CLOSED
Location: SW 9th and Alder

The Story:

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

Built to Grill, Portland

Location: SW 3rd and Washington

Description:

When I walked by Built to Grill the other day, something caught my nose, intriguing me. I had already eaten lunch, so vowed to return the next day. Luckily, my lunch buddies wanted to head in that direction for a new Italian cart. We were headed in the exact same direction. I guess I had missed the big Italian flag on the side of the cart.

Built to Grill is new on the scene, having opened just two weeks ago. The owners, Brooke and Aisha, had the cart built special for them in Florida and then shipped up – hence the name. Oh, and such a beautiful cart with everything they need to product a great meal. Built to Grill specializes in Italian sandwiches and pasta dishes. Looking over the sandwich choices makes one’s mouth water. There aren’t many places in Portland where one can find a grilled muffuletta. I sometimes need to hit up the local charcuterie and make it myself. I’ve been on a sandwich kick of late, so discovering that Built to Grill is more than pasta encourages me that the food cart gods are listening to my pleas.

I opted for the grilled muffuletta while my partners chose the Italian hero and the penne with basil pesto. All three meals were top notch. While I was noshing on the first half of my sandwich, my friend offered up a trade for half of his grilled hero. Who could pass that up? The chance to try two different sandwiches in one sitting was great.

Italian Hero courtesy of @Mondofresh

Grilled Muffuletta

The muffuletta was a perfect layering of thinly sliced salami, mortadella, roasted red pepper and provolone, topped with green olive tapenade. All that between artisan bread and thrown on the grill and pressed. The hero was a mix of prosciutto, salami, mortadella, spinach, arugula, peperoncini, provolone and red wine vinaigrette. Both sandwiches were the perfect size and tasted amazing. I’ve tried different olive tapenade both from stores and restaurants and Brooke’s was at the top. Reminded me of the first time I ate a muffuletta in New Orleans. I asked him about it and he informed me that he makes both his tapenade and pesto from scratch. Further, he gets all of his cheeses and meats direct from Italy. Now that’s authentic.

Built to Grill is probably going to become a go to cart for me. I’m a huge fan of paninis and Italian meats. I think I could eat salami and prosciutto for every meal if it were considered a health food. When your out looking for something new, go give Built to Grill a try. Tell them Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• Bowtie primavera – $5
• Penne w/ basil pesto – $5
• Portabella Panini: grilled portabella mushroom, caramelized onions, mozzarella w/ basil pesto – $6
• Hot muffuletta: salami, mortadella, roasted red peppers, provolone w/green olive tapenade – $6
• Meltdown: prosciutto, roasted red peppers, artichokes, provolone w/basil pesto – $6
• Italian Hero: prosciutto, salami, mortadella, spinach, arugula, pepperoncini, provolone w/red wine vinaigrette – $6
• Soups, Salads and drinks available

Hours: Monday through Friday 11am-3pm or sell out.
Contact: unknown at this time.