Northeast Portland is a bit of a food cart desert. There are a few on Alberta and Mexican taco trucks here and there, but as for a pod of carts to visit, one needs to trek to another part of the city. That may change with a new development named The Ocean on NE Sandy at 24th.

The Ocean on NE Sandy at 24th

The Daily Journal of Commerce reported this past week that developer Kevin Cavenaugh has acquired the buildings that once housed Timberline Dodge and is planning a mixed use development which will include food carts. His twist on the concept will be a way for  carts entrepreneurs to incubate into larger enterprises. There are multiple buildings on the lot that will be developed for other purposes including one for Slow Burger, an expansion of the bar on SE MLK; a bakery space for The Pie Spot and maybe even a yoga studio.

Sandy boulevard is an interesting location for a food cart pod. With the car traffic, it seems it would be an immediate success, yet so many other businesses have tried to set up shop on the street and closed. I’m excited to see this project get legs and come to fruition. We’ll keep you posted as we learn more.

The DJC article can be found here.

I have been a fan of the Portland Opera and their partnership with Broadway Across America ever since I was invited to “live-blog” an opera a few years ago. Opera wasn’t in my wheelhouse and that night exposed me to the inner workings of the production and the dedication that goes into putting on such a show. Since that night, I have had the opportunity to enjoy some amazing performances including some of the traveling shows brought to Portland by Broadway Across America.

Kelly Kaduce as Cio-Cio-San, ©Portland Opera/Cory Weaver

The Portland Opera opened their 2011-2012 season back in September with a gala event that featured a few of Portland’s favorite food carts and was open to the public. Here in February, starting this weekend, Madame Butterfly takes the stage. Throughout the remainder of the season, you can also catch Galileo Galilei and Candide.

Beyond opera, the Broadway Across America series brings Beauty and the Beast in February and the remainder of the season offers Wicked, Million Dollar Quartet and Jersey Boys. So many amazing shows and right here in our home town.

I love supporting the Portland Opera and thank them for working with us here at Food Carts Portland to engage two of Portland’s local gems.

More information about the Portland Opera can be found at PortlandOpera.org.

Last spring, the business owners on SW Ankeny between 2nd and 3rd worked together to close the alley and create a space for everyone to enjoy a bite to eat or a pint to drink. The alleyway was closed by the city and the owners supplied picnic tables and draped the entire space with garlands of white lights. They created a space that evoked alleyways of Europe for everyone to enjoy and congregate.

Tonight, the owner of the food cart Perierra Creperie and Central, one of the businesses on the the street, will open an additional cart on the block to sell their signature crepes which made them famous.

I’m happy to see a cart owner succeed so well and be able to bring it full circle to combine brick & mortar and food carts into a single venture. The Ankeny Alley is located between SW 2nd and 3rd along Ankeny downtown. Enjoy!

T & P's Chinese Cuisine

CLOSED
Location: SW 5th and Oak
Hours: Mon-Fri, 10am-5:30pm; Sat, 11-5:30

The Story:

Growing up, there were plenty of Chinese restaurants to go to whenever we wanted  pick up our favorite dishes like Kung Pao Chicken or General Tso’s. Those restaurants are still around, but the number of carts that offer Chinese cuisine are few and far between. T & P’s Chinese Cuisine is now the third to open downtown.

At T & P’s, you can find all of your favorites including Shrimp Chow Mein, Sweet & Sour Chicken, House Fried Rice, Dry Sauteed Green Beans and my favorite, Salted and Pepper Shrimp. If I see salt and pepper anything, I order it. First up, the shrimp and a couple of wontons hit the deep frying, the popping and sizzling could be heard through the window. As they cook, the chef ladled oil into a heavy cast iron pan, adding freshly sliced red onion, julienne carrots and chopped green pepper to sizzle. She stirs everything around, adding in spices and secret sauces that I couldn’t determine, but create the flavor that is unique to this dish. Finally, after the shrimp is crisp from the fryer, she tosses them in to combine all the different flavors. I enjoyed watching her create the dish just as much as the dish itself. The shrimp were just the right crispness without getting chewy and the salt and pepper were prominent throughout the entire mix. This dish is served with an egg roll, a wonton and some white rice.

Salted and Pepper Shrimp

T & P’s Chinese Cuisine is now open on SW 5th and Oak, on the Oak street side of the lot. Their prices are competitive and if the salted and pepper shrimp is any indication, the food is wonderful. Check them out and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• General Tso Chicken – $4.75
• Salted and Pepper Fish – $5.50
• Grean Bean Shirmp – $6
• Black Bean Chicken – $4.75
• Beef with Black Bean Sauce – $5
• Kung Pao Chicken – $4.75
• House Fried Rice – $6
• Salted and Pepper Shrimp – $8

Hours: Mon-Fri, 10am-5:30pm; Sat, 11-5:30
Phone: 503 515 7216

Wagsy's Hot Beef Sandwiches

Location: SW 5th and Oak
Hours: Weekdays, 10am-4pm

The Story:

Family is the strongest bond one will have in his or her life. To me, it’s always a cool story when a parent and child take a common interest and open a business together based on that shared link. At Wagsy’s, which opened in early January 2012, Kevin and his son, Eric, share their love for sandwiches with the public.

