In order to avoid eating overpriced and unsavory airport fare, we started off our trip with the Brazilian Hangover Helper from Dave’s Fresh Pasta (mortadella, provolone piccante, red onion, dill pickle, hot peppers, mayo). I’m not sure about the hangover part, since I was not, but nonetheless it was delicious and made me want to incorporate more provolone cheese into my diet.
After a long ride, we finally arrive in Portland. Our first stop is Lardo (eastside location) for dirty fries and a pork meatball bahn mi. Total win here, everything was amazing! The sandwich was a bit on the small side in my opinion, but with a pile of fries it didn’t really matter.
Directly across the street is a pod* called Cartopia (SE 12th and Hawthorne). Most of the carts are open until 3am and they have enough variety to please just about anyone. We ended up with a “plain old peach” pie from Whiffies. If only I hadn’t pigged out at Lardo, I might have been able to get a sammie from PBJ’s Grilled. Quick tip, PBJ’s Grilled is not open every day so beware! Sadly, I never got to try one during the trip since they were closed on Monday. My heart was broken, but that’s beside the point.
After the pie we headed off to Roadside Attraction (1000 SE 12th Ave) for a few drinks. Coming from Boston, the establishment felt really unique and after further bar hopping in Portland, nothing came close in quirk and coziness. I don’t have the words to portray an accurate picture, but perhaps Wes Anderson set meets Quentin Tarantino set might do it justice. I can’t speak to the food, but if you’re in the mood for a smoke by the fire or an intimate porch swing conversation, it’s worth stopping by.
Food Vocab
Pod – “surface lots with more than a few carts” definition from foodcartsportland.com