Kingsland Kitchen - SW Oak and 5th - Jamaican Jerk!

I've taken a while to get around to stopping and trying out the well-reviewed Kingsland Kitchen cart, which is on the North side of the pod on SW 5th and Oak.

This is a British-themed (but European influenced from a variety of locales) sandwich cart, open for breakfast and lunch, which also offers a full English breakfast for $10, if you feel so inclined.

Sandwiches come on tasty French rolls. This cart has been in operation a while now, and today, I finally got to give it a try.

Originally lured by the prospect of a Guinness-braised beef sandwich, I looked over the extremely tempting menu and decided to go with the Jamaican Jerk Chicken offering.

I must say, I am very happy with my choice, and very much looking forward to trying some of their other offerings. The chicken had just the right amount of kick, the pineapple was cooked just right, and not too sweet.

Ingredients are touted to be locally sourced and organic. Some of their other offerings include organic pork meatballs, Mumbai Spice Chicken, desserts such as cupcakes and short bread.

I will have to come back to this cart on numerous occasions to try the variety of options available, judging by how awesome this Jerk Chicken sandwich was. Give them a try, I have a feeling you won't be disappointed.

Mimi's Ethiopian Kitchen - SW Oak between 2nd and 3rd

It's been a long, long time since I've blogged about a food cart... (and the last two I wrote about have come and gone, I sincerely hope this isn't a pattern) -- Here we go!

Quietly appearing in the former Cheesesteak Factory cart, Mimi's Ethiopian Kitchen has arrived to bring some variety to the pod on SW 3rd between Stark and Oak. (A welcome change from the 5+ Mediterranean carts that occupy this particular pod)- It's located right next to Pulehu Pizza, just West of Mother's Bistro.

Featuring both meat and vegetarian Ethiopian dishes, there is bound to be something you'll enjoy on their menu.

I had the Kay Sega Wat, which is cubes of beef in a spicy sauce, served alongside some stewed cabbage and greens, over a generous bed of injera. There is also a piece of injera served to the side (which is a spongy, somewhat sour, fermented pancake-like bread you tear off pieces of to pick up and eat the other bits of food with) - They sell injera on its own on the side, and even offer gluten-free options.

Just behold the beauty of this dish! Plenty of food, and you won't want to leave a single bit behind.

The generous serving of injera was enough to combine some with every single bite, which is delightful.

You'll find the traditional Doro Wat, the Ethopian "national dish" of simmered spicy barbeque chicken over injera.
They have spicy and non-spicy versions available, and also offer lamb as an option on some of the beef-based dishes.

For those who prefer not to eat meat, Kay Miser Wat is a spicy split lentil dish, or try the Gomen Wat, a cabbage-based dish.
There is also the option of a simple rice and chicken offering, or a variety plate with your choice of a combination of all above.
Prices are in the $6-$8 range for most dishes, and the food is delicious. Even if you've never had Ethiopian before, you should give this cart a try.

Authentic Cuban Food! SE 3rd and Washington - Shredded Beef and Plantains

A new Cuban cart has popped up next to Mama Mia's Trattoria on SW Washington, between 2nd and 3rd Ave.

The banner across the top says "Authentic Cuban Food" - I'm assuming that's the name of the place.

I'm a fan of Cuban food, and there were a few menu items mentioning plantains - which got my attention.

I ordered the Shredded Beef and Plaintains dish ($7.50) - which comes with -- Shredded beef, some fried plantains, rice, and a salad.

The menu was a little hard to read, and I didn't realize they had pork offerings at first. A couple of guys in line in front of me had ordered a pork dish, and the guy running the cart handed them some small samples while they waited -- which, according to their reaction, was incredible. This was their second visit to the cart since it opened, and they seemed pleased.

Unfortunately, I accidentally took a VIDEO of the menu instead of a photograph, so I apologize for the terrible quality of this:

They offer a Cubano sandwich, a Jalapeno Beef sandwich (which I was tempted to order - $5.50) - some pizza like offerings topped with a couple meat or veggie choices ($5), along with some pork and beef and plantain dishes that run $6-$8.

