Will Work For Food

Yes, it's true....I will do yard work for Portland cart food!  Cart food is one of the greatest things about Portland and I would do just about anything for it, but thankfully, JSM only asked that I do some raking and then  rewarded me with an afternoon trip to the city for a little cart food and some strong coffee. Truthfully, I would help him anytime because we've got such a big yard (3/4 acre!), but today was extra special since we finally finished raking up the leaves that fell in October, November, and December.  You'd never guess from the photo, but our yard is looking much better....trust me!

Cart food is a fantastic thing! There are more than 200 food carts at any one time in downtown Portland and surrounding neighborhoods with all flavors of cuisine from Jewish, Czech, Mexican, and Thai, to waffles, soup, and ice cream sandwiches. One cart even serves burgers with every ingredient
(including the bun) locally sourced within 50 miles! Most of them are strategically located at different intersections and are typically grouped together in parking lots, lined up along the sidewalk, or in pods.  The best part is these gourmet meals are usually priced between $5 and $10 so there are a lot of choices for not a lot of money!

Our first stop today was Bulkogi Korean Barbecue, on 5th Ave. & SW Stark, for a Korean chicken, pork, and beef taco (one of each!) With a tangy Kimchi slaw on top, these handheld "tacos" were a wonderful fusion of eastern flavors in a corn tortilla.

Next up, we headed to SE Portland to the food carts located at Belmont & 39th. This is a charming little "pod" with all kinds of choices. I opted for a cucumber sandwich with butter and Brie served on a toasted baguette from Creme de la Creme, a little French eatery operating out of a 1961 school bus. I described this sandwich as the kindest sandwich I've ever eaten! The Brie and butter were a mild compliment to the sweet cucumbers and crusty bread and the side salad had beautiful bits of red onion and the tiniest zests of orange peel. The presentation was so beautiful I almost didn't want to eat it, but the owner,who prepared the meal, did so with such warmth and care that I couldn't resist. One of my most favorite dishes in all of Portland and I've had many delicious meals in this town! The best part was it cost $5 (no tax in Oregon!)

                                  

JSM chose an old stand-by from a beautifully built-out cart called Namu which serves Asian and Hawaiian cuisines. He always orders the short ribs which are meltingly tender and come with a tart Kimchi salad, steamed rice and cold garlic spinach.  This unique presentation of a classic vegetable would turn any spinach hater into a spinach lover except for JSM. You won't hear me complaining because that means I get to eat it all!!  Yum......

We topped off our afternoon binge with a mimosa creme brulee from Sweet Pea Creme Brulee. That's right - creme brulee made with orange and champagne and the owner caramelized the top right before our eyes. A delicately flavored creamy creme brulee complete with a little show for four bucks!

After all that food we shared we were stuffed and headed home, but not before stopping for a cup of coffee at Stumptown Coffee. Stumptown is a coffee shop, Portland-style, with unassuming signage and coffee brewed in a French press, served strong.  A perfect end to a fun Portland day spent with my JSM!