Su Casa-82nd south of Burnside
This is probably one of my favorite carts. I usually prefer an actual hole in the wall, but this place is on the level of any other, in addition to having the lowest prices, sopes for two dollars and tacos for a dollar. It goes to show that it can be done better for cheaper and that a majority of places lack in skill and effort; also that the handling of ingredients is more important than simply having “organic free range” meat; I really hate when food is poor and expensive with the justification that the ingredients are “green” and local organic. This place puts most others to shame.
Santo Domingo- 41st & Killingsworth
Nothing was bad but nothing was very distinct or outstanding. Being the Oaxacan nature of the place, I went straight for the mole and it just wasn’t there, the depth I mean. This is the same for everything I’ve had in a couple of visits. It really isn’t bad in any way, it is just lacking in punch.
Panaderia 5 de Mayo- Johnson Creek Blvd & 32nd st.
I like this place. I finally went into the little panaderia after having driven past a handful of times. I though it to be a tienda and nothing more but I finally saw a sign for food and had to try it. Upon entering I found it to be a bakery which was a pleasant surprise. They also didn’t speak any English which was also pleasing. I had a couple of sopes and I must say that the pastor marinade was pretty on, at least for around these parts, very much in the traditional style. The texture of course was not quite like the rotating DF style that I have become so fond of, but the flavor was quite nice. All elements were enjoyable, the masa, the salsa, the carne, decent sweet breads too; I intend to go back soon and frequently.
Kikos- 7578 SE 13th sellwood
Nothing really caught my attention. Kind of under spiced in general was my impression. Will try it again next time i'm in the hood.
La Calaca Comelona-23rd & Belmont
One of the candidates for a one star rating, within my listings anyway. Kind of expensive comparatively, especially with other Mexican food, but it is really quite proper, blending elements of a restaurant and a taqueria. It feels traditional enough, but is not offensive to the average gringo, a good place to take a date actually. Everything that I had was not only very good but also very traditional, the same or similar to dishes that I have had in travel. The totopos were served wet, which I had never had but they were tasty. The ceviche was my favorite that I have had around. The Zarape, an offshoot of the al hombres was the best around no doubt. I can’t remember the name of it right off the top of my head, but the pork prepared in banana leaf was quite good. For desert I had to do the al pastor challenge. Wow, I had forgotten about the other style of pastor, the light marinade with pineapple chunks in it; on my last trip I had a set of them that made me think twice about this preparation, magnificent. There are many around who attempt this with less success, I am sure you know what I mean.
El Gallo Taqueria- 48th & Woodstock
Certain elements of this place reminds me of my own efforts at preparing Mexican food, thick tortillas for instance, the tell that I don’t have years of masa handling experience, the marinades a little off, over or under spiced. I am not sure what to make of the Nevada tostada from their special list, it’s on fry bread rather than masa, so it is like an unsweetened elephant ear with basic ingredients on it, nothing really special about it and certainly not worth six bucks. The tacos are a little over priced too but are a better buy. The food really isn’t bad but is
La Jarochita- Downtown 5th and stark
I had high hopes for this place because of the name. Jarocho is a name for a person from Veracruz, where my family lives, and I even spoke with them and found that they were all from the state and one of them actually from the city Veracruz. The food wasn’t so great, in fact I tried two other carts on that block and both were better I think. The level of Mexican food down town is somewhat of a joke, and as a general rule gets better as you get further away from the city center.
Los Gorditos-49th & Division
I have never been to this place, the one on 49th or the new one on 12th which seems to be the same establishment, but my eyes in the field reliably tell me that it is not good. Furthermore it is a joke amongst Mexicans. Eff veggie Mexican food and eff hipsters.
Bella & Stella Cha Cha Cha- NE Broadway & 30ish
I don’t know, this type of place is becoming too common. Just kind of white. There I said it. And the worst part is that Mexicans are working these places, and making food to accommodate a bland palette. In many cases the workers could most likely cook better food, but are under restaurant recipes. In many instances, if the cooks were to prepare their own food, we would enjoy it more than we realize, and more than the food we order just because we don’t know any better, and are under the impression that something is our favorite dish, when in reality it is the only one we’ve had.
Taqueria Neza- 33rd & Hawthorne
Ok, nothing special. They have tacos al hambre though, I can never resist; it’s asada fried in bacon, which is always good, with a few other things. They have a “spinach burrito” on their menu, and the last time I was there this dumb hipster walked up and goes “uuuuhhhh, give me the ‘spanish’ burrito.” The lady had a thick accent and so I don’t think she realized, but the fact that they offer such a thing is kind of suspect because I lived there for six months and don’t remember having spinach really ever, at least not in any recognizable form. So they offer up this pseudo ethnic food for kids who are so culturally ignorant that they can’t even read a sign; either that or he just came from bishops and his bangs were obstructing his vision; you know what I am talking about, like the sheep dog on loony tunes who’s always beating up the coyote. Anyway, my point is that these places are limited by the people they are accommodating to.