As for my Shredded Beef and Plantains meal, here it is:

The beef contains some carrots, lima beans, and peas - very nice flavor, quite tasty. The tomatoes were slightly salted and peppered just right.
The plantains were fried, a little on the sweet side (I prefer "tostones," the savory twice-fried green plantains, but these were still good)

I ate EVERY SINGLE BIT of what was served to me - this was delicious. I am anxious to try their pork next time, then maybe the Jalapeno Beef sandwich after that. Good stuff! Try it out.

Whole Time Chicken, SW Washington & 3rd - Fried Chicken and Rice

Today, I thought I'd try the new fried chicken cart that has occupied the former space of "Thick," the Chicago pizza cart that has now relocated to the 'big' cart pod on 9th. It's right across from Killer Burger, in a black cart with yellow trim.

In what seems like record time, Thick moved on to bigger things, and soon after - Whole Time Chicken has appeared. They do chicken and rice, and chicken/rice/salad combos. You can have your chicken fried, with breading - or seared, and there are a variety of standard sauces available (BBQ, Honey Mustard, Ranch, Hot Sauce)

As I stood looking at the menu, I could smell the fried chicken being cooked, and it smelled delicious... which cemented the choice I was going with, I was going to have the fried stuff.

It's served on a generous bed of seasoned rice, four strips of boneless chicken. I tried it by itself first, and the seasoning is quite tasty - has a little bit of zing to it, but it isn't overly 'spicy' - The chicken itself was tender and juicy, and the crunchy crust was very enjoyable on its own.
I opted for the hot sauce, as I like spicy food - and it was GOOD hot sauce. Combined with the chicken and rice, I was very satisfied with my meal.
$6 got me the chicken and rice combo, you can also add salad, bringing the total to $7.50. Pretty decent deal if you ask me.
Looks like they're keeping the menu simple, which can be a very good thing. I'll have to go back and try the seared chicken soon, to see how it compares.

Rikoson - Venezuelan - SW 3rd and Ash St. -- JUMBO Chili Dog...

Today was one of those days where I just wasn't sure what I was in the mood for, so I hit up an ATM and just walked around a few of the cart pods, hoping something would 'jump out at me' as inspiration for lunch.

I decided on Mexican after a bit, as it's been a while since I went to a Mexican food cart... so I headed to one of my standard Mexican stops -- turned the corner, and... they weren't open today. Oops.
(insert sad trombone sound here)

So much for that idea - off I headed a little further North than usual, toward Ash street. As I turned on to Ash, the cart in the former home of La Sangucheria (where I used to love the award-winning Chicharrons) was Rikoson, a Venezuelan cart. I'd walked by at a distance a few times, and from the photos of the menu items, I had assumed this was a hot dog/burger cart. Not so, I realized, as I got closer and was able to read the descriptions of the items in question.

Funny thing, though - for some reason, I saw the "Jumbo Chili Dog" on the menu - Ah HA! I never see chili dogs at food carts... and hey, it sounded kinda good today... So, I stepped up and ordered my chili dog - then started noticing... they had a board out advertising Arepas and Tostones, which weren't listed on their standard menu board. Oops. I love both of those things, I guess I'm going to have to come back and try the 'real' Venezuelan food after this.

My chili dog was quickly presented, and it was MASSIVE. It's a sausage inside, a good sized one, and the bread is the same as they use for their sandwiches.

A good helping of chili was inside, along with fries that are pretty much almost as thin as potato chips, nice and crispy, which add a nice touch to the whole package.
This was way more food than I was expecting to get. Sure, it said "Jumbo Chili Dog" on the menu, but figured that was just because it used sausage instead of an Oscar Meyer Wiener. The bread was fantastic, and didn't come apart when exposed to the chili. This is a big plus.

This thing hit the spot, and then some - I am stuffed to the gills at the moment, and I think I need a nap... and a wet-nap, as well, I managed to get a good amount of this on my hands and face.

