Jaffles and Wraps

Location: SW Gibbs and Kelly, west end of Gibbs Pedestrian Bridge
Hours: Mon-Fri, 6am-6pm; Sat/Sun, 9am-3pm

The Story:

Every so often, while roaming from cart to cart to check out the newest offerings in the city, I come across something new and surprising. Just seeing the name, Jaffles and Wraps, I knew I was in for a new discovery.

Matt and his Jaffle Iron

Matt Fendall opened his cart a month or so ago at the corner of SW Gibbs and Kelly in the Lair Hill neighborhood. The spot is at the west end of the brand spankin’ new Gibbs Street Pedestrian bridge, an ideal location for all of those heading to and from South Waterfront. Matt’s story starts with a childhood memory of eating a Space Burger at the Egyptian Theater in Coos Bay. The Space Burger was unique, not just a burger and a bun, but more like chili inside a toasted pocket. Matt had discovered the Jaffle. Well known in southern hemisphere nations Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, South Africa and more, we may know it as a hobo pie, or Toas-Tites. In England they call them Brevies named after the Brevel company who makes the electric Jaffle irons. When I looked at the Jaffle Iron, it reminded me of camping with cast iron instruments as a kid. Jaffles are are like hot pockets, but so much better.

The Riverwest Jaffle

To make a Jaffle, you butter two slices of bread then layer in your goodies. The Jaffle Iron is round, so when you put everything together and close it down, it cuts off the crusts and creates a perfectly round sandwich inside. Place it over the gas burner and cook. Slowly, the innards cook, cheese melts and the bread toasts. After a few minutes, you have a Jaffle. I enjoyed one which included artichoke heart puree, chicken, tomato and pepper jack cheese. Everything cooked to meld the flavors inside the Jaffle Iron. The bread had a wonderfully toasted crust, but be careful, they are served hot and that first bite could burn your tongue. So good. So unique.

Jaffles and Wraps is a great new addition to the ever evolving street food scene here in Portland. Matt has a passion about what he and his team are creating and have some great combinations on the menu. Each Jaffle is made to order so you know you’re getting their full attention. Open super early to serve the commuting crowd, you can head down for breakfast, lunch or even dinner. Drop on by, try a Jaffle and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

Jaffles:

• The Tug: egg, cheese, choice of ham, bacon or veggie – $3
• The Riverwest: artichoke heart puree, chicken, tomato, pepper jack cheese – $3.50
• OHSU: grilled steak & onions/pepper/mushrooms with pepper jack cheese and pineapple habanero sauce – $4
• The Gibbs Bridge: BBQ Chicken, grilled onions and BBQ sauce – $3

Wraps:

• The Barge: egg, cheddar cheese, bacon, tomato, sauteed mushrooms, red peppers and onions – $6
• The Tram Wrap: chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, tomato, romaine lettuce, caesar dressing – $6
• Hood Avenue: chicken, grilled onions w/ BBQ sauce – $5

Hours: Mon-Fri, 6am-6pm; Sat/Sun, 9am-3pm
Phone: 503 944 0900
Website: JafflesandWraps.com
Facebook: Jaffles and Wraps

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