Food cart adventures: Vietnamese Bahn Mi Sandwiches and Hog and Hen

Vietnamese Bahn Mi Sandwiches

 

Actually, I didn't order a Vietnamese Bahn Mi sandwich at this cart--instead I tried the chicken pho. I can just hear some of you (e.g., Brad N.) saying "What do you mean you didn't try a Vietnamese sandwich? Isn't that the whole purpose of the cart?" Yes, I know--I'm a little wacky.

I'm trying not to eat too much white bread, so I had the pho instead. One of these days, I promise, I will try the sandwich. Apparently they are extremely popular--and cheap at $3.50 each (although I've read that they are not terribly big, so you might have to get two for $7). Have you ever had one of these sandwiches, and if so, did you like it?

My chicken pho

I've never had chicken pho from a food cart before. It came in a tall paper bowl (you can't really see the height from this photo--sorry!) and was very tasty--subtle broth with sauces on the side. The chicken was a little gristly for my taste, about what you'd expect from Vietnamese food--probably fairly authentic that way! It's not quite the same as having pho in a restaurant with a huge plate of sprouts and basil to plunk in, but for $6 it was a nice, filling lunch.

My verdict: I will return if I'm in the mood for pho (or a Vietnamese sandwich).

Hog and Hen: Arcadian Kitchen

As you'll know if you've been reading my Food Cart Adventures, I've been trying to go to the Cajun Hog and Hen for several weeks now. The first time one of the dishes had white beans (I'm noticing that beans are causing me some stomach pain), and the last few times it's been closed.

My gumbo and corn bread

Today