BrunchBox

Location: SW 5th and Stark
Hours: M-F, 8am-6pm; Sat, 11am-3pm

The Story:

Back in early 2009, Portland saw a surge of food cart openings and I distinctly remember when BrunchBox opened because A) they served burgers and B) they had breakfast sandwiches. In the two years that have transpired, BrunchBox has made a name for itself and become a fixture in Portland’s food cart community.

BrunchBox has recently gone through a sort of reboot of their menu, branding and ownership. The new owner Derek took the famous menu which still includes the YouCanHasCheeseburger and infamous Redonkadonk, but expanded to include build your own burger options and a large breakfast menu. I stopped by the first day the new menu debuted and enjoyed the new Thai Bacon Burger with grilled pineapple and jalapenos, bacon and peanut sauce. You can even choose mild, medium or hot for spiciness. That is just one of the many new choices being offered. You can also join them for breakfast at 8am weekdays and build your own with options of an omelet or breakfast sandwiches and even french toast. The possibilities are endless.

BrunchBox has been featured on The Cooking Channel, numerous print publications and even showcased on Health.com for the Redonkadonk sandwich. I’m happy to see them be as successful as they are and love the new menu. If you’re a regular, note that you now grab a menu and mark it up with your options and name and hand it off. That way you get exactly what you ordered. Hit up BrunchBox and check out the changes and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

The Redonkadonk from BrunchBox

New Menu can be found at BrunchBoxPDX.com

Hours: Mon-Fri – 8am-6pm; Saturday 11a-3pm
Phone: 503 477 3286
Website: BrunchBoxpdx.com
Contact: brunchboxpdx@gmail.com
Twitter: BrunchBox
Facebook: BrunchBox
Additional Info: Credit/Debit accepted

[Our original post about Brunchbox from March 2009 beyond the fold]

Description: Welcome to the strip Brunch Box. So excited for you to join us. The Brunch Box is a new cart in the 5th avenue cart pod where Matlocks used to be. They’ve only been open a couple of weeks now and you can see by their menu, they are making it a go with a broad array of lunch choices. I love how new carts quickly take over a space and make it their own. Brunch Box specializes in sandwich and burger fare. They also do breakfast. I was lamenting earlier this winter that there weren’t any breakfast carts that could serve me up a breakfast bagel or sandwich and what not. The other morning, I ventured to Brunch box for a yummy homemade English muffin, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich. So good. That English muffin was so fresh, I could still taste the baking going on. Talking with the owners, they stated the muffins had come out of the oven only 20 minutes before I arrived. Oh, and looking around, they were one of 2 breakfast spots at 8am. I see success. And for $3, it beats any other breakfast sandwich downtown unless you’re opting for fast food at the mall.

When I first discovered Brunch Box, I thought they were an old cart that just revamped the menu, but then I took a closer look. They had burgers. Not just any old $5 burger, but a $3 burger and then more options for more money. I opted for $6 OMG burger because A) anyone who incorporates texting speak into food names is a win in my book and B) I hadn’t had spam with a burger yet. Yup, SPAM! and bacon. and egg. The burger was put together with care and wrapped well so I could transport it over to my lunch eating spot at the US Bank Tower. When I bit into it, I was in heaven. Everything was proportionate and stayed together while I munched it down. It was messy, but what do you expect from an OMG burger? I would suggest grabbing a few extra napkins if you order one. The meat was cooked just right – not well done and the egg was firm enough not to drip the yellow guts all over everything else. After finishing and having a mild heart arrhythmia, I vowed I would go back. And I did for the aforementioned breakfast.

I will become a regular at this cart. The owners are nice and friendly and they have a great menu for everyone. If you are downtown, check them out and tell them Food Carts Portland sent ya!

Sample Menu:

Breakfast (all day)
$2 Homemade English muffins (fresh daily)
-$1 Add: ham, bacon, spam, vegetarian sausage
-$.50 Add: egg, cheese, tomato, onion, mushroom, lettuce, peanut butter, pickles

$3 omelet breakfast sandwich: egg, mushroom, onion, American cheese

$5 omg! Breakfast sandwich: egg, ham, spam, bacon, American cheese

$3.50 Bec (bacon, egg, cheese)

Brunch (all day)

all burgers lettuce, tomato, onion, condiments

$3 ¼ Lb black Angus or veggie burger
-$1 add: ham, bacon, spam
-$.50 Add: egg, cheese, mushroom, pickles, sauerkraut, pineapple, chips (as topping)