Wagsy is Kevin’s nickname, given to him by some of his good friends. There are five sandwiches on the regular menu, each using a fresh Italian roll. Several sandwiches are named for various regions of the United States. I had the Beef ‘n Bourbon sandwich with thin slices of roast beef, chopped cabbage, and Wagsy’s special BBQ sauce infused with premium Maker’s Mark bourbon. The large slices of roast beef are extremely tender and juicy with the fresh cabbage adding that contrasting crunchy element. The warm tangy/sweet BBQ sauce is a home run, and the bourbon shines through. The Italian roll is soft when biting into it, yet thick enough to encase the beef, sauce, and cabbage. A simple sandwich, yet so comforting.

Wagsy's Hot Beef Sandwiches

People have raved about the Chi-Town Beef Dip – a beef sandwich dipped in au jus, and the Rip City – roast beef and garlic butter sautéed mushrooms. Wagsy’s also offers a vegetarian sandwich option. Wagsy’s is open on weekdays for lunch. Check them out and tell ‘em Food Carts Portland sent ya!

Sample Menu:

• Chi-Town Beef Dip – $5; USDA choice beef wet-dipped in au jus
• Philly – $6; choice beef smothered in cheese sauce, peppers, and onions
• Rip City – $6; roast beef covered with garlic butter sautéed mushrooms
• Beef ‘n Bourbon – $6; roast beef, cabbage, and bourbon-infused BBQ sauce
• Veggie-no-Beef – $6; garlic butter sautéed mushrooms, simmered onions and peppers, cheese sauce, and cabbage

Hours: Weekdays, 10am-4pm
Phone: 503 884 0658
Twitter: @Wagsys

Miss Kate's Southern Kitchen

Location: N Mississippi and Skidmore, Mississippi Marketplace
Hours: Tues-Thurs, 10am-3pm; Fri/Sat, 9am-4pm

The Story:

Miss Kate, Charles’ grandmother, was from Vicksburg, Mississippi and Charles, the owner of the newest cart in Mississippi Marketplace is bringing the tastes of Mississippi to the street.

When Kate passed, Charles’ took control of the hundreds of recipes that Miss Kate had collected over the years from her time with the ladies at bridge and garden clubs. They would sit around and simply write down their favorites on the bridge pads, so some of the recipes don’t have titles. Charles takes the recipe and puts the ingredients together without truly knowing what the outcome will be. These are true southern dishes made by a descendant of the founders of Vicksburg. Charles loves to cook and it was at the cajoling for friends that he opened the cart. He also loves to tell stories – did you know the first bottle of Coke was made in Vicksburg by the Biedenharn Candy Company in 1894?

At Miss Kate’s Southern Kitchen, you can discover some amazing southern dishes like coleslaw, mac and cheese, succotash, chicken salad, meatloaf, turkey, pork roast, biscuits and gravy and their awesome pimento cheese. They also have southern fried chicken with biscuits which is what I enjoyed that opening week. I didn’t grow up with crispy homemade fried chicken, so as an adult, I’ve been seeking it out whenever I can. With just salt, pepper and flour, Charles creates an amazing crust that keeps the meat juicy and savory. The biscuits that come with the meal are something special. Sweet cream butter was a dominant taste in the biscuit, but the secret is actually a brown sugar/butter glaze that creates the sweetness I so loved. I’m excited to have Mississippi food now on Mississippi boulevard in my neighborhood.

Fried Chicken from Miss Kate's

Charles and his cart Miss Kate’s Southern Kitchen are open Tuesday through Saturday for the morning hours through the afternoon. You can enjoy some biscuits and gravy or grab a full meal. Charles has an extensive menu, so you can try all that he has to offer. I’m looking forward to some southern succotash. Drop on by this brand new cart and welcome them to the neighborhood and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

Biloxi Biscits (Savory Biscuit)

• Biscuit and Bacon Gravy – $3
• Biscuits with Pimiento Cheese – $2.50
• Biscuit with Maple Syrup and Butter – $1.50
• Breakfast Biscuit with ham, bacon, or sausage – $3
• Biscuit Sandwich with choice of meat and egg and cheese with port beer cheese sauce – $4

• Vicksburg Beignet – 2 for $1.50, 6 for $4; Baker’s Dozen – $7.50

Sandwiches:

• Papaw’s Turkey Sandwich – turkey grilled in gravy, whole cranberry jam, onion cream cheese, greens, tomato, on grilled Italian white bread – $7.50
• Aunt Pat’s Ham Sandwich – country baked ham, pimento cheese, dill mayo, greens, tomato on grilled swirled white and rye – $7.50
• Mamaw’s Chicken Salad – rosemary chicken, cranberries, pecans, greens, tomato, Creole mayo, on grilled Italian white – $7.50

Other:

• Vicksburg Southern Fried Chicken – crispy fried chicken with a little kick – 2 pieces and served with cornbread or biscuit – $6
• Creole Beans and Rice with Cornbread – $5

Hours: Tues-Thurs, 10am-3pm; Fri/Sat, 9am-4pm
Phone: 503 724 7878
Facebook: Miss Kate’s Southern Kitchen

Mira's Ladle

Location: SE 40th and Hawthorne
Hours: Wed-Sun, 12-7pm

The Story:

When I need a hearty soup to get me back on track, I lean towards those from eastern Europe and Russia. Having lived there for a time, something deep in my soul craves the flavors and boldness of the region. Mira’s Ladle has what a growing man needs.

Mira, a former architect, designed the cart from which she serves her Polish cuisine. The menu starts off with Leczo, a vegan and gluten free chili served over brown rice. She also serves barszcz, a traditional Polish beet soup. Purchasing locally grown beets is key to the freshness and everyone loves the bright red color. Just don’t spill it on your Sunday clothes. beet stains are hard to remove. Beyond soups, Mira griddles up potato or zucchini latkes and serves them with apple sauce and sour cream. Everything is made fresh daily sourcing ingredients from local farmers’ markets and regional farms.

The bright red cart is located on Hawthorne street around southeast 40th in a driveway between two houses. You can get the soups in a cup or take it to go in a quart. This is one of those carts you will return to for seconds. Drop on by and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

c=cup; b=bowl; q=quart

• Leczo: vegan gluten free chili served over brown rice – c, $4; b, $6; q, $10
• Krupnik: barley soup with veggies, mushrooms, shredded chicken and served with bread – c, $3.50; b, $5; q, $9.50
• Barszcz: red beet soup with veggie or chicken stock – c, $3.50; b, $5; q, $9.50
• Potato Latkes: potato pancakes served with apple sauce and sour cream – $5
• Zucchini Latkes: zucchini pancakes served with apple sauce and sour cream  -$6

Hours: Wed-Sun, 12-7pm
Website: Mira’s Ladle
Facebook: Mira’s Ladle

Even though it is winter and many people are staying inside, I know you are getting cabin fever and want to get out and eat at some food carts. While there have been some closures this winter, there are still plenty of carts to enjoy and a few new ones open each week.

New Carts:

• Eclectic Eatery – SE 13th and Lexington in Sellwood
• Miss Kate’s Southern Kitchen – Mississippi Marketplace
• Wagsy’s Hot Beef Sandwiches – SW 5th and Oak
• Relish Gourmet Hot Dogs – Cartlandia
• Steak Shack – 10966 SE McLoughlin blvd

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You may have heard or seen that Happy Grillmore is closed for a break. They have pursued an opportunity to serve at the Microsoft Campus in Redmond, WA. They may be back for summer. Keep you eyes out for them. Wish them luck on their new adventure.

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Portland keeps getting showcased on the Cooking Channel show Eat. St. Earlier this month it was Euro Trash and on Tuesday, Jan 24, The Swamp Shack will show America’s eaters what they have to offer. Check the episode out on The Cooking Channel at 5:30 or 8:30pst.

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Portland was just named one of the best cities to live in the WORLD by The Guardian UK. Portland is bohemian, has the most microbrews, may be too cool for school, but has food carts. Yep, Food Carts are highlighted as one of the reasons everyone should live in Portland. I’m not going to argue with that. I think we have some of the best in the nation. You can read the entire article here.

Velas Cart

Location: N Lombard and Burr
Hours: Daily, 11am-7pm

This guest post was written by Scott Batchelar, a regular at many of the carts throughout the city. Thank you Scott.

The Story:

“Welcome to Velas, how are you tonight?” says Mario Vela the owner and chef of the Velas food cart as I walk up to this small food cart pod which includes a Kruger’s Farm Market and Captured by Porches Microbrewery.

In Portland we have close to fifty Mexican Food Carts and for me the trick is finding the gems at each cart. I looked over the extensive menu of Mexican and American foods at Velas and asked Mario for some advice on what his favorite dishes are. He immediately recommended his chicken mole even though I am still perusing the menu to see what else looks promising. My eyes settle on the empanadas and after asking some questions I order both a beef empanada and the chicken mole.

