Possibly one of the most impressive things about Portland is their connection to food. With 21 farmers markets within city limits, more than 80 Community Supported Agriculture sites in the state, and a foodie for the current mayor, Portland is literally being called "the new food Eden." Not only did they start the food truck craze but this fabulous city is taking "farm to table" to an entirely new level. Most chefs are on a first-name basis with the farmers that grow and raise the food on their menus.

There are all kinds of options for Korean, East African, Vietnamese, and of course Thai. The food- carts have also spiced things up with Mexican, Bosnian, Polish, Turkish, and even Nordic comfort food. The greatest part about Portland's food is that it doesn't discriminate: very few restaurants charge above $28 a plate, reservations are almost never needed, and the 600+ food-carts offer something for every palate. And don't forget the booze. Portland has 37 microbreweries (more than any other city in the world) and they are the heart of the micro distillery movement, with folks creating their own sake and bourbon concoctions on Distillery Row.



Angel's Cabana

Location: SW 10th and Alder
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-’til they go home; Sat, 11am – 5pm.

Angel’s Cabana focuses on Central American and Caribbean food. Other than Mexican, Peruvian and Argentinean, I really haven’t been exposed to flavors and foods south of the border. It is an area I really want to explore more. I love that they take what I think of as fruit – the plantain – and use it in savory dishes. Angel’s Cabana has many traditional dishes from the region including Baliadas – flour tortillas with fried beans, eggs, chorizo, cheese, creme and avocado. A simple yet satisfying dish that can be done vegetarian.


Location: Cartlandia, SE 82nd and Harney
Hours: Mon-Thurs, 8am-4pm; Fri, 8am-6pm; Sat, 11am-6pm

I saw the logo first and my mouth began to water. BLT. I immediately had that memory from childhood of stacking bacon, lettuce and tomato on toasted bread with plenty of mayo and taking that wonderful first bite. Breakfast Lunch Today, or otherwise known as BLT is a sandwich shop at Cartlandia.

Etienne Saucier opened his cart in summer and moved to the Cartlandia pod in August. Originally, he had planned a large menu of diverse items, but reality set in and he realized he wouldn’t have a large cart to support such efforts. In the trailer he did outfit, he designed a menu that would work with the confined space. After a few months, he’s happy with his choice and has succeeded.



Rock House Grill

Location: Cartlandia, SE 82nd and Harney
Hours: Daily and weekends, breakfast, lunch and dinner

In a trailer that reminds one of the 50′s or maybe a boardwalk vendor, The Rock House Grill creates some great food to sate your needs- morning, noon or night. At Cartlandia out in east Portland, James has opened his shop after years of working in restaurants and honing his skills at the grill. He’s worked in small bars, been a line cook and even catered for concerts. If you can manage a crowd of rowdy rockers, you’ve proven you can man the grill.

Location: SW 4th and Hall
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-7pm

When one cart departs, someone is always there, ready to repaint and re-launch as something new. Chilango is one of the newest faces on SW 4th at the PSU pod. When I visited the other day, it took me a few minutes of reviewing the menu to realize this cart served Mexican food. Normally, the first items on the menus are tacos and burritos. At Chilango, it is bowls. After ordering my lunch from Veronica, I asked what Chilango meant and she told me it was a boy from Mexico City and then pointed at Caesar who was making my lunch and said – him!


Stone Barn Brandyworks
3315 SE 19th, Suite B
www.stonebarnbrandyworks.com

Founded by Sebastian and Erika Degens, Stone Barn Brandyworks makes hand-crafted brandies and spirits from Oregon and Pacific Northwest fruits and grains that are both characteristic of their origin and distinctive to their variety, grower or vintner. They are working to produce both traditional and uniquely creative products, with a commitment to excellence and a direct connection to our community of customers & suppliers. The inspiration for Stone Barn Brandyworks comes from Sebastian’s passion for fruit brandies, a family inheritance from his native Germany, fueled by the aroma of the wonderful fruit grown in the Pacific Northwest.


Stone Barn Brandyworks products and distillery

New Deal Distillery
1311 SE 9th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97214
www.NewDealDistillery.com

Since 2004, New Deal Distillery has been inspired by the DIY spirit of Portland, creating hand-crafted spirits and liqueurs, actively supporting their community, and having fun. Their artisan vodkas are carefully distilled in small batches, and are made with Bull Run water, natural and organic ingredients.

Creations include Portland 88, Hot Monkey, Mud Puddle, and New Deal Vodkas, Gin No. 1, Gin No. 3, Coffee Liqueur and new Ginger Liqueur. For Tom and Matthew of New Deal, craft distilling is about creating unique spirits and getting to know their fans one drink at a time.


Integrity Spirits
909 SE Yamhill Street
www.integrityspirits.com

Integrity Spirits loves their botanicals! Their 12 Bridges Gin is a harmonious blend of herbs and spices with soft juniper notes and a hint of cucumber. Their Lovejoy Vodka whispers chamomile. Their Hazelnut Vodka is slightly nutty with almost a chocolate backbeat, and their famous Trillium Absinthe Supèrieure is Oregon’s first absinthe and one of the earliest entrees in the United States after it became legal.


House Spirits Distillery
2025 SE 7th Avenue
Portland, OR 97214
www.housespirits.com

The Taste and Flavor of the Northwest. House Spirits Distillery was founded in 2004 in Corvallis, Oregon to re-invigorate the craft of distillation and stamp it with the taste and flavor of the Pacific Northwest. At the end of 2005 the distillery moved to Portland, Oregon and began production of the popular American AVIATION Gin. Then came the little brother—the Swedish-style KROGSTAD Aquavit.



Highball Distillery
CERTIFIED ORGANIC VODKA
www.highballdistillery.com

Highball Distillery is committed to creating high-quality spirits from regional, organic ingredients through the use of environmentally-sustainable production practices. We believe in supporting regional and organic farms, investing in sustainable industry, championing independent and creative thinking, and making and drinking quality spirits. It was our goal to blend these sensibilities into a distinctly Oregon product —Elemental Vodka.


Deco Distilling
1512 SE 7th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97214
www.decodistilling.com

Deco Distilling was founded by Lenny Gotter and Bill Adams, two long-time friends with a passion for distilled spirits. The pair started from the ground-up, developing their recipes and company mission in 2008. Now, Deco Fine and Flavored Rums, including their new award-winning Coffee Rum, light Silver Rum and their very popular (and spicy) Ginger Rum can be found at most liquor stores, bars and restaurants in the Portland area and beyond.



Yeah, it rains in Portland, but if a little wet is keeping you away, you are missing a lot more than the North West weather!