So finally, La Calaca has a potential one star awarded, I just need to go and try a few more things on the menu. Also worth mentioning is Su Casa on 82nd, perhaps one of the best carts and best all around places. I also have high hopes for Panaderia 5 de Mayo even though I have only been there once. If you find yourself on Hawthorne grab some al ambres from Neza, and if on Woodstock, El Gallo is worth a pit stop, especially because there is little else in the area. Perhaps I should adopt a system for rating those that don’t earn a star. Until next time.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
A typical outing (downtown)
So today I attended a fitness class at PSU. While I do enjoy a good workout, this is fairly atypical compared to the normal regiment. I had a good time though, the best part I think was when we all put the equipment back in the equipment closet; a smile and a wave of nostalgia came over me, reminding me of school days. Oh yeah, and it was fun to hang with a bunch of college girls too.
Anyway, after the workout I found myself down town. Food of course presented itself directly after the class, and after a few moments thought, my mind became fixated on a couple of things. The first was the BBQ pork bahn mihn at Asia Express which is the best around with only a few more potential contenders left to try, and also La Jarochita, a Mexican spot where I had never eaten. Jarocho is a word referring to a Veracruzano, and as my family is from Cordoba, Veracruz, I have been curious for a minute. I had a few other ideas of things to try while in the area, though nothing decisive. I counted on stopping at another spot or two at least, as is my practice; in this fashion I can try more places in a single day.
First stop was La Jarochita. I try never to get my hopes up too much in anticipation of food in this town, as it is merely a set up for disappointment. I couldn't help but get a little exited though what with the name and all. In Veracruz, the Pastor is in the DF style and so I imagined something similar. I ordered three tacos and asked where they all were from, and then switched the conversation over to Spanish. They were all from the state and one of them from the port, Veracruz city, an actual Jarochita. My food came quicker than all the others and to this I attribute to the Cordoba connection, but the food that came was nothing special. The sauce (pasilla) was not quite on, and the whole taco was smothered in sour cream, which I have never really seen before; certainly not without asking. They also offered the option of corn or flour tortilla with all tacos which has never been the case in my experience. The next time I go to the port I will have to look into the local variations. The avocado salsa was actually quite tasty.
While I was waiting for the tacos I went about 5 carts south to Smokin' Pig. They offer only one thing, pulled pork. I like a simple menu as it tends to raise the quality of fewer preparations (In and Out). A decent sandwich, super lo-fi, just pork on a basic bun with a sauce of your choice. I picked the spicy cuz that is how I roll; it wasn't really spicy though; it wasn't as hot as a bucket of red ants like the sign said. Two sizes, regular and large, I narfed the hamburger sized regular in under two minutes flat, not a bad sandwich.
Turning the corner, from fifth street down to third, I noticed a sign for Taste of Poland. The promise of hand made sausage caught my eye, and the fact that a real Polish guy made all from scratch was more than enough reason to rock it. I had only eaten one taco, and as they didn't really do it for me, I decided to focus my efforts (stomach) on the new found infatuation. After glancing at the menu for too long, I asked the woman working what she recommended, and here began the most adorable and enjoyable interaction of the day. She was so nice and sincere, and also, had the perfect accent and limited vocabulary which made me feel like I was in a movie, like talking to a female and polish Roberto Benini. She first recommended the combo platter as it features a little bit of every thing. I decided that I couldn't handle quite so much as I had already eaten a bit, and also had not yet reached my sandwich destination. She recommended to me the "hunter sausage spicy" and her enthusiasm made me feel likewise. Very good sandwich actually. While I don't really know about polish food, I can sense cultural pride and sincerity, at least in regard to westerners. The sausage and all of the condiments were spot on, including the caramelised onions which are usually mishandled in my opinion. I will definitely go back to try more.
The hunter sausage was massive and so after feasting on about a third, I knew that it was time to hit up Asia Express. In previous random food cart bombing I tried the sandwich here and was blown away, in great part because such a generic name did not evoke any real expectations. Where most bahn mihn places use that reddish pre-cooked BBQ pork that you can buy at the store, this place has their own house cut and marinade, and out of the four carts reviewed for the day, this one is still the best. I intend to go back for several things including the Pho which was the recommendation of the main guy working. Excellent sandwich.
