The Angry Unicorn

February 26, 2013 by 1 Comment

The Angry Unicorn

Location: SE 52nd and Foster, Carts on Foster
Hours: Wed-Sun, 11am-9pm

The Story: Did you know that Portland was built atop an ancient unicorn graveyard? The rumors are true. Why else would you see random tall bikes commuting downtown or Darth Vader playing the bagpipes while riding a unicycle. Unicorns are magical and at The Angry Unicorn, they take that magic and make burgers.

All kidding aside, John and April Scarlett wanted to launch a food cart with burgers and bites, but needed that one nugget of unique to draw people in. They loved the iconography of unicorns, the images and pictures, but John realized sometimes they appeared angry and irritated and The Angry Unicorn was born. Beer may have been involved, but in this case, the end result is brilliant.

The Unicorn Burger

At The Angry Unicorn, they focus on burgers and small bites. With a ‘magical’ burger with ground bacon (real Unicorn Meat) along with strips of bacon, cheddar and veggies, you get a great sandwich. I had never though of mixing chopped bacon with Angus to create a burger. While normally served between a glazed doughnut, I opted for the Portland French Bakery’s pub bun, truly one of the better burger buns in this city. Chewy, with a dusting of flower on top, the bun perfectly complemented the burger, cheese, lettuce and tomato. No condiments needed for this gem. The flavors were enough to impress this burger jerk.

The Angry Unicorn has a great list of burgers including the portobello with grilled onion, peppers and Swiss. There are bacon fries, portobello fries, french fries and items for the kids. If you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to drop by, try some Unicorn and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

  • Unicorn Burger: magical meat w/ground bacon, strips of bacon, cheddar on glazed doughnut – $7
  • The Hottie: jalapeno, grilled onion and peppers, pepper jack cheese, spicy cream cheese – $7
  • The Best Burger: burger mixed with ground bacon, bacon strips, gorgonzola, roasted garlic, cheddar – $7
  • Portobello Mushroom: grilled portobello mushroom, grilled onion, peppers, Swiss cheese – $7
  • Bacon Fries – $4
  • Portobello Fries – $4

Facebook: The Angry Unicorn

Filed Under: Dinner, Fries, Hamburgers, Lunch, SE 52nd and Foster, Southeast-Portland, Vegetarian Options, Weekends

Roadrunner BBQ

November 1, 2012 by 6 Comments
RoadRunner BBQ

RoadRunner BBQ

Location: SE 52nd and Foster, Carts on Foster
Hours: Thurs-Sun, 11am-6pm

The Story:

When I first set eyes upon the Roadrunner BBQ truck, I questioned whether they were serious about BBQ or about having some fun. The bright red truck is adorned with a full size Chief Wiggum from The Simpsons. But, Roadrunner BBQ has made a name for itself and I was eager to taste some good Q.

RoadRunner arrived in Portland over a year ago and has been at Carts on Foster for at least a few months. Jimmy, the owner, is a Dallas native and admits he’s not a chef, but a meat cutter. I think knowing how to break down a cow qualifies one to cook it. With mesquite from Mexico, Jimmy smokes his brisket for 12-14 hours before he feels it is right to serve. Now that’s dedication. Learn patience young man were Jimmy’s parting words.

Chopped Brisket Sandwich From RoadRunner BBQ

Chopped Brisket Sandwich From RoadRunner BBQ

Brisket is what’s in store when visiting the red truck. While he does offer smoked pork butt, four of the six items on the menu are brisket. You can get a sandwich or a plate, chopped or sliced. A chopped brisket sandwich for me! I want to dive into the fatty bits and taste the salty chewy crust. Jimmy doesn’t skimp. I swear there was at least 1/2 lb of chopped brisket there and every bit of it was a salty, meaty moist delight. A sign of brisket well done is the red between the inner meat and the crust and Jim had that spot on.