$4 black & blue burger:
blackening seasoning w/blue cheese

$6 omg! burger:
egg, ham, spam, bacon, american cheese

$4 5-oh! burger:
pineapple, teriyaki glaze, spam, (yes, spam), swiss cheese
$4 reuben burger:
sauerkraut,  1000 island, swiss cheese

$5 youcanhascheeseburger!:
burger between two texas-toast grilled cheese sandwich “buns”

$9 redonkadonk
“omg! burger” (Egg, ham, spam, bacon, American cheese) between two texas-toast grilled cheese sandwich “buns”

$2 all-beef hot dog
-$.50 add: cheese, sauerkraut

$1.50 texas-toast grilled cheese sandwich

kids meals
comes with juice, apple sauce, and a sticker!

$3 cheezasaurus rex:
texas-toast grilled cheese sandwich shaped like a dinosaur

$3 pb & j:
texas-toast peanut butter and jelly sandwich shaped like a dinosaur

$2 ½ hot dog

Beverages & chips
$.50-$1: -coke, diet coke, bottled water, hot tea, assorted steaz teas and juice boxes
-frech-press, french-roast coffee by farm- friendly/local portland roasting company

$1: Chips, assorted varieties

*brunch box chooses local/organic whenever possible.
**all angus burgers are hand-pressed and made to order.

El Cubo de Cuba 2

Location: SW 5th and Oak
Hours: Mon-Fri, 11:30am-4pm

The Story:

Our good friends from El Cubo de Cuba have expanded, opening a second cart only five blocks away from their first one which opened in 2010. The menu and the smiles and great service is the same. They even managed to get a vintage trailer the same size and shape as the original one. I walked by the new cart today and Milko was there, hanging out the window engaging passers-by and welcoming them in to try what they have to offer. That’s what I love about them.

Well done guys. I and many Portlanders are glad to have your food even more available and possibly a shorter walk for some. If you would like to read our original article on El Cubo de Cuba, you can find it here.

Sample Menu:

• Cuban Sandwich: classic grilled sandwich with thinly sliced mojo marinated pork, ham, baby Swiss cheese and a pickle. Served with tostones, maduros or sweet potato fries – $7
• Cubo de Puerco: Mojo Marinated Pork.  Served with rice and black beans, and your choice of tostones, maduros or sweet potato fries. Gluten and Dairy free – $7.50
• Cubo de Pollo: Guava Marinated Chicken.  Served with rice and black beans, and your choice of tostones, maduros or sweet potato fries. Gluten and Dairy free – $7.50
• Tostones: salty fried plantains – $3
• Maduros: fried ripe sweet potatoes – $3
• Sweet Potato Fries: $3
• Batidos: fruit and milkshake – $2.50 or $3.50

Hours: Mon-Fri, 11:30am-4pm
Phone: 503 894 1525
Facebook: El Cubo de Cuba

Khob Khun Thai Food

Location: SW 5th and Stark
Hours: Weekdays, lunchtime

The Story:

The lot at SW 5th and Stark is one of the oldest and most established in the city. Many remember Matlock’s and still ask where that cart went (it turned into BrunchBox.) The stainless steel cart next door has also been there for years having been numerous incarnations of international street food like Gyro King, Best of Kazakhstan, Creperie and now, we have Khob Khun Thai Food by Veli Thai.

You may recognize the last part of the name – Veli Thai. Just a few carts away, many Portlanders have been enjoying amazing Thai dishes from the venerable Veli Thai cart. I was resistant to try the newest version of the silver cart having seen it change hands and do so many different things so many times just in the past few years. When I saw they were affiliated with Veli, I had to give them a try and I wasn’t disappointed.

Spicy Basil Thai Style

Being a fan of fried rice, I perused the menu for something quick and simple and a known quantity. Spicy basil fried rice was on the tip of my tongue when I looked over and saw the day’s special – spicy basil Thai style with ground chicken. Not sure what the big difference is, but I wanted to try it with ground chicken, not an ingredient you find on most Thai menus. The dish wasn’t fried rice, but a stir fry of ground chicken, red and green bell peppers, basil, yellow onions, and hot Thai peppers served over white rice. Something about the spice with the veggies and the sauce that they used made this a memorable dish. The onions, always a favorite of mine, were caramelized with some crispy bits to blend with the ground chicken which was savory with a touch of the saltiness you get from soy or tamari sauce. I enjoyed the meal so much, I returned a week later to get it again and had to leave with a different dish since it was no longer on the menu. I was sad. Trust me, if you see it on the menu, grab it while you can.

