It looks like RiverPlace will be getting another new casual dining option. In the former Stanford's location (1831 SW River Dr), there is new life. These liquor licenses were posted on the window; responses needed by: July 14, 2012.
Lil Cooperstown Bar & Grill
Lil Cooperstown currently has 4 other locations, sports pub-y bar and grill type joints with corresponding menus and lots of TV's. Looks like a little competition for McCormick & Schmicks...
By the way, the Lucier property is still available. It has been a hotly speculated upon and rumor-milled spot but as of yet, too high-end for the current economy. Some folks have talked about putting in a more casual, family-oriented, brewery-type establishment...thoughts?
Bikers, take note of the new traffic pattern at RiverPlace. No more biking through the path between The Strand and the old Lucier. Walkers, you're OK. There's a gate.
1. Mayor Sam visited the South Waterfront today along with Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff and cohorts, to check out the Streetcar and Moody Ave project.
Story from the BizJournal:
FTA leader lauds South Waterfront development
"Rogoff said Obama officials believe Portland can set examples for other places that could add streetcars. Those cities include Atlanta, St. Louis and Washington, D.C. “It’s not just jobs that we’re excited about, it’s the way you brought about this development,” he said, pointing to the new life sciences center site. “Oregon Health & Science University will add thousands of jobs to this space that, before, was abandoned.”"
AND...
2. We are getting a burger joint. Little Big Burger announced plans to open a store in the South Waterfront. Watch out Subway, you are in for some competition!
Crazy for Cornmeal Encrusted Razor Clams? Here's your cart! Local Motive is the newest (and the most colorful) cart to join the growing South Waterfront food cart scene.
Their menu is local, organic and seafood-centric, featuring chowder, salads and sandwiches, and a Crispy Panko Cod if you're lucky.
Two new food carts are opening on Moody Ave. in the south waterfront very soon, bringing the total to 6. The word on the street is these carts will bring: 1. seafood, chowder, crab; and 2. fondue.
This week my Food Cart Monday post was pre-empted by all the "Grimm" excitement. So for this week, it is Food Cart Tuesday - and the lucky cart is... "Let's Eat Thai Food"!
Let's Eat Thai Food is located at the north end of what we are now calling Food Cart Row in the South Waterfront, including the 4 carts* parked along Moody Ave.
This is the first food cart venture for owner/founder "Venus". She started the cart business up a few months ago and is working together with her parents. Her mom is doing the cooking and to give you a hint of what you are in for...she is using HER OWN FAMILY RECIPES.
Venus said that their standard noodle dishes, Pad Thai & Pad Kee Mow, are popular, as well as Green Curry & Yellow Curry on the rice dish side of the house. I chose to go with the Pad Thai for lunch (medium spice). Three words to describe it? Light Fresh Tangy...maybe even Citrus-y (if that is a word)
It was a full, hot box of tangy, fresh pad thai, maybe the best I've had in Portland. I'll be back to explore the menu further! (Those salad rolls looked good.)
We also ordered the Thai Tea, upon recommendation from a friend. It faintly reminded me of an orange creamsicle, in a good way. Definitely $1 worth of wonderful-ness there.
A crowd of people were eating & waiting for orders, including a few regular customers (already). Venus said that while business was a little slow starting, it is now picking up. They are also getting some 100% straight positive reviews on Yelp. These are all good signs!
By the way, Let's Eat Thai Food is the only one of our food carts open through dinner, and some on the weekends. So, it is a good option if you are looking for somewhere to stop by on your walk, bike, or drive home from work.
I continue to be surprised and impressed by what I'm finding on Food Cart Row.
Today I visited Kai's Kitchen for lunch, and I'm a little embarrassed to admit it was my first time.
I have often wondered about this lone, green food cart stationed at the NW corner of Moody & Bancroft. It always seemed an odd spot for a teriyaki stand, right at the exit to Macadam, and especially so when the foreign car dealer/shop was located in the same lot.
Kai's Kitchen is a hidden gem! Why did I wait?
It turns out, Kai's Kitchen may be one of the longest running businesses in the neighborhood. Kai says she opened the stand over 10 years ago. At that time there were no high rises or OHSU CHH in the neighborhood, just some businesses in (what is now) the OHSU Research Administration offices & surrounding buildings. The spot was a good choice due to very affordable rent, although pretty isolated. She says her business has not really benefited from the growth of the South Waterfront yet, but I predict it is just a matter of time, as the older buildings are filling up again, new ones are popping up, and the word gets out.
There are 4 items on the menu, including 3 standards and a daily special. Kai's secret ingredient is her thai sweet chili sauce, used on all the dishes. I tried the chicken bento box. I thought the extra pop of the sweet chili sauce was perfect, and an order ($6.95) was enough for 2 lunches.
The delightful Kai prepares and serves her teriyaki goodness:
A new food cart popped up overnight on SW Moody: Taste of a Gyro, "your neighborhood Greek spot". The cart was previously located at A La Carts in SE Portland, and offers an "I'm sorry" sauce which was featured on the food network.
The gyros were tasty, and service was swift and friendly.
Taste of a Gyro joined the other 3 carts currently located in the SWF, all on Moody: Rip City Grill (local fave), Let's Eat Thai Food, and Kai's Kitchen.
The Hot Pink Taco Truck was hanging around the SWF for a few weeks around the time of the Leverage filming, but I haven't seen them for a month or so. The last I saw, they were by the Atwater tanking up with water from the SWF Community Garden water hose... which I must say is probably looked down upon by the gardeners and did not go unnoticed by the Atwater residents.
- Aqua Riva
Follow the bike/walking trail just 1/2 mile south of the S Waterfront... Aqua Riva offers fresh Northwest cuisine and indoor/outdoor riverside dining on the Willamette.
- McCormick & Schmick's Harborside at the Marina
Located 1 mile north in the RiverPlace Marina, offering seafood and a waterfront view. Take the streetcar to the RiverPlace stop or enjoy the ~10 minute walk.
