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Portland is blessed with an abundance of inexpensive Mexican taqueria carts and taco trucks. A few years ago, I even did a non-scientific survey to see which taqueria had the best carnitas tacos. In the end, no one won because they were all so good. Francisco Taqueria is one of those great carts.

Francisco Taqueria serves up a vast array of Mexican items ranging from tacos to burritos to tortas to nachos. Any given lunchtime, Francisco Taqueria has someone ordering a meal and they’ve been serving it up for at least five years if not longer. They are part of what we refer to as the old guard – the carts who have established themselves and provide their returning customers a great meal.

The day I visited Francisco I chose to get four different tacos – carnitas, asada, pastor and fish. They serve the tacos on double corn tortillas with a sprinkling of chopped cilantro. The fish taco came with cabbage. Four tacos was even a little too much for me. These are good size tacos even though they look small and are only $1.50. You could easily get by with two for lunch.

Francisco Taqueria is located at SW 3rd and Stark and is an anchor in that cart pod. Whether you want breakfast or something for after hitting the bars late at night – Francisco will be open to serve you. If you have that craving for a taco or burrito, give them a try and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

Tacos and Burritos can be made with any of the following: carnitas, chicken, pastor, chorizo, asada, camaron, ground beef, fish or vegetarian.

• Tacos – $1.50 for corn tortilla; $2 for flour
• Burritos with rice, beans, cheese and filling – $5
• Combination plates – $5.50 – options include quesadilla, chimichanga, enchilada, burrito, taco, torta, fajitas
• Taco Salad – $5
• Nachos – $4
• Breakfast burritos – egg/bacon; potatoes/cheese; ham; chorizo – $4

Hours: unsure, but breakfast, lunch and late night available
Phone: 503 757 3984

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Portland always gets teased by a false spring in late February and early March. The sun is out, the air warms and the crocus bloom. We start wearing short sleeves and begin sitting out on the deck at the local bar. Then, without much notice, winter returns with a bang and we’re back in the gray, rainy, windy weather we’re use to here in Portland. I call that soup weather and north Portland can now welcome The Kettle Kitchen to the neighborhood serving up hot soups daily.

The Kettle Kitchen is owned and operated by the culinary team of Gina Dewald & JR Huntington. I met Gina the other day when I visited for a nice bowl of Indian Curry and Shrimp soup. Gina stated that they make new soups daily, source locally, and usually have four to choose from along with different biscuit options. As the weather warms, they plan on offering cold soups also like gazpacho or cold cucumber soup. She even mentioned something about fruit soups which I have never tasted nor thought of, so I’m excited to see what they come up with.

The Indian Curry and Shrimp soup I enjoyed had a wonderfully complex flavor. It took me awhile to figure out what it was that I was tasting and then it came to me – coconut milk. The soup was full of nicely chopped onions that had taken on the flavor of the curry and milk along with a nice pinch of cilantro. The soup is prepared without the shrimp, so it is vegan. The sauteed shrimp can be added at your choosing for a more complex flavor profile. I simply loved it. Along with the soup came a jalapeno and cheddar homemade biscuit.

The Kettle Kitchen is a great addition to the neighborhood. Overlook and Arbor Lodge will benefit from having a place to grab a simple yet complex soup either by the cup, bowl or quart. Glancing over at their Facebook page, I see they plan on offering up granola with yogurt parfaits on the weekend. If you are chilly or just want a down home style meal, check out The Kettle Kitchen and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

Soups change daily, so check their Facebook page for updates

Cup: $4; Bowl: $6; Quart to go $12 – all soups come with biscuit

• Indian shrimp and curry: spicy curry soup made with coconut milk. sauteed shrimp can be added
• Barley fagioli: Italian bean soup made with carrots, basil and barley – vegan
• Cream of broccoli
• Guinness Chili: a beer based hearty chili

Hours: Tuesday though Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturday/Sunday, 9am-3pm
Facebook: The Kettle Kitchen

Check out our own profile of Sawasdee Thai food and happy carting.

BARISTA’s 1 yr Anniversary Party

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You may know Valhalla Sandwiches from when they were in SE Portland down behind Dollar Scholar in 2009. In the past six months, they have done some moving about and even acquired a new cart. Now located at SW 9th and Alder, Valhalla Sandwich Co. is a great new addition to that Pod.