So, my first try of this Venezuelan gem (5-star reviews all around on Yelp) and I have a chili dog, but hey, I'll be back to check out their less American themed offerings soon, because if they can do a chili dog this awesome, I'm certain their other foods are going to be amazing.

Haggis!! The Frying Scotsman - SW 9th and Alder

Today, I decided to go try out what has now become a full-time, regular menu item at The Frying Scotsman - the Haggis Supper.

This is a long-standing, and very much loved Fish and Chips cart run by a real Scotsman. He would do Haggis on special occasions, but has now added it to his regular rotation of offerings.

Located about halfway between Alder and Washington on SW 9th, featuring several varieties of Fish and Chips - Cod, Haddock, Halibut, Red Snapper and Mahi Mahi - plus add-ons: mushy peas, curry sauce... and a deep fried Mars Bar.

Now, on to the Haggis...

If you're not familiar, Haggis is traditionally made of sheep's liver, heart, and lungs - mixed with spices and onion and oatmeal and suet and such, encased in an animal stomach. (Sounds delicious, I know...)

This presentation is deep fried.

It comes with a container of tartar sauce, some very tasty cole slaw, and a generous helping of very tasty chips. The cart offers ketchup, malt vinegar, and HP sauce to help customize to your tastes. I opted for a small bit of malt vinegar for the Haggis, and HP sauce for my chips (a weakness of mine).
The Haggis went very well with both the tartar sauce and the HP sauce. By itself, it's a coarse and rich 'pudding' and the breading it's fried in a very crisp and tasty.

Good stuff. Give it a try if you're adventurous, or just like this kind of thing - I know it's not for everyone... but I can speak from experience, if you don't like the idea of Haggis, give them a try for the fantastic Fish and Chips offerings.

Asian Station - SW 2nd and Oak

Greetings! For today's lunch, I visited Asian Station - which has become a standard for me over the last couple of months they've been in operation.

This is located on the same stretch of SW 2nd Ave as Mama Chow's Kitchen, El Pijon, etc. I'm surprised I've not blogged it yet, as my punchcard toward a free meal is already at 9 out of 20, and... it's right by where I work.

The food here is well-portioned, reasonably priced, and most importantly - very fresh and tasty. It hasn't taken them long to gain a very loyal following - crowds are common, especially between noon and 1pm.

Offering salad rolls, fish rolls, fried tofu, your standard Thai rice dish combinations, some noodle dishes -- including Yakisoba -- and fantastic curry bowls you just have to try... everything I've had here has been top-notch.

Today, I had the Spicy Basil with Chicken, 'extra spicy' - it took them a week or three for me and a fellow coworker to chide them about the spice levels to where we were satisfied with the dripping-with-sweat results we wanted by ordering "extra spicy," - but they've got that formula down now. Don't worry, for those sane people out there, they do all levels from mild on up with no problem.

This particular dish uses ground chicken. Many of their chicken meals feature breaded chicken breast atop the meal, which is also amazing. Another thing I enjoy is that they use a single fried egg whenever a dish is listed with egg on it, so you can incorporate the egg into the dish however you see fit, or just eat it all at once if you prefer.
Nice to have the choice.
$6.00!!This is easily two meals worth of food, but it's so good I'll eat it all in one sitting, anyway.

The mother-daughter team working this cart are very friendly, and I can't stress enough how this is one of the best Thai carts in Portland.

Lower East Side Deli - SW 3rd and Stark, South Side -- Buffalo Chicken Wrap

A new sandwich shop has popped up in the former Hog Time cart, "Lower East Side Deli," featuring New York style Italian sandwiches of various sorts, and a collection of chicken wraps.
I walked by to take a peek at the menu, and saw they had a Boneless Buffalo Chicken Wrap, and I was in the mood for something spicy.. so I headed to the ATM to obtain funds and wandered back.

I ordered my wrap, then perused the menu, and started looking at the photos of all the different sandwich offerings. I began to wonder if I'd ordered the wrong thing, as every sandwich photo looked amazing...

