wineandinepdx

change isn’t always good

Trevor — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 05:30:29 +0000

I have been eating and enjoying poutine from Potato Champion since it’s early days as the lonely cart at what is now known as “Cartopia.” So when I dropped by the other day after several weeks away, what I found surprised me. They had gussied up their menu board and had a new sign, and also had made some changes to their menu. I’m one of those types that’ll always order the same thing if I know it’s good, so naturally I went for poutine.
The first major change I noticed was that they no longer had “single” and “double” but had gone to “small, medium, and large.” Upon an inquiry to the cook, i was told that the large was a bit bigger than the old double, so I took one, even despite it’s $8 (vs. $7 for the double) price tag. I got my order expecting to walk away with it as I have for the past two years,however, the new system also had new trays, which are less then to-go friendly. I discovered they now charge an extra $.50 for a to go box, making a large order $1.50 more than what it used to be! I sat to enjoy my food, and was quite disappointed to discover that despite extra curds and gravy, the large was no larger than my usual double. I also noticed a change in the flavor (not for the better) of the usually fantastic gravy, and an under-abundance of curds on top.
After spending $10 ($9 for food and $1 tip) and not having the option where to eat my food without spending more, I was disheartened by these changes. I couldn’t help but to think that as they have gotten more and more popular, Potato Champion has decided to lower their quality and increase their profit margins, simply because they could. in doing so, they’ve lost a bit of what makes a food cart just that: inexpensive, amazingly good food.
Don’t get me wrong, I completely understand supply and demand and the necessity of a profit, and if prices must increase then raise them. I’d gladly pay $8 for a double poutine. but I won’t pay $8.50 for a large order to go.

An Unassuming Taco Cart

Trevor — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 02:32:33 +0000

I’d driven by this cart probably hundreds of times in the past several years, and have never given it the time of day, nor stopped to give it a try. I was in desperate need of food the other day, and stopped in for a bite.
Don’t be scared by this cart’s location (SE 82nd Ave just north of Crystal Springs Blvd.) or it’s awkward outward appearance, for it produces fabulous food. The tacos are $1 each, and consist of about four bites, so just about the right size. The tortillas are hand pressed to order, then cooked and filled with a variety of meats. Topped with a generous amount of chopped onions and cilantro, and provided with a side of salsa, the slight misgivings of slightly dry meat is overlooked.
It’s too bad there are so many meats, because if the selection was less, the chef could focus on perfecting the meats and ensuring they don’t dry out. However, I can’t overlook her amazing salsa. It’s a spicy Chipotle salsa, which poured over the tacos give them a spicy-smokey goodness. The salsa isn’t overwhelming, but I recommend its use.
I would bet you’ve never stopped and eaten here, and given the plethora of taco carts in this city, can understand why, but you need to.

Noho’s

Trevor — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:00:49 +0000

I’m really not sure what to say about Noho’s. I’ve lived in Portland for three plus years now, and always heard amazing things about this restaurant. It’s supposed to be the place to get Hawaiian food. I think that based on my experience, I would disagree. Granted, it is good food, and really, I don’t have any complaints. But I was so underwhelmed by the place, I will have a very hard time returning, much less recommending it to people.

The food itself was good with a decent selection of chicken, been, and terriyaki dishes. Oddly, there was no pork on the menu anywhere, which I found surprising. The portions were large, and I was able to easily share three dishes among four people, and it was tasty. My complaints, however, come from the service, and the place itself. The guy working the counter just didn’t seem to care, and at the end of the meal, I asked him about the Forkfly coupon, and he didn’t even know what I was talking about, despite a Forkfly sticker in the window. It was for a free dessert for each entrée ordered, but they only had standard New York Cheesecake, and he had to be asked twice to get even two desserts.

I could go on, but I’m sure you get my point by now. Noho’s is well-loved in this city, and I am sure I’m the minority, but just can’t recommend this place. Overpriced, bad (and slow) service, and an essentially useless coupon. You can do better.

Noho’s Hawaiian Cafe 2525 SE Belmont St.

Acme Donuts

Trevor — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:35:22 +0000

I have an weakness for a good donut, and I’ve tried a vast majority of the donut shops around town. A good donut should be no frills, no extravagant toppings, and still be able to hold up. I went with a bakers half-dozen today to try out several varieties, and found the best to be just that…simple. The raised donuts had good toppings, but the dough was a bit tough, and the same can be said for the filled varieties. The cake donuts are what would bring be back to Acme. Basic glaze or dark chocolate topping that didn’t overpower the soft, lightly sweet cake.

A bit more expensive than most shops, most donuts sell for $1.50, but a good deal on the bakers half or full dozen ($6.50 and $12, respectively). I’m not unhappy that this will be my new neighborhood donut shop, but I’ll stick with the cake.

Acme Donuts, 2929 SE Powell Blvd

brunchbox

Trevor — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:17:34 +0000

I stopped by this popular cart this morning as a quick respite from the rain. I went with the $3.50 breakfast sandwich (ham, cheese, egg on Texas toast, my choice). it was served up in a few short minutes, and i found it to be quite hot and satisfying (albiet greasy) on a cold October day.
They’ve got a decent selection of breakfast and lunch build-your-own sandwiches on the cheap, and I’ll likely stop by again if I need a bit of good comfort food.