I first heard about Valhalla Sandwiches last summer via Twitter and emails. At that time, with a new cart opening almost daily,  I was never able to make it out to their SE location before they closed and announced their move downtown. When winter came, we saw their panel truck parked at the corner of SW 4th and Hall. I ventured down a couple of times, but they were always closed. Finally, in January, we saw tweets about the new cart moving to SW 9th and Alder and they reopened in February. I guess SW 4th and Hall had some challenges with power and they were unable to get their equipment running properly there – thus the move.

Horseradish, cheddar, avocado and mushroom

Valhalla Sandwich Co. makes some great panini style grilled sandwiches. When we visited, they had veggie and vegan options, but in talking with Matthew Woodward, the owner, we learned that they will be adding more items to the menu (meat) in March. My lunch partner and I decided to try two different sandwiches and then trade halves so we could both enjoy the different options. (I love this idea and am going to recommend it to all my lunch partners so I can keep trying their food.) I had the horseradish, cheddar, avocado and mushroom sandwich and my partner ordered the pear, Gorgonzola and brie sandwich. Both came with some grilled hand cut home fries and a sun dried tomato ketchup. The star of the day was the pear and Gorgonzola/brie sandwich. With a thick slice of pear and that melted cheese, I wasn’t sure if it would work, but it did. After my first bite, I couldn’t put it down and stop raving about it. A simple sandwich with a ton of flavor. The other sandwich was equally tasty with just a hint of horseradish. Don’t let that scare you off.

Pear, Gorgonzolla and Brie

I have been a big fan of Portland’s new sandwich options and I put Valhalla on the list as a new destination spot. Tucked in a spot next to Spella Cafe, Valhalla is a great new lunch option. They have had some challenges the past few months with their move, but are taking it in stride and moving forward. Drop on by, enjoy a sandwich and tell them Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

All grilled sandwiches on Grand Central bread and served with home fries

• Horseradish, cheddar, avocado and mushroom sandwich – $5
• Pear, Gorgonzola and brie – $5
• Sharp cheddar, fontina and tomato – $5
• Vegan cheese and tomato – $5
• Vegan ham and cheese – $6
• The B.S.T.A – vegan bacon, spinach, tomato and avocado – $7
• Homemade juices – varies daily – $2

Hours: Monday through Friday, 11am-4pm
Twitter: ValhallaCartPdx

Seattle is hosting their 3rd annual Mobile Chowdown this Saturday, March 13. This event brings the best of Seattle’s food carts to a single location for their customers to partake. They are dubbing this year as a Seattle vs. Portland showdown, but come on, having it in Seattle kinda gives them an advantage. Portland carts are going to represent though  – Koi Fusion, Potato Champion, Whiffies and Burgerville. If you are in Seattle or would love to go to a food cart festival up north, check out the Mobile Chowdown at Safeco field.  Mobile Chowdown Details

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Portland’s Street of Dreams is looking to include food carts into this year’s August event. If you are a cart owner and would like to participate, please contact them at erics at hbapdx.org.

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Portland Parks and Recreation are planning an Earthday Festival in April where they would love to have 1 or 2 food carts.  The event takes place on April 17th from 10 am until 2 pm, in SW Lair Hill Park.  Portland Parks and Recreation City Nature is teaming up with the local Waldorf School and Neighborhood Association, so they are estimating an attendance of at least 500 to 600 hungry people.  If you want to participate, please contact Tori Newburn at 805-279-9223.

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Festival of Nations “A Gathering at the River” is a cultural celebration centered on Native American traditions welcoming to all.  Held September 24-26, 2010 in the Cascade Locks Marine Park, they offer free entertainment; a 10k Salmon Run; crafts and more to celebrate the communities of the Columbia River Gorge.  For a vendor application or more details, please contact Rebecca Gandy 503.753.4267 or rebgandy@comcast.net.

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If you hear of an event that is looking for food carts, let us know and we’ll get the word out.

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We’re probably going to be talking about the newest pod to come to town over the next month. Refuel North Station is open for business and is gradually adding carts. Along with Saucy’s and Brother Bob’s Bakery, the most recent cart to set up shop is El Rancho Mexican Food and we visited there this past week.

El Rancho is my kind of taqueria. With a simple menu of burritos, tacos, sopes, huaraches and even breakfast plates, it is where we’ll be spending many weekend lunchtimes come spring and summer. When we visited, they were still working out some minor kinks, so the menu didn’t have prices, but we ordered a nice veggie burrito and a few tacos and it was only $7, so I think the price is right!