I do believe I'll need to revisit this cart and order a sandwich next time instead of a wrap.

Now, mind you, this wrap is pretty tasty.

Fairly simple in ingredients, breaded white chicken breast with Buffalo sauce, bleu cheese dressing, lettuce and tomato, wrapped in a tortilla, cut in half and wrapped in foil. Very tasty. It was a little messy, but delicious.

I'll include a photo of the menu, which looks promising...
(Click to embiggen)

Yeah, I think I'll have to come back and check out some of the other sandwich offerings over the next few weeks...

Deutschland Curry - SW 5th and Stark

Spring is in the air in Portland, and after the cold, harsh winter claimed a few carts, as it usually does - it's time for the next wave of carts to hit the scene.

Today's lunch was courtesy of "Deutschland Curry" - certainly not the first thing that comes to your mind when you think Deutschland, but, hey...

They proudly brand themselves "Portland's Wurst Food Cart" - offering sausages and fries, and a selection of toppings - curry, fondue, lentils, and a combination of peppers and onions I can't quite remember the name of. (I'll come back and edit this part later)
It's located next to the legendary "Schnitzelwich" cart, Tabor, which - sadly, hasn't been open for a few weeks now... (and I fear what that implies.)

Moving along... the helpful people inside the cart offered me a 'world tour,' which was a small sample of each of their standard configurations of sausages and sauces.

As I walked back to the office with my haul, I couldn't resist dipping a few fries into the sauces and trying them out. Each one of them is great. I couldn't wait to sit down and really dig in.

The sausage is tender and juicy, the fondue is creamy and tasty (and goes well with the dark-brown fries) - the curry had just enough kick, and complimented the sausage quite well. I could easily pick any of their offerings and enjoy it thoroughly, though I will say my favorite, by far, is the curry... Nice work!
I'll be back for that by itself, for sure.

Prices are decent, especially for the haul of food. Expect to pay about $6.50-$8.50 depending on your options.

Mama Chow's Kitchen - SW 2nd and Stark - Wings! Glorious Wings!

An attractive new cart has shown up midway between Oak and Stark on SW 2nd Ave, with all wood siding -- "Mama Chow's Kitchen"

The menu features Wonton soup, honey glazed chicken wings, and BBQ spare ribs.
(The ribs and wings can be served over rice, with steamed baby bok choy)

I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to have a decent place serving chicken wings so close by. There haven't been many food carts serving wings.

The wings were described as 'lollipop wings' - I had to inquire, as this was a new term to me - and it was explained that one of the two bones is pulled out (and used for making the stock for the soup) and the wings are marinated overnight in a garlic infused marinade, then they're deep fried on the spot and given a honey glaze.

He fried up a wing for me to try, minus the glaze - and it was delicious... so I went ahead and ordered the wings with rice and baby bok choy. (Wings can be had by themselves for $6, with the add-ons, $7)

Wow, these things are awesome. Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy (and with garlic!) on the inside. The glaze isn't too sweet and it has a slight kick to it, just right. The rice and bok choy were excellent accompaniments, and made for a very filling meal.

I'm really looking forward to trying their whole menu, and glad to see this cart come to town.

** Follow up **
I went back for the Wonton soup today, and got the Pork and Shrimp Wontons. (Mama's recipe, he tells me)
WOW - it was absolutely delicious. Served with baby bok choy, and using the sauce he recommended.. what a treat. Savory and tender and a generous serving. Next, I'll have to try the BBQ Pork riblets.

You MUST try the Wontons!

Chez Dodo - SW 5th and Stark - Indian, Chinese, French, and Creole

Today, I got a free cold shower on my way out to get lunch... made a run to an ATM, and stopped at a new cart, "Chez Dodo," which occupies the former Give Pizza a Chance cart.

"Mauritian food" is the term for the blend of Indian, Chinese, French, and Creole food represented.

