YEAR OF THE CARTS: Messy + Yummy = Mummy?

Wednesday, September 22, 2010. A day my mom (my official carting partner-in-crime) and I knew we would have, to continue our Portland carting experience. While websites, Facebook, and Twitter are all ways to stay connected with such carts, the fact that these such sites post various hours, not always the same, begin to makes things a bit unclear. This is why we set out in the early afternoon. Our destination, SE 20^th and Morrison. We were to make an afternoon of it. First, enjoying dinner at our first cart of the night, and continuing on to a place known as House of Vintage in the hopes of finding a new sweater to add to my collection. It was not until later that we would find ourselves indulging in food from another cart.

Howl…Grrrr…Yum!

On the corner of 20^th and Morrison, in what was a vacant lot/parking lot, lies just two carts. Two carts that look as though you could possibly find them on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. Would I be complaining if this were the case? Absolutely not.

Wolf and Bear’s, provides delicious Lebanese cuisine in the form of pita wraps. As you walk up to the window, you get a sense of welcoming. The red, screen door that happens to missing the bottom half of the screen, lets you see into the cart, and the people inside.

I looked up to the menu and knew instantly what I wanted. Falafel. Not just the tasty patty made from garbanzo beans or fava beans, but made from scratch falafel with onions, peppers, eggplant, and greens, all topped with hummus that made me salivate. All of which were wrapped up in equally delicious pita bread. All ingredients in all sandwiches seem incredibly fresh which makes the experience better then it could be.

The plan was to share two wraps. We decided on the Roadside Snack with hummus as our second wrap. Being me, and my not so graceful self, as I went to say the name of the wrap, I accidently said Sabich. (Another equally delicious sandwich, just not one we were planning on ordering) Of course the name of the wrap was met with me fumbling over the pronunciation, and the explanation that I was unable to pronounce the word. It was a miracle that my face was hidden somewhat in the shadows for I probably looked like a deer in headlights at that point,

All fumbles set aside, we ordered our wraps and a mint lemonade, and sat down to wait. It did not take long for our wraps to be ready. Both me and my mom walked back up to the window and saw our dinner. Two, surprisingly large wraps, with ingredients of all sorts spilling out of the top with aromas to add to the excitement. Quickly sitting down, we dug in.

Despite using the words delicious about five times in each entry, I have to say it once more. The wrap was so delicious. The made from scratch falafel, pita, and hummus were so completely satisfying, it made me unable to stop eating. That is until it was time to switch. Next up for me, the Roadside Snack. Equally delicious, but milder. The Roadside Snack had no falafel, but the fresh vegetables also had the homemade hummus to top them off.

As for Wolf and Bear’s, I would say anyone wanting a nice, pretty inexpensive, delicious dinner/lunch should take the trip and enjoy.

My stomach was pleasantly full. After finishing our meal, and saying goodbye, my mom and I headed out to begin our walk to Hawthorne. Our walk was met with plenty of street crossing, mother-daughter humor, a quick stop into a quiet fabric store, and me attempting to find just one more Arcade Fire poster.

On our way we found a couple of carts, or areas with carts that we were unaware of, and explored. This is when Mom thought it would be a good idea for us, on our way back, to return to pick up a treat.

We arrived at House of Vintage and the search began. So many sweaters can be found, but when it comes to picking just one that will fit, more or less, into a budget is difficult. Along with trying to find a mirror that is not right next to floral dresses, life is difficult. Finally a sweater was found, bought, and we were on our way back. Mom is so smart because I was going to be so happy she suggested stopping for a sweet treat.

Backyard Spices

When walking on the sidewalk, there is no way you could miss the Chili Pie Palace sitting right there. Offering different types of chili concoctions. Skillfully put together, chili, cheese, and other toppings creates just one option at the cart.

Being a colder day, one would think that we were about to order a bowl of chili or something. However, we had already eaten dinner, and needed a treat. The dessert that caught our eye, a vegan ice cream sandwich. The sandwich was created with two soft baked ginger snap cookies, and an inside of mango curry ice cream. Not what I was expecting, but the result was a happy face,

Behind the Chili Pie Palace lies a back patio. Consisting of about eight chairs, four tables, a magazine rack, and an ash tray shaped like a cigarette, the back patio was a perfect place to sit and enjoy the ice cream sandwich.

The ice cream sandwich itself was a powerhouse of taste. The ice cream hit me like it should have. Being curry and all. The gingersnap cookies just added to the taste, but the taste was not overwhelming, but worked together nicely like a symbiotic relationship. As the sandwich came to an end, the fight for the last bite began. Of course me having the last bite of the pita wrap, it was only fair that my mom have the last bite of the dessert.

After finishing the ice cream, and one last photo op, we began back to the car to go home. A night of perfection in my mind, and both places will be visited again.

Wolf & Bear’s

Location: The corner of SE 20th and Morrison

Hours: Wed-Sat 12 pm - 4 pm

Closing down on Nov. 13. 2010 for the winter

For more information visit:

http://twitter.com/wolfandbears

http://www.myspace.com/wolfandbearskitchen

Chili Pie Palace

Location: SE 32nd and Hawthorne

Hours: Tues-Sun, 11am-7pm

For more information visit:

http://twitter.com/chilipiepalace