The veggie burrito we enjoyed was mushroom and spinach. I peeked inside when the owner threw the spinach and mushrooms on the grill and swear it was the first time used. That was the cleanest grill I have seen. Watching the spinach wilt while the mushrooms sauteed made my mouth water. They threw it all on a tortilla (also grilled) with some beans and lettuce and wrapped it up. We even had them throw a couple of jalapenos on the grill while it was hot.

The tacos I enjoyed were one each of carnitas and asada. I love when they have two tortillas for the taco and then load it up – it is like getting two tacos in one. Both tacos were great. I simply love carnitas and will keep singing its praises until I find a new favorite.

El Rancho Mexican Food is located in Refuel North Station in North Portland. They offer seating by the cart and the lot also has indoor seating for those rainy days. When we visited, they didn’t have prices posted, but from our experience, they are on par with what one would expect from a Mexican food truck. When you visit, let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• Tacos with asada, chicken, carnitas, shrimp, fish, pastor – comes with pico de gallo
• Fish Burritos
• Fajita Burritos
• Quesadillas
• En Chilada
• Chile Relleno
• Huraches
• Chicken Tamales
• Sopes
• Tortas
• Breakfast also available

Hours: Breakfast and lunch weekdays and weekends.

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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

Koi Fusion has been a unique and fun addition to Portland’s Food Cart scene and we’re glad to see them succeed so well. I for one am excited to try what will be showcased at KoiFusion@1 – KFC – Korean Fried Chicken. Described as spicy, crunchy fried chicken in a tangy sauce – doesn’t that make your mouth water?

KoiFusion@1 is open now and are working out some of the minor kinks. They will be open 4pm-12am Tuesday through Saturday. Check them out at NW 13th and Lovejoy.

KoiFusion@1 and Studio 1
1300 NW Lovejoy
(503) 220-0080
www.koifusionpdx.com
@koifusionpdx on Twitter!

Food Carts Portland would like to wish BrunchBox a Happy 1st Birthday. Yes indeed. One year ago today, BrunchBox landed giving Portland a new option for lunchtime burger madness. Head on down to BrunchBox today or this week and congratulate them on their success. BrunchBox is at SW 5th and Stark and is open weekdays from 8am to late afternoon.
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Wicked Waffles and The Sugar Cube are opening this week. Wicked Waffles opened on Monday, providing North Portland another option for tasty waffle concoctions. Wicked Waffles is located at the new Refuel North Station at the corner of N Killingsworth and Greeley.

The Sugar Cube is reopening after a winter break and has been teasing us on Twitter with her tasty concoctions. If you have a sweet tooth, you have to visit The Sugar Cube. They are located at Mississippi Marketplace and plan on being open Thurs-Sat, 12-7pm and Sunday, 12-5pm. I know I am going to get me something with chocolate and salt and caramel.
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The Big Egg at Mississippi Marketplace has new hours for spring – open at 6:30am, Wednesday through Friday. Now you too can enjoy one of their great breakfast sandwiches on the way to work.
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Whiffies and Potato Champion, both of SE 12th and Hawthorne, are expanding their hours this week to include lunchtime. If you’re on the east side, you can now get your late night fix of pies and fries at noon.
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Garden State has indeed opened and has been crazy busy at their newest location at Mississippi Marketplace. During the past couple of months, the Sellwood location has been closed. But not for long. Kevin, the owner, Tweeted this weekend that the Sellwood location would reopen by Friday.
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News arrived in our inbox this past week that the owner of Thai Basil, located at SW 2nd and Oak, suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. His son says he is recovering, but all cart lovers should keep him in their thoughts and if you can visit the cart and wish the family well.
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There is a new cart pod on the west side off TV Highway. The owner of the lot is looking for carts who want to participate. If you are a westsider and want to check it out, here’s the info.
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Are you traveling to Bend anytime soon? Maybe skiing or an early spring break? I recently learned that Bend has a food cart named SPORK. If you visit, check out their website for daily specials and let them know you heard about them from Food Carts Portland.
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When one cart closes, another opens. That seems to be the story of Portland. Down on SW 5th and Stark, the venerable Gyros King/Taste of Kazakstan/Creperie cart has finally closed and is for sale – call 971 227 4286 for more info. If you’re looking for a cart at a great location, let us know and we’ll go write down the contact info. Don’t fret though. The former side cart location at 5th and Stark now has signage for District Sandwiches and Spuds. Watch for them to open soon.

Happy Carting.