Portland has some great vendors who do excellent BBQ, but RoadRunner BBQ has raised the bar. If you’re a BBQ fan, you need to head out there and try what Jim has to offer and judge for yourself. Located at SE 52nd and Foster, the lot now has indoor heated seating and a pod bar with beer and wine. Drop on by and let Jimmy know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample menu:

  • Sliced Brisket Plate with 2 sides – $10
  • Chopped Brisket Plate with 2 sides – $9
  • Pork Butt Plate with 2 sides – $9
  • Chicken Breast Plate with 2 sides – $7
  • Sliced Brisket sandwich  -$7
  • Chopped Brisket sandwich – $6
  • Chopped Pork Butt sandwich – $6
  • Sides, $1.50 each – potato salad,creamy cole slaw, baked beans, mac & cheese

Hours: Thurs-Sun, 11am-6pm
Phone:503 310 2837

Filed Under: BBQ, Debit/Credit Carts Accepted, Dinner, Lunch, SE 52nd and Foster, Southeast-Portland, Weekends

The Last Word

June 9, 2012 by 1 Comment

The Last Word

Location: SE 52nd and Foster (at Carts on Foster)
Hours: Wed-Sun, 11am – 6pm

The Story: The The Last Word reminds me of Ernest Hemingway’s writing. I’m a Hemingway fan by the way. Hemingway’s writing of course being described as pared down and simple, but still magically evocative. Hemingway could say more in a four word sentence than many writers can in a whole book. Trust me, as a writer myself, that’s not an easy feat to do.

The Last Word is a streamlined, cut to the chase of affair, but with an artisan twist. It doesn’t have a menu a mile long, nor a lot of exotic ingredients, condiments, or complicated techniques. It isn’t trying to gimmick out with the BIGGEST MONSTER BURGER EVAH, or some authentic yak meat and nettle dumplings from the mountains of Burma, or whatever. The Last Word is still offers cooking that’s creative and earthy, yet refined. Let’s give it a name; Gourmet Simplicity.

The menu is, yes, tight and simple. Four different sandwiches and a daily soup. There’s also a combo of both that comes with your choice of a daily side salad or home made biscuit. One flavor of home made ice cream is offered on a rotating basis, and drinks include the Honest Tea and Honest Juice line.

On the day I visited, Carts on Foster was busy getting their soon-to-be pub area in order, so I ordered and dined over the hum and rhythm of saws and hammers in the background. I did chat with the friendly owner of the Last Word, Mike Richardson, who recently moved to this SE Foster pod from NE Alberta Street. He sold real estate before opening this cart, but has always been an avid cook and lover of all things food related, and I have a hunch likes writing and literature as well (hint: the cart’s logo is an old vintage typewriter). Mike expects to expand his menu and hours as the cart gets settled in its new locale, and as the beer area opens and gains business.

I didn’t ask about the cart’s quirky name, a mistake in retrospect, but I was too focused on ordering one of his enticing sandwiches. I went for the Beef on Weck combo. This sandwich is a specialty of the upstate NY area, but you don’t see it too often in Portland. It’s a classic. Thin sliced, tender roast beef with horseradish on a soft Kimmelweck roll (a cousin of the Kaiser roll). As the combo, it came with a cup of the daily soup (I had the hearty, thick bacon maple barley), and a generous side of finely minced celaric root remoulade salad. It all made for a nice, satisfying lunch. I was too stuffed after my meal to try The Last Word’s ice cream, although it looked perfect for a sunny late spring day: Strawberries & Cream. Described simply, sweet, and straight to the point, just like that.  And that’s The Last Word.