While the French/Vietnamese sandwich defends its title for the day, the hunter sausage sandwich is a close second; I consumed the whole thing right after the bahn mihn. The pulled pork finishes third, and the Mexican finishes last! This is embarrassing as I am always promoting Mexican food culture, and especially with a name like Jarochita. Today, the Americas got owned by Europe and Vietnam.
Later in the day I went to a friends house for some ribs. I had been invited the week before and was quite exited, as it was someone with good taste, the same person who took me to La Fuente (previously mentioned). Definitely one of the best sauces I have had, a great combination of vinegar, hot, and sweet. I will try to get a recipe though I don't believe that one exists, the intuitive nature is what I admire most in a recipe.
More soon...
Anyway, after the workout I found myself down town. Food of course presented itself directly after the class, and after a few moments thought, my mind became fixated on a couple of things. The first was the BBQ pork bahn mihn at Asia Express which is the best around with only a few more potential contenders left to try, and also La Jarochita, a Mexican spot where I had never eaten. Jarocho is a word referring to a Veracruzano, and as my family is from Cordoba, Veracruz, I have been curious for a minute. I had a few other ideas of things to try while in the area, though nothing decisive. I counted on stopping at another spot or two at least, as is my practice; in this fashion I can try more places in a single day.
First stop was La Jarochita. I try never to get my hopes up too much in anticipation of food in this town, as it is merely a set up for disappointment. I couldn't help but get a little exited though what with the name and all. In Veracruz, the Pastor is in the DF style and so I imagined something similar. I ordered three tacos and asked where they all were from, and then switched the conversation over to Spanish. They were all from the state and one of them from the port, Veracruz city, an actual Jarochita. My food came quicker than all the others and to this I attribute to the Cordoba connection, but the food that came was nothing special. The sauce (pasilla) was not quite on, and the whole taco was smothered in sour cream, which I have never really seen before; certainly not without asking. They also offered the option of corn or flour tortilla with all tacos which has never been the case in my experience. The next time I go to the port I will have to look into the local variations. The avocado salsa was actually quite tasty.
While I was waiting for the tacos I went about 5 carts south to Smokin' Pig. They offer only one thing, pulled pork. I like a simple menu as it tends to raise the quality of fewer preparations (In and Out). A decent sandwich, super lo-fi, just pork on a basic bun with a sauce of your choice. I picked the spicy cuz that is how I roll; it wasn't really spicy though; it wasn't as hot as a bucket of red ants like the sign said. Two sizes, regular and large, I narfed the hamburger sized regular in under two minutes flat, not a bad sandwich.
Turning the corner, from fifth street down to third, I noticed a sign for Taste of Poland. The promise of hand made sausage caught my eye, and the fact that a real Polish guy made all from scratch was more than enough reason to rock it. I had only eaten one taco, and as they didn't really do it for me, I decided to focus my efforts (stomach) on the new found infatuation. After glancing at the menu for too long, I asked the woman working what she recommended, and here began the most adorable and enjoyable interaction of the day. She was so nice and sincere, and also, had the perfect accent and limited vocabulary which made me feel like I was in a movie, like talking to a female and polish Roberto Benini. She first recommended the combo platter as it features a little bit of every thing. I decided that I couldn't handle quite so much as I had already eaten a bit, and also had not yet reached my sandwich destination. She recommended to me the "hunter sausage spicy" and her enthusiasm made me feel likewise. Very good sandwich actually. While I don't really know about polish food, I can sense cultural pride and sincerity, at least in regard to westerners. The sausage and all of the condiments were spot on, including the caramelised onions which are usually mishandled in my opinion. I will definitely go back to try more.
The hunter sausage was massive and so after feasting on about a third, I knew that it was time to hit up Asia Express. In previous random food cart bombing I tried the sandwich here and was blown away, in great part because such a generic name did not evoke any real expectations. Where most bahn mihn places use that reddish pre-cooked BBQ pork that you can buy at the store, this place has their own house cut and marinade, and out of the four carts reviewed for the day, this one is still the best. I intend to go back for several things including the Pho which was the recommendation of the main guy working. Excellent sandwich.
While the French/Vietnamese sandwich defends its title for the day, the hunter sausage sandwich is a close second; I consumed the whole thing right after the bahn mihn. The pulled pork finishes third, and the Mexican finishes last! This is embarrassing as I am always promoting Mexican food culture, and especially with a name like Jarochita. Today, the Americas got owned by Europe and Vietnam.
Later in the day I went to a friends house for some ribs. I had been invited the week before and was quite exited, as it was someone with good taste, the same person who took me to La Fuente (previously mentioned). Definitely one of the best sauces I have had, a great combination of vinegar, hot, and sweet. I will try to get a recipe though I don't believe that one exists, the intuitive nature is what I admire most in a recipe.
More soon...
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