushrooms and Gruyere, served on a waffle – $6
• The Iron Pig scramble: two eggs scrambled with spinach, bacon, onion and cheddar, served on a waffle – $6
• Pulled Pork: pulled pork from Leroy’s Familiar Vittles with dressing, served on a waffle – $6
• Beef Brisket: Leroy’s beef brisket served with choice of cole slaw or not on a waffle – $6
• Apple Crisp: grilled granny smith apples, spices and Amaretto topped with sweetened sour cream and almond pecan streusel served on a waffle – $5
• Lemon and Blueberry: house-made lemon curd and blueberries topped with whipped cream and lemon zest; served on a waffle – $5
• Stumptown coffee and other beverages available

Hours: Monday through Friday; 7am- 2pm
Website: ParkersWaffles.com
Twitter: ParkersWaffles

Location: SW 4th and College

Description:

I was waxing poetic about another cart the other week on Twitter when one of our followers asked if I had tried the Portland Soup Company. I hadn’t, so we set a date. Thank you @sarahsthreads for introducing me to such a great cart. Upon arriving, I knew from the craftsmanship of the cart itself, the food had to be great.

The Portland Soup Company offers up soup obviously, but also sandwiches and salads. The day we arrived, I was drawn immediately to the slow smoked pork butt sandwich and almost ordered it with a yell, but then I saw the Cajun andoullie and chicken gumbo. The choices. Oh, and an arugula salad. What is a boy to get? I inquired about a soup and sandwich combo and they offer $1 off either one if you do that, so I got a 1/2 sandwich and a cup of soup. While they were prepping our food, I inquired about the cart since it was beyond what normal carts do – cedar siding, trimmed windows, scroll work on the cart name. One of the gentleman inside stated they built it from the ground up on a flatbed. Looking inside, you could probably make a home out of it it was so roomy.

The gumbo was just perfect. When I popped the top, I was greeted with large chuncks of okra, one of my favorite vegetables. I realized I didn’t get a spoon and only had a fork, but that gumbo was so chunky, I didn’t need one. The gumbo was fabulous. Half way through my rather large “cup” of soup, I remembered I had this 1/2 sandwich to explore. The slow smoked pork butt sandwich is served with a slaw made up of thinly sliced apples and red cabbage. I ordered it on ciabatta, but couldn’t pick it up and bite in due to the shear size of the sandwich. Mind you, this was a half order. I slowly ate the slaw by itself until I could manage the sandwich. That first bite of slaw, ciabatta and pork butt was worth the wait. The pork was moist with that hint of slow roasting. These guys know what they are doing.

Portland Soup Company has joined the numerous carts now filling up the lot down at 4th and College by Portland State University. When you head down there, take your food across 4th ave behind the city buildings to the nice hidden park. It offers shade and quiet from the usual downtown bustle. If you visit Portland Soup Company, tell them FoodCarts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• Roast tomato w/ Argentine Regiano soup – cup $4; bowl $6
• Cajun andouille and chicken gumbo – cup $4; bowl $6
• Slow smoked pork butt sandwich w/ purple cabbage apple slaw – 1/2 $4; whole $6
• Hand made mozzarella w/ basil, tomato, balsamic syrup and olive oil – 1/2 $4; whole $6
• Organic greens w/ roast tomatoes, garlic croutons, wildflower honey vinaigrette – sm $4; lg $6
• Arugula w/ mozzarella, grape tomatoes, bacon and creamy chive vinaigrette – sm $4; lg $6

Hours: 11am-3pm, daily

Phone: (541) 968-1230

Website: www.PortlandSoupCo.com