They had a warmly inviting overhang out front, under which I was able to escape the torrential downpour. I was greeted with a big smile from everyone inside, and promptly ordered what caught my eye in the first place -- the lamb curry, served with pan-fried noodles.

I was informed they also had venison available, and I was given a very generous sample in a small container to try, while I waited for mine to be prepared.

WOW. It was fantastic. Just the right spiciness, it wasn't greasy at all. Noodles, peas, lima beans, carrots, and ground venison that was moist and delicious.

The lamb of the same ilk, my main meal, did not disappoint. Now I'm very curious to try out their other offerings.
LOOK AT THIS THING.

Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and carnivore options are available. Dholl Puri flat bread, pan fried noodles, curry sauce, check out their page on Facebook: Chez Dodo


I seriously was given enough food for 2-3 meals, making it quite worth the asking price when I consider that I'll be having this again for lunch tomorrow and there still might be some left.
Check out Chez Dodo!

Thick - Chicago style Deep Dish Pizza - SW 3rd and Stark

I know, it's been a LONG time since I posted a food cart blog... sorry..

==============
Today, I discovered a new Chicago style pizza cart... replacing the former Sabra's burger cart on SW 3rd and Stark.

I arrived slightly before official opening time, and the owner informed me it would be a few minutes, as he'd just pulled the pies out of the oven and the cheese needed to 'set.' - he tried a slice out while I waited, and the cheese, indeed, hadn't set yet... oops.

I am no expert on Chicago style pizza, but the combination of a new cart, and deep dish pizza - sounded appetizing today.
December is a ballsy time of year to open a new food cart, and several in this particular pod have closed in the last month.

In a few minutes, the cheese had set, and I was presented with a very heavy slice of Sausage deep-dish. $5 per slice. Today's offerings were Sausage, or Cheese. Perhaps with time there will be more options.

While waiting, a friend of the owner came up, and I learned he'd been one of the testing subjects while ramping up for opening. I'll take it as a good sign that he came up to try it out on opening day.

I hurried back to my cubicle, and, with the provided (and necessary) knife and fork, began to dig in... thick crust, topped by a very thick layer of cheese, then topped with chunks of sausage and sauce. No doubt, quite tasty.
[ ..and, look, a smiley face on the inside... :) ]

I could have gone for a bit more sauce on top, but overall (and being the first day) - this was impressive, and filling. I'll be back...

Picnic - SW 3rd and Stark - Chicken Mozzarella

A seasonal cart, Picnic, has appeared at the pod on SW 3rd, next to The Sausage Shack. This cart used to be at the pod on SW 10th and Alder, but had closed during the winter months. The owners are apparently avid bloggers. Click here for their site.


They serve "Oregon Trail Cuisine" - Today, I had the chicken sandwich, which featured slices of chicken breast, thick slices of mozzarella, pine nuts, and some leafy greens. They pride themselves on locally sourced ingredients for their food, and baking their own sourdough bread.
This was a $9 sandwich, as was the Brisket they offered, along with a $7 Roasted Carrot sandwich. The menu apparently rotates a bit.


I had hoped this $9 sandwich would be worth it -- and it was... thick slices of mozzarella and tender chicken breast with 'cart made' sourdough bread, and the crunchy pine nuts - was a very tasty combination.
I am curious to try the brisket, but I'll wait until next week - $9 sandwiches are more of a once-a-week type thing for me.

El Pilon - Columbian Food - SW 2nd between Oak and Stark

Another new occupant at the pod on SW 2nd Ave between Oak and Stark, "El Pilon" has occupied the former home of Thai Tea Clean Food Good Taste.

They offer Arepas, Empanadas, and Patacones, with vegetarian and meat options.

While I was waiting for my chicken and cheese Arepas, they handed me two Patacones, which are twice-fried green plantains (Tostones, as I'd previously been introduced to them) and some delicious salsa. They were trying to get on my good side, apparently, as I love these crispy fried patties of goodness.