Chicken Mole from Velas Cart

I sit down in the Captured by Porches Bus for a tasty and filling meal. I especially liked the tenderness of the chicken and authentic mole sauce that Mario makes fresh daily as well as the delicious topping of pico de gallo. Add to that the cheese in small cubes he placed on the moist and delicious beef empanada as a bonus.

Velas is open daily from 11am to 7pm. They have an extensive menu of Mexican and American foods including tacos, burritos, tortas, sopes, empanadas, memelas, garnacas, tamales as well as numerous Mexican and American drinks and burgers. With the Captured by Porches bus, you can sit inside out of the rain and even enjoy a cold microbrew. Velas is a great addition to this small but intimate pod. If you drop in let them know Food Carts Portland and Scott Batchelar, the unofficial Food cart King, sent you.

Sample Menu:

PLATES: (with rice & beans)

• Pollo En Mole (chicken mole) $6.00

BURGERS: (With fries or potato salad) $6.00

• Velas (jalapenos, tomatoes, onion, pepperjack cheese)
• BBQ (grilled onions, bbq sauce, cheddar cheese)
• Garlic Mushroom (mushrooms, swiss cheese)
• Chili (green chile, onions, provolone cheese)
• Cajun Chicken Sandwich (marinated chicken, pepperjack & chipotle mayo on foccacia bread

MEALS:

• Tacos (pastor, steak, chorizo, chicken, lengua) $1.50
• Burritos (pastor, steak, chorizo, chicken, lengua) $5.00
• Tortas ((pastor, steak, chorizo, chicken, lengua) $5.00
• Sopes (chicken or beef) $2.50
• Empanadas (chicken, beef, chicharron) $2.50
• Memelas (beans, salsa, sour cream, queso fresca) $2.00
• Garnachas (red sauce, potatoes, onion, beef) $2.00
• Tamales (Veracruz Style – Chicken) $1.95

DRINKS

• Mexican – Jarritos, Horchata, Sidral, Jamaica, Sangria, Tamarindo, Jumex $1.50
• Domestic – Pepsi, Fanta, Diet Pepsi, Dr Pepper, Sprite, Root Beer, Mt Dew, Coke $1.00

Hours: Daily, 11am-7pm
Phone: 503 754 2904

GF Chef

Location: SE 82nd and Harney, Cartlandia
Hours: Wed-Sat, 7:30am-8pm; Sun, 9am-4pm

The Story:

Over the past few years, the term gluten-free has become more prevalent when discussing food as more people, both young and old, learn they have an intolerance to gluten. Executive Chef Jim Adams and his wife decided to create a food cart that catered to those needs but also served some amazing food and GF Chef was born.

GF Chef opened last summer at the now shuttered Green Castle food pod. After the closure, Jim and his wife Bonnie regrouped and moved the cart to the ever expanding Cartlandia pod. No one likes to move a cart and so it took them a week or so to get situated, but now that they are open, they have garnered a loyal following. Jim is the executive chef of the cart and has his own recipes for most of the items. He bakes three different gluten free breads daily – rye, herb and white – and even has some signature pancakes for the morning crowd. Every week he is coming up with new an interesting baked goods like bagels or biscuits or french bread.

Reuben from GF Chef

The rye for the Reuben had just come out of the oven. A hefty loaf with an aroma that began to spread throughout the pod and turn heads. What makes a Reuben special for me is the quality of the corned beef and the Russian dressing. Jim creates his own dressing from an classic German recipe which includes caviar. The bread is first toasted then the Swiss cheese and corned beef are added and finally the sauerkraut and dressing. One excellent sandwich. The bread with a crunch from the toasting melts in your mouth. The dressing, always a treat for my taste buds cemented a memory that I’ll dredge up as a comparison every time I try someone else’s Reuben. The ferment of the sauerkraut topped it off.

Jim and Bonnie are fun to chat with and love what they create and will answer any question you may have. Their focus is to create some great meals gluten free which one would normally not be able to get – including corndogs. Jim has his own batter. GF Chef is open from breakfast through dinner and offers specials daily. If your gluten intolerant or even if you aren’t, check this cart out for some great food and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• Breakfast sandwiches with ham, bacon or sausage, egg and cheese – $3.75
• Pancakes – 2 for $5.25
• Grilled Cheese – $5.50; add meat, $6.50
• Turkey, Ham or Corned Beef Sandwich – $7.50
• BLT – $7.50
• Reuben Sandwich – $8
• Corn Dog – $3.75
• Onion Rings – $4.50
• Hand Cut Fries, Belgian Style – sm, $3.75; lg, $6

Hours: Wed-Sat, 7:30am-8pm; Sun, 9am-4pm
Phone: 503 927 9880
Facebook: GF Chef