Khob Khun has now been open in the silver cart for more than a few months and they always have a long line of customers waiting for their food. With every order, you get a small cup of hot tea, so on those cold winter days, you can stand under their awning and warm up a bit. I’m glad to see one of the strip’s venerable older carts find a tenant that is succeeding. Lastly, along with the hot cup of tea, just after the new year, I found a cute little keychain in the bag as a way they were saying “Khob Khun” (“Thank You” in English.) Drop on by and enjoy some great Thai and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:
Upon arrival, you choose your dish, choose chicken, tofu or veggie and your spice level

• Pad Thai: Medium sized rice noodles with pad Thai sauce, egg, green onions and bean sprouts – $5
• Pad-Thai Woon: glass noodles with special pad Thai sauce, egg, green onions and bean sprouts – $5
• Pad Kee Mao: wide sized rice noodles stir-fried with ground chili, egg, bell pepper, onions, tomatoes and basil – $5
• Pad See-Ew: wide sized rice noodles stir-fried with sweet soy sauce, egg, broccoli, carrots, cabbage – $5
• Red, Yellow or Green Curry: Thai red, yellow or green curry with coconut milk, bell pepper, eggplant, bamboo shoot and basil; served over white or brown rice – $5
• Mussamun Curry: mussamun curry with onions, carrots and potatoes; served over white or brown rice – $5
• Spicy Basil Fried Rice: fried rice with chili sauce, egg, onions, bell peppers and basil – $5
• Fried Rice: typical Thai fried rice with egg, peas, onions, carrots and tomatoes – $5
• Pineapple Fried Rice: fried rice with pineapple, egg, raisins, onions, cashew nut, peas and carrots – $5
• Much much more

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11am-5pm
Phone: 503 702 5844
Facebook: Khob Khun Thai Food

Location: SW 5th and Stark

The Story:

Portland was first introduced to the Korean taco by Koi Fusion in 2009. Now we have a new cart on SW 5th offering them up without you having to know where they will be from one day to the next. Welcome Bulkogi Korean BBQ.

Korean tacos are usually defined by how the meat is cooked (Korean style with different methods of preparation) and what other toppings are included. For most, the uniqueness is from the kimchi that is added as filler. Mix these two together with some spice and you have a truly unique taco experience.

At Bulkogi, I ordered and enjoyed a Korean Chicken and Korean Beef taco. On their menu, they don’t list kimchi per se, but do let you know you are getting a “healthy Korean salad topping” with your taco. The tacos were a good size, two would be sufficient for lunch. The meat was well prepared and flavorful, yet what I liked the most was the Korean salad topping. It was made with shredded cabbage, finely chopped red onion, some lettuce and cilantro. It was all held together with a light spicy sauce that, when paired with the cilantro, gave the entire taco a zing. I love cilantro, but know it can sometimes overwhelm a dish. While there was a lot of cilantro here, it didn’t overwhelm, but complemented the taco nicely. I enjoyed both tacos and look forward to returning in a few weeks after they get in their groove to see if they are any different.

Bulkogi Korean BBQ is in the space where Dreamer’s cafe use to be, using the old Dreamer’s cart. They have modified it significantly with a front attached to the cart to create the serving counter you see here. Bulkogi is a family business, so like with most every cart, you’re ordering from the owner and chef and chief dishwasher. Lately, I have begun to appreciate that aspect of the carts so much more and enjoy having small chats with them about their stories. Check out Bulkogi next time your down there and tell them Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

All tacos come with Korean Salad topping

• Korean Chicken breast taco – $2
• Korean Beef – $2
• Korean Pork – $2
• Korean Tofu – $2

Hours: Lunchtime, weekdays
Contact: unknown

Bro-Dogs

Location: SW 5th and Stark

Description:

Need a bro-licious dog for lunch? Well, Bro-Dogs is here to help. When I walked by and saw that they offered up a jalapeño and cheddar dog, I had to bite. Also, if you’re in for a laugh, have a chat with the owner Scott and inquire about his “bro-tastic” day.

