Missing Rip City? If you frequent the South Waterfront food carts, you may have noticed that Rip City Grill has been closed down since the holiday season. Clint is on his annual vacation. Not to worry, RCG will be back up and running Feb. 1.
Big News: Walking down the Food Cart Docks today, we found that Taste of a Gyro is no longer our "neighborhood Greek spot" and no longer serving gyros! They are now serving $1.50 tacos and $5 burritos. Apparently, the price of gyro meat has risen unexpectedly, forcing them to make a drastic shift in menu. No word on a new name yet; until then, the sign says "Taste of ..... Food". If you are a fan of his famous "I'm Sorry" sauce, you can still get it with your tacos, now with a little Mexican flair.
Next in line:Local Motive appears to be building a loyal following of local seafood fans. Wednesday's special included Wild Mushroom Risotto Balls stuffed with bay shrimp and Tillamook vintage white cheddar for $2. How can you resist?! Check out their Facebook page for details on daily specials, such as this posted today:
"Super Special!!! For tomorrow and Friday, we will be offering a 1/4 lb hazelnut/panko-encrusted Halibut Burger with a side for $8. Served on a locally baked como bun with lettuce and our homemade Tartar sauce. ALSO - we have been waiting to find the right one, but... we officially have gluten-free bread to offer!!!!"
Phone: 503 - 917 - 9292
Thai is back: And finally, I was happy to see Let's Eat Thai Food back this week, after a brief closure last week due to a family emergency. Everyone is doing better now, by the way. Judging by their lunchtime traffic, business seems to be going strong, due to regular customers from OHSU and the neighborhood. Take-out customers dominate, but there were still a few brave souls eating outside in the January wind and cold. Hey, but it is a dry cold!
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.