Sample Menu:

  • Cajun Spiced Turkey Breast Sandwich: with sharp Swiss cheese and lingonberry sauce, on Asiago cheese bread -$7
  • Maple Ham Sandwich: with spiced marscapone cheese and pear butter served on a honey molasses roll -$7
  • Pulled BBQ Pork Sandwich -$7
  • Soups: choices rotate but a sampling includes: Smoked Salmon Chowder, Buffalo Chicken Wing, Apple Stilton, Chicken Noodle, etc.) -$5
  • Combo – Sandwich, cup of soup, side salad of the day or biscuit of the day – $8
  • Ice Cream: one flavor made daily. – $3

Hours: Wed – Sat, 11am – 6pm
Phone: 328-252-6379
Website: letseat.at/thelastword
Facebook: TheLastWordFoodTruck

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Filed Under: Ice Cream & Gelato, Lunch, Sandwiches, SE 52nd and Foster, Snacks, Soups, Southeast-Portland, Weekends

The Egg Carton

June 7, 2012 by 4 Comments

Location: SE 52nd and Foster
Hours: Mon, Thurs, Fri, 8:30am-2pm; Sat, Sun, 9am-3pm

The Story:  When Portland’s brunch obsession becomes a skit on Portlandia, you know it has to be true. Portlanders love brunch and breakfast, as the hour long waits and mile long lines at many PDX breakfast joints will attest. So here’s a tip – check out the new breakfast and brunch spot The Egg Carton on SE Foster. Besides the clever pun of a name, this cart has plenty of covered seating, high quality breakfast vittles, and no long lines. Hurrah! Power to the Portland Breakfast People!

Do you like Eggs Benedict in all it’s rich, buttery, velvety, Hollandaise Sauce glory? The Egg Carton offers three versions of it: the traditional Canadian Bacon version, one with fresh tomato and basil, or a Louisiana style Benedict with Andouille sausage.

Or if something sweeter starts your morning engine, try their French Toast with maple Bourbon syrup, or the French Toast with fresh Oregon Strawberries and whipped cream. Yes please!

But it’s the FoPo Cristo that already seems to be The Egg Carton’s signature dish: A perfect combo of sweet and savory. Named after the nickname for the Foster-Powell neighborhood this cart is located in, The Egg Carton’s version of the Monte Cristo sandwich is outrageously good and decadent – stuffed with an oozey yolk fried egg, cheddar cheese, bacon, Canadian bacon, sweet and spicy mustard, strawberry jam, all between two thick cut pieces of French Toast and dusted with powdered sugar. Yes, it’s rich. Yes, it’s filling. And whew, did I not just satisfy two hungry adults with this sandwich for a total of $7? I did! Thanks Egg Carton!

In between sips of The Egg Carton’s refreshing Red Sunrise (a mimosa mocktail made with fresh squeezed OJ, gingerale, and fresh raspberries), I managed to talk with the very friendly and enthusiastic owners of The Egg Carton. Sarah and Tim left solid careers in retail (Sarah) and in law (Tim) to open up their little blue dream cart. Sarah started methodically and slow – working at the Woodstock Farmers Market for two years doing various food related jobs, studying food, catering, and even writing about food on her own blog = improbablefarmer.com.

Local, seasonal foods are part of this cart’s mission, and the quality of ingredients shines through. They do warn everyone about their newness with a sign, “…The Egg Carton is a work in progress…,” but we can’t wait to see what else they have in store. Keep your eyes on The Egg Carton, they have all the makings to become a Portland food cart classic.

Sample Menu:

  • Eggs Benedict. With Canadian Bacon, Tomato & Basil, or Andouille Sausage Patty – $7 (half order $5)
  • French Toast with Maple Bourbon Syrup – $6
  • French Toast with Fresh Seasonal Fruit and Whipped Cream – $7
  • FoPo Cristo – Fried egg, cheddar cheese, Canadian bacon, bacon, strawberry jam. Served between French Toast slices and dusted with powdered sugar – $7
  • Fresh Fruit Side – $1
  • Bacon, two slices – $1
  • Fresh Squeezed OJ – $2
  • Red Sunrise (Mimosa Mocktail) – $3
  • Cellar Door Coffee (Local Microroast) – $1.50/$2/$2.25

