Magic Beans

CLOSED
Location: N Mississippi at Skidmore in Mississippi Marketplace

Description:

Mississippi Marketplace is now full. All the spots are taken and the final cart to open is Magic Beans. This bright yellow cart has been drawing curious eyes for the past month of people wondering what they are going to offer. The pod has so much great food, who can come in and add more? Magic Beans opened in mid November and according to one of the owners, Scott, has been selling out a majority of the days. I guess they hit the mark.

Magic Beans specializes in falafel sandwiches or ghanoush. They managed to shoehorn a fryer in the back of the cart, which allows them to make the falafel along with some tasty fries. The menu is pretty straight forward from first glance, but upon ordering, I was peppered with some extra questions – what flavor of hummus, what kind of salt for the fries. I had to think a bit – do I go for red pepper or one with jalapenos? Do I get lemon pepper salt or rosemary? And to think, I was getting “The Real Deal” a sandwich, fries and a drink for $6.

Falafel and fries from Magic Beans

The falafel sandwich was tasty. The falafel were soft, yet crunchy; the spicyness of either the ghanoush or the hummus was flavorful without being overpowering. The cheese was feta, but didn’t have that dryness you sometimes get and mixed well with the spices. The fries were fresh cut and I chose the lemon pepper seasoning which gave them a great flavor. I’m the guy who always salts the fries and this time, the fries stood out without any need for extra salt or ketchup. A great lunch.

Magic Beans is the collaboration of Jordan, Scott and Jason. I really enjoyed chatting with them while ordering – they are engaging and have a good sense of humor – a trait needed when engaging customers on a very cold day at a cart. The meal was a great deal. All that food for $6, you can’t go wrong. Being brand new, they may still be working out the kinks like schedule and such, but for now, they are open most days at 11 and into the late afternoon. They hope to be a late night cart, but currently, there is no lighting at Mississippi Marketplace, so it is difficult to see where the carts are. Soon. Next time you are down there, stop by and say hi, order up a falafel sandwich and tell them Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• Falafel sandwich – $4
• Falafel sandwich with fries and drink (ice tea) – $6
• Ghanoush – winter squash or anaheim pepper – $4
• Hummus – red pepper flavored
• Housemade fries – lemon pepper or rosemary seasoning – $2
• Most items are gluten free

Hours: Daily plus weekends open @ 11am. Closing time late afternoon with goal of late night
Contact: unknown

Buddha Bites

CLOSED
Location: SW 4th and Hall

Description:

“Hey, that’s a new cart isn’t it?,” was the first words out of my mouth when I walked up to the carts on SW 4th avenue by PSU. Tucked in between Thai Pasta and a cart named Rice and Noodle was Buddha Bites, all bright and shiny and new. When I got closer, I began to see the key words of the 21st century – organic, sustainable, farm direct, probiotic. Gotta try it. And I’m glad I did.

Just looking at the menu and the cart’s banner, one can tell these cartrepreneurs have their finger on the pulse of Portland’s food culture. Offering up local organic farm direct meats and produce, along with gluten free options seems to be what people are asking for daily in our email box. The menu is broad, ranging from breakfast to lunch, sandwiches to soups and salads and even fruit and veggies smoothies. As it was lunchtime, I went for the sandwich part of the menu and picked out “Our Awesome Meatloaf.”

Our Awesome Meatloaf sandwich at Buddha Bites

Served on their freshly made Naan bread, the meatloaf sandwich was just that, meatloaf, some ketchup, may and then leafy greens. No iceberg lettuce here. We’re talking flavorful, rich greens that you would normally find in a salad. The freshness of the greens complemented the rich full flavor of the meatloaf. I even thing the ketchup was special as it added just the right zing to the entire sandwich and I don’t normally use ketchup. This was a hearty meal; filling, satisfying and enjoyable.

Buddha Bites is a welcome cart to the PSU pod. Also, the second cart in that pod to be open for breakfast starting at 7:30 am. I understand they make their own scones. Mmmmm. Don’t let winter and rain keep you away from this great new cart. They have an awning you can skulk under while you wait for your meal and if you dash across the street, you can eat in the basement of the city building. Head on down, grab a smoothie and tell them Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• Roast chicken with avocado, tomato and cheddar served on fresh made Naan bread – $6
• Our Awesome Meatloaf – with lettuce, ketchup and mayo served on fresh made Naan bread – $5
• Soy cheese, tempeh and salmon available for substitution
• Twice baked Potatoes stuffed with garlic ground beef and cheddar or broccoli and feta – $3
• Beef stew bowl served with Naan – $6
• Quinoa tabouli plate w/humus, feta, olives, naan – $7
• Naan with two eggs, chipotle black beans and cheddar – $4
• Cranberry almond scones (gluten free) – $2.50
• Fruit and Veggie Smoothies – $3
• and much more

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4pm
Phone: 530  975 8216
Website/Email: unknown

The Grilled Cheese Grill

Location: NE 11th and Alberta

Description:

The grilled cheese sandwich is as American as apple pie and everyone you know has eaten one in their lifetime.  When I was a poor post-college student, I survived on grilled cheese and top ramen.  I think we even put pre-cooked ramen noodles in a toasted cheese, but I digress.  Portland has a new food cart – the Grilled Cheese Grill.

The Kindergartner

On a corner lot up off NE Alberta, The Grilled Cheese Grill setup shop with picnic tables, an old school bus and an airstream for their kitchen.  They do a traditional grilled cheese like mama use to make called the Kindergartner.  You get to choose your bread and whether you want American or Cheddar cheese.  A perfect grilled cheese.

The Babs

If you want to mix it up a bit though, they have 15 other versions of the grilled cheese for your to choose from.  With ingredients including apple, bacon, jalapeno, artichoke, turkey, hummus, and numerous choices for cheese, you will find a favorite.  I opted for the Babs, with apple, bacon, blue cheese and swiss on rye bread. Such a great sandwich.

The Grilled Cheese Grill is a great place and they do the sandwich justice.  I’m looking forward to visiting more as we get out and about as the weather warms up.

Sample Menu:

• The Kindergartner – the classic, however you like it – $4
• The Pre-schooler – same as the Kindergartner but with crusts cut off – $4
• The Gabby – cheddar, colby jack, swiss, mozzarella on while – $4.50
• The Southsider – artichokes, sundried tomatoes, mushrooms, mozzarella on grilled sourdough – $5
• The Moondog – provolone, salami, pepperoni, olive and pepper tapenade on grilled sourdough – $6
• The Babs – bacon, apple, blue cheese, swiss on rye – $6
• additions:  tomato, avocado, pickles, onions, sauerkraut, etc – 50c; bacon, turkey, salami, egg, etc – $1.75
• Gluten Free options

Phone: 503 206 8959
Twitter: The Grilled Cheese Grill
Website: www.grilledcheesegrill.com
Hours: Tues-Thurs: 11:30-9; Friday, Saturday: 11:30-late; Sunday: 11:30-8; closed Mondays.