A few minutes later, the Arepa was presented, with two different salsas. I'd had Arepas before from a cart that has since departed, which was Venezuelan cuisine, and had come to expect them to be small and served in pairs. This was served as one large Arepa, with semi-sealed edges (kind of like a pita pocket, but with a much thicker and tastier corn-based shell.)
It was quite tasty, I must say, and went down pretty fast. I might have been able to eat a second one. They provided a plastic fork, but it wasn't really strong enough to cut through the shell, so I just ended up using my hands. It was a bit messy, I went through about five napkins while eating it...
I'm sure I'll be back to try out the other menu items, the prices are reasonable (everything is under $5) and, of course, the fried plantains are a guilty pleasure of mine I find hard to avoid when I know where to find them.

Kim's Food to Go - SW 2nd Ave between Stark and Oak - Beef flank and brisket

With a shiny new white paint job, a new tenant has moved in to the formerly green cart between Thai Tea and A Taste of Greek

* Kim's Food to Go - Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup. *

With soups coming in at $6, and Banh Mi with various fillings at $3, you certainly get your money's worth. I ordered the Beef Flank and Brisket soup. It comes in a large bowl, with a side baggie of sprouts, jalapeno, and lime to add as you please.


As you can see, it's served in a large bowl, instead of those thin, tall to-go containers that are difficult to eat out of. It may be a small detail, but for me, that's a big deal when it comes to ordering Pho and the like - usually the containers they are served in are difficult to eat out of.
In addition to the soups and sandwiches, two large spring rolls with shrimp, pork or beef and combinations thereof are $3.

This is good soup, for sure, and I'm curious to try the sandwiches on my next visit.

Pulehu Pizza - SW 3rd and Stark - Bacon Cheddar Chix

A shiny new cart has appeared on the North side of the pod on SW 3rd and Stark, apparently coming to us all the way from Hawaii.
Pulehu Pizza
They feature 8" and 12" thin-crust pizzas with your basic standards such as Cheese or Pepperoni, and then some special combinations of their own - I had the Bacon Cheddar Chix, which is ... bacon, cheddar, and chicken... with fresh sour cream dollops on top. This was a welcome and interesting ingredient one normally doesn't expect on a pizza. Very tasty.

Of note, "Featuring Artisanal Sausages from Tails & Trotters and Gourmet Cheeses from the Cheese Bar"

Now, how can you go wrong with that?

They offer a steak pizza, margherita, truffle oil mushroom, and an Alasatian style that has a sour cream base topped by shaved onions, bacon & St Necataire Cheese. Caesar salad is also offered.
Prices range from $4 for an 8" cheese, $7-$8 for many others, and the steak pizza ringing in at $9 (Higher for the 12" models, of course)
It was ready in six minutes, and gone just about as fast - I really enjoyed this and will certainly be back to try some of their other offerings.

Hog Time - SW 2nd and Washington - NEW MENU!

One of my favorite and frequent carts, Hog Time, has recently revamped their menu to appeal to more than just those with an undying love of pork. (See my prior blog on Hog Time HERE)

In addition to the wonderful pork dishes they serve, (Sandwiches and hot dogs, often topped with pulled pork) - Burgers have been added to the menu - Something this particular pod had been missing since Happy Grillmore moved to Seattle - and these burgers are generously portioned.

Offerings include Mushroom & Swiss, Jalapeno, your standard Cheeseburger, etc.

In addition, they've taken my personal favorite, the "Pig Pen," which is fries topped with cheese and pulled pork and some special sauces, and created a healthier alternative, the "Pork and Greens" -- pulled pork over lettuce and tomato with cheese and special sauces - lighter, healthier, and every bit as tasty as the Pig Pen.
I will mention, though, that the fries here are excellent...

Now, being I'm a lover of spicy things, I had to try the Jalapeno burger first. It was AWESOME. Somewhat messy, but well worth it. The veggies are grilled and generously applied to the humongous burger patty.
Make sure you have plenty of napkins when you enjoy one of these... it gets all over, but it's worth it.

Steak Jaffle - Jaffles and Wraps at SW 2nd and Stark

A cart that has apparently been around for a while has moved into my Carthood, at SW 2nd and Stark - Jaffles and Wraps.
Apparently, these are an Australian thing, very much like the product of those handy sandwich press machines you see on late night TV, but made with a "Jaffle Iron"- Take two pieces of buttered bread, put your choice of savory and/or sweet stuff in the middle, iron together, and voila -- a Jaffle.
The prices are quite reasonable, my steak and grilled veggies Jaffle was $5. As I walked up to order, the guy behind the counter was just putting one in the package and it was exactly what I'd ordered - so I had my Jaffle in hand within 30 seconds of looking at the menu.

There's the finished product.

There are breakfast style egg and cheese Jaffles, artichoke and chicken, BBQ chicken, grilled cheese with tomato -- as well as sweeter concoctions like PB&J, Peanut Butter and Banana, or fruit-filled Jaffles.

There it is busted open, a decently stuffed concoction.

For larger appetites, wraps are available, same ingredients, but in a tortilla instead.
The Steak and Veggies Jaffle was delicious, had some nice kick (thanks to the pineapple and habanero sauce inside) - I might go for the wrap next time -- this is a meal, but I think I could have eaten a little bit more... or maybe I should have paired it with a PB&J Jaffle, which rings in at $2.

La Sangucheria - 108 SW 3rd Ave - Peruvian Sandwiches

Today, for the third or fourth time, I went to La Sangucheria - a Peruvian sandwich cart that is in the former location of the world-famous Big Ass Sandwiches, who have relocated to another cart pod across the river.


I must say, this is a fine replacement. The portions are huge, and the food is delicious.
I have been repeatedly ordering the Chicharron (Chee-char-own) - an absurdly tasty sandwich of deep fried pork shoulder chunks, topped with sauteed onions, honey-glazed sweet potato slices (like chips, but not crispy) and spicy mustard. It is served sort of 'open-faced' (you won't be able to fold this in half to eat, just treat it like a big, fat hot dog)



It is sinfully delicious. My intent is to try some other items on the menu, but I've been so impressed with this particular sandwich that I keep ordering it time and time again.

Other offerings include the Saltado, which is a beef tenderloin sandwich with fries (similar to the style Big Ass Sandwiches does things, adding fries into the sandwich) - The Pachamama - a heart-attack inducing combination of smoked ham, grilled chicken, bacon, mushrooms, cheese sauce -- and fries. There is a breakfast sandwich that includes scrambled eggs, bacon, smoked ham, and fries.
They're open late, and on weekends, and this is probably perfect food to absorb copious amounts of alcohol after being out on the town...
Give them a try, you won't regret it.
Prices - $7-$8 per sandwich.

Winter update, and a 1-year anniversary for Wagsy's

It's been a while since I've blogged. Winters are rough times for the food cart world, and many depend on the success of the warm months to carry them through the winter.

Unfortunately, not everyone makes it.
The last cart I posted about, the Indian Fry Bread cart, has already shut down.

Recent incidents with 'street kids' and an altercation between them and some cart owners have shuttered a few carts in the pod on SW 3rd and Stark, including Persian Plate and Thien Ngi's. These carts will be sorely missed.

The Cuban cart "Havana Heaven" ended up being a short-lived stint on SW Stark and 5th, now replaced with what appears to be a hot dog stand with some mediterranean dishes.

On a positive note, I stopped by Wagsy's Beef Sands today, on SW 5th and Oak, where they delighted me with their weekly special of tri-tip steak, zucchini, a baked potato, and a roll for $6.

*****
They'll be celebrating their 1-year anniversary next Tuesday (January 15th) with $1 Italian subs. Surely not something to be missed.

Not many carts open up in the winter months, which is partially why there haven't been many updates to my blogs... many close for some of the colder times.

If you're downtown in Portland in the winter time, and need some food, sometimes it's worth it to brave the elements for a tasty meal - good stuff, and you're supporting local businesses.