Hours: Mon, Thurs, Fri, 8:30am-2pm; Sat, Sun, 9am-3pm
Phone: 503-758-5549
Facebook: EggCartonPDX
Twitter: @eggcartonpdx

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Breakfast Foods, Coffee & Espresso, Lunch, SE 52nd and Foster, Southeast-Portland, Vegetarian Options, Weekends

Flyin’ Hawaiian

January 12, 2012 by 5 Comments
Flyin' Hawaiian

Flyin’ Hawaiian

Location: SE 52nd and Foster, Carts on Foster
Hours: Mon-Sat, 11 am to 8 pm

The Story:

It’s weird how a random trek to SE Portland confirmed how small the world can be. Knowing that several carts in the Foster pod had moved or closed up for winter, I wanted to see which carts remained – and if there were any new arrivals. Flyin’ Hawaiian was one of the newbies in the pod. I was born and raised in Hawaii, so any time I see a Hawaiian-style food cart, I just walk in a hypnotic state, almost compelled to try the food.

Jason Manolian and his business partner, Rusty Silva, opened Flyin’ Hawaiian in early December 2011. Amazingly, Jason is not only from Hawaii, but lived no more than two minutes from my house, mere steps from Aiea High School (no, we didn’t know each other prior to this food cart visit). Before opening this cart, Jason had worked in the restaurant business for several years.

Scanning the menu, I spotted the word “habanero.” Win! Jason has two types of habanero sauce for his wings – pineapple habanero and mango habanero, along with four milder options. And when I say wings, I mean the whole wing…think Pok Pok large. These wings appear to be fried naked, resulting in golden-brown crispy skin and juicy meat. I asked for the two habanero sauces on the side so I could try both. After a time, the fruity, spicy habanero ran wild in my mouth and I couldn’t tell which sauce was which. To me, it didn’t matter. Big chicken wings and spicy sauces already made me a happy panda.

 

Chicken Wings from Flyin' Hawaiian

Chicken Wings from Flyin’ Hawaiian

I had enough room in my stomach for a mahi-mahi taco ($3). Double corn tortillas hold diced cooked mahi-mahi (fish), tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, and more. Customers have a choice of a spicy or a sweet tartar sauce, and of course, I chose spicy. Steamed tortilla, moist fish, refreshing toppings, and a satisfied stomach. Jason said people usually order about three of these for a nice filling meal.

The Garlic Teriyaki Burger and the Chicken Ranch Sandwich are some of the more popular items and non-meat eaters can rejoice, as there is a Vegan Burger on the menu. Also, watch for weekly specials! A recent kalua pork sandwich special was a huge hit. Check out Flyin’ Hawaiian, and tell Jason that Food Carts Portland sent ya!

[Flyin' Hawaiian moved to Carts on Foster 10/2012]

Sample Menu:

  • Giant Wings and Legs – $5 – three wings; $8 – five wings; $15 – ten wings; choice of sauce – pineapple habanero, mango habanero, honey bourbon, orange teriyaki, lemon garlic, or smoky apricot
  • Garlic Teriyaki Burger – $6
  • Mahi-mahi Burger – $6.75
  • Mahi-mahi Tacos – $3 each – choice of hot or sweet chipotle sauce
  • Chicken Ranch Sandwich – $5 – add bacon for $1.25 more
  • Vegan Burger – $6
  • Cinnamon and Sugar Crisp – $2
  • Fresh Cut Fries – sm, $1.50; lg, $3 – choice of seasoning – sea salt, pepper, salt and pepper, garlic salt, Cajun, sweet basil, seasoned salt, cinnamon and sugar

Hours: Daily, 11 am to 8 pm
Phone: 503 567 8424
Website: http://www.flyinhwn.com
Facebook: FlyinHwn503
Twitter: @flyinhwn

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Filed Under: Debit/Credit Carts Accepted, Dinner, Hamburgers, Hawaiian, Lunch, SE 52nd and Foster, Vegan Options, Vegetarian Options, Weekends
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