Bro-Dogs

Bro-Dogs opened earlier this summer along the populated 5th and Stark pod – interestingly enough, right next to the now closed Dreamer’s vegetarian cart. Bro-Dogs serves up exactly what you would think – hot dogs and sausages. The one thing different than your standard hot dog offering is their choice for bun. Instead of a standard hot dog bun, they use a large flat roll that is soft and tasty and fully encompasses the dog without splitting out the bottom. That way, you can add in the extra grilled onions, maybe some extra cheese or even jalapeño slices. While my friend got the highly recommended chicken and apple dog, I chose the jalapeño and cheddar. My dog came hot and spicy with the grilled onions. Scott kept saying something about how the cheese “exploded” and I for some reason didn’t head the warning and BOOM!, I had some hot cheese on my nose and cheek. Nothing scarring, just more of an embarrassing jolt. It was a great laugh also.

The dog served up was one of the tastiest I’ve had. I did add additional jalapeño slices and some yellow mustard to give it an extra kick. It wasn’t over the top spicy as I would have expected since the jalapeños were inside the dog. The bun, as stated earlier as unique, was the best part of the whole meal. I want to find some of those buns for my next cookout.

Bro-Dogs is a great addition to Portland’s cart scene. They have two carts, one on SW 5th and Stark serving the lunch crowd and one for late night down at W 3rd and Burnside. On my next visit, I think I’ll pick up one of their shirts with the slogan ‘Ask Me About My 10″ Wiener.’ Gotta love it when a cart has fun with the food. Check out Bro-Dog before the rains come and tell them Food Carts Portland sent ya. Bro!

Sample Menu:

• Classic Bro-Dog: all beef Sabbrett – $4
• Derek’s double dog: 2 x Sabrett – $6
• Polish: 1/4 pounder – $4
• Jalapeno cheddar – $5
• Chicken apple – (huge) – $5
• Vegan – $4
• grilled onions upon request

Hours: Monday-Friday: lunchtime; Late night weekends at 3rd and Burnside
Contact: unknown

Location: SW Stark, just south of 5th ave.

Description: I wander down to the 5th avenue pod almost daily for lunch and when I saw that a certain gyros cart had moved, I began to wonder what would go in its place. For a couple of weeks, the spot was unused without indication of whom would join the food cart scene. Then, suddenly, The Swamp Shack arrived. Do you like Cajun food? Southern flavors? You will enjoy The Swamp Shack.

I’m a big fan of rice and beans. Honestly, I could eat it daily and one of my goals in life is to master really good and spicy (but not overly hot) rice and beans. When I visited The Swamp Shack, I saw they offered Jambalaya, which is a traditional creole dish of Spanish and French influence similar to paella. Served with rice, chicken, sausage, tomatoes, celery and spices, you just can’t go wrong. The Swamp Shack’s version of Jambalaya was spot on for me. Just the right amount of sausage, chicken and flavorful spice. I walked down to the fountain and ate it up. The right amount of everything – even spiciness.

The service at The Swamp Shack was fast and cordial, what one would expect from a southern restaurant. I’m glad they have joined us in foodcartland as I’m a huge fan of this style of cooking. They do some specials with duck, so I’m intrigued to go back and see what that’s all about. I call it comfort food, but know it may not completely fall into that category. The Swamp Shack does offer vegetarian and vegan options of their dishes.

Sample Menu:

• Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya – rice with chicken, andouille sausage, onions, peppers, garlic, spices, tomatoes – $6
• Duck and Andouille gumbo – $7.50
• Crawfish Pies – pie filled with crawfish, creole cream cheese, onions, peppers, rice and cream – $3
• Vegan Jambalaya – all the fixin’s except the meat, made with veggie stock, eggplant and caramelized onions – $6
• Specials most every day

Hours: Lunchtime Monday through Friday
Contact: 225 281 475

Location: SW Stark and 5th

Description: I’m impressed and surprised. You never know the quality of food from a specific cart if you have never eaten there before but this pizza was very good. In my humble opinion, better than most actual sit down pizza restaurants in Portland. Made with a half whole wheat and half white flour crust, the crust was neither too thin nor too thick and cooked to perfection. A perfect balance of crunch with softness. The fresh vegetables were standouts.

New on the cart scene, this single man operation around the corner from the food cart row on SW 5th and Stark/Oak features pizzas artisan pizzas, available by the slice or as whole pies. Toppings include basic cheese or pepperoni, and revolving specials like roasted red peppers or roasted eggplant with garlic and Parmesan. Calzones are also available, as well as a bread sticks and a lone salad of the Greek variety.

One of my favorite things about this cart though, are the housemade natural soft drinks, such as the black cherry, a nice sweet but not too tart light lemon-lime and a very refreshing but not over powering gingerale that is sure to become one of my summertime staples. Plus, these drinks are a bargain at $1.75 for a big 16oz biodegradable plastic cup, or only $0.75 if you bring your own cup.

Sample Menu:

Pizza- Slices ($2 to $3, Whole Pies Start at $10.00)

Calzones – $6 to $7

Salads – $3.00

House Made Soft Drinks – $1.75 (or $0.75 if you bring your own cup)

Hours: Lunchtime Hours M-F

Phone: Unknown at this time

Website: Unkown at this time

Location: SW Stark near 5th Ave.

Location: SW 5th and Oak/Stark Parking Lot

Description: This was the first cart to offer Thai food at the 5th and Oak/Stark food cart parking lot. Even though there are now many other Thai carts, the very friendly owners Jenny and Nu still do a good business. Rather than making each order from scratch, they offer a choice of about 8 different selections from a warming table (though you can order soups and fried rice dishes that are made to order). This makes a visit to the cart very convenient if you are in a hurry. Even a line of people 7-10 deep will get served quickly.

The menu changes daily but is pretty consistent for each day of the
week. A special slot on Friday has something different each week. The
dishes are about half meat and half vegetarian, with at least one
coconut based curry. The choices always include Pad Thai, usually in
both chicken and tofu varieties.

The food is very good and authentic. Some may say that there are other
carts that make you wait as they cook your food to order that are a
little bit better, but that is no reason not to enjoy Thai Sky’s
offerings. Recommended dishes are Cashew Chicken or Red Curry Chicken
on Mondays, Pineapple Fried Rice that is always available to
order, and the very spicy Jungle Curry that sometimes fills the
wildcard slot on Fridays.

Sample Menu:

Selection of: Yellow Curry with Tofu, Green Curry Chicken, Chicken Tom
Yum Stir Fried, Tofu Stir Fried w/Chili Paste and Green Beans, Pad
Khee Mao with Tofu, Pad Thai with Chicken.

1 choice with steamed rice: $4.75
2 choices with steamed rice: $5.75
Noodles only: $5.00

Tom Yum Noodles Soup: $5.00
Veggie Salad or Egg Rolls: $1.50
Spicy, Pineapple or Regular Fried Rice with Chicken or Tofu: $5.00

Hours: Mon-Fri Lunch Hours, closes around 3PM

Phone: 503-750-5369

Website: none

Location: SW 5th and Oak
Hours: Weekdays, lunchtime

Description: Probably one of the best (and fanciest) food carts in Portland. This cute little red hut located on SW Stark right by SW 5th is the home of the famous “snitzelwich” – a perfectly tender, breaded and fried choice of chicken or pork cutlet served on a fresh ciabatta roll and served with a hint of horseradish and a nice sweet paprika-red pepper sauce, grilled onions, and lettuce. Perfection for $6.00.

Tabor also serves an incredible goulash with or with out traditional large Czech dumplings, chicken paprikash, and killer potato pancakes. Tabor also makes a whole other slew of sandwiches and soups in the $3.00 to $6.00 range, such as a creamy spinach soup or fried Munster cheese sandwich. Vegetarians and vegans will appreciate the eggplant sandwich ($5.50) or one of the inspiring vegetable soups. On Fridays, Tabor makes Halusky, the the Czech version of spaetzle dumplings. Other specialties include fresh squeezed carrot juice for $2.00 (or vegetable/fruit juice blend for $2.00), and a German smoked sausage on a roll for $6.00.

Sample Menu: See Tabor Website

Hours: Mon-Fri Lunch Hours Only (probably closes before 3PM)

Phone: 503-997-5467

Website: http://schnitzelwich.com/index.html

2 Locations: SW 5th and Oak/Stark Parking Lot and SW 4th and James Street

Description: At both locations New Taste of India seems to be a popular choice among ravenous office workers and The boys in Blue from the close by Portland Police headquaters. And why not? The food is decent, the prices are good, and the portions are huge.

New Taste of India serves the usual Indian cart 5 piece (meat or vegetarian) combo of rice, naan bread, and 3 different entrees of the day for less than $6.00. A bargain, and enough food for 2 meals at least. Other Indian standards such as Saag Paneer, Tandori Chicken, Vegetable or Meat kormas, etc, are also available. Mango Lassi and samosas make a great snack.

A slightly smaller menu than their neighbor Real Taste of India, but the food is similar in my opinion. Love it or hate it, it’s really all about big portions at cheap prices here.

Hours: M-F Lunch until 6PM or so.

Phone: 503-750-7435

Website: www.newtasteofindia.net