Caldera Public House

Trevor — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 01:01:07 +0000

I’ve driven by this place at least weekly for the past 2 and a half years, and never actually gone inside, despite thinking I should every time. Last night, after a wet concert at the Edgefield, I stopped in with some friends for a late-evening rendevous.

We all ordered drinks from the good, but not over-complex drink list; I didn’t stray too far from my regular (a Manhattan), but this one had a twist of muddled ginger. It gave it a complexity and a bite I rather enjoyed.

There was surprisingly large food selection, and what we ordered off of the appetizer menu was quite good. I would especially recommend the bourbon-soaked Brie, which was melted Brie topped with a caramelized bouron glaze…supurb.

The only thing lacking at Caldera was the service; the sole bartender/waitress/cook was quite busy, and didn’t really keep up with our table. She was pleasant enough, and we didn’t notice as we weren’t in any hurry, but it was disappointingly slow.

Caldera is a good choice for the area, but if you go, be sure to have a little extra time on your hands.

Caldera Public House
6031 SE Stark St
Portland, OR 97215

Fonda Rosa

Trevor — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:30:58 +0000

Just found Fonda Rosa by accident on Saturday morning. Don’t expect your typical combo platter to be on the menu, but you will find traditional, simple, and amazingly flavorful dishes that I haven’t seen since I spent time in Mexico! I highly recommend you give it a try, I know I will be going back again soon…once I do, expect to see it gracing this page again!

Fonda Rosa – 108 NE 28th Ave – 503-235-3828

Bunk Sandwiches

Trevor — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:09:45 +0000

Found along the busy Morrison St. on the 600 block, you’d drive by this tiny sandwich shop if you didn’t know it was there. Those of us that do know about Bunk are certainly not willing to give up the knowledge easily…the line on a typical weekday lunch is upwards of 20 minutes long! This give you some idea of the quickly growing popularity of the place, but don’t the let the line stop you from coming here, it has some of the better and most unique sandwiches in town.

Any given day you can order the $5 breakfast sandwich, which is a large sesame bun with your choice of meat, egg, and Jarlsberg cheese all melted together; not for the health conscious, but absolutely Delicious! The lunch selection is a bit more pricey, ranging from $8 – $12 a sandwich. I’ve yet to have a taste of anything there that isn’t perfectly built and made with just the right amount of each ingredient.

One of the best things about Bunk is that any sandwich can be ordered with what they label as “The Trifecta” – hot red peppers, pepper bacon, and anchovies! It may sound odd, but try it on the grilled cheese…a superb sandwich you won’t find somewhere else.

Bunk Sandwiches 621 SE Morrison – 503-477-9515

7 virtues coffeehouse

Trevor — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:34:40 +0000

situated on the busy corner of NE 60th & NE Glisan St. sits a deceivingly large coffeehouse known as 7 virtues. With some of the best baristas in the neighborhood, it has become a regular stop for me. Serving Stumptown Coffee, they make up all variety of espresso drinks, and serve them hot and very well prepared. I’ve yet to have a drink here that is too cold, has too much foam (a common practice at some other area shops), too much, or little, flavoring.

They serve not only coffee, but a good selection of bottled beer, wine, and other blended drinks, such as milkshakes and chai smoothies. 7 virtues sells an ever-growing selection of food at decent prices, most bites range from $3-$5. Also offering local artwork (for sale) and a smattering of live music, they stay open till late afternoon during the summer. They do offer the typical frequent-buyer card, but the system is very disorganized and as such an annoyance more than a draw.

The drawback is a lack of easy parking, but clearly when 7 virtues opened, they envisioned a neighborhood store to which locals would walk/bike to. Being near a MAX line and main bus route also caters to locals.

7 virtues is a very worthy coffeehouse in a city full of them, and given the lack of good coffee in that part of NE Portland, I for one am glad that they know how to make such a fine brew.

5936 NE Glisan St. Portland

(503) 236-7763

stumptown coffee

Trevor — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:42:11 +0000

if you’ve lived in portland for long, you are well aware of the quality coffees roasted at Stumptown Coffee. Basically the only place I’ll buy coffee, I typically stop by the store on SE Belmont. This spot has ample seating, both tables and counter space facing the street. They’ll have upwards of 15 choices of whole bean (or ground, if you prefer) available at any time, including some rare roasts not available anywhere else…but you will pay a premium for these beans.

Typically the bags range from $11 for the blends to $15 for the region-specific beans. Along with the beans, they offer basic coffee drinks for purchase, but don’t expect your Starbucks favorite here…they stick with the basics, and the baristas make them impeccably. No drink costs more that $3.60, and most are around $2, and are available in-house or to go. Not only do they make good espresso, they only sell black coffee French-pressed; no drip coffee!

They also have frequent buyer cards for both beans and drinks, buy 10 get 1 free, and give you a free coffee with any bean purchase.

If you haven’t been to Stumptown, you must give it a try, I doubt you’ll go back to anything else.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters

3356 SE Belmont St.
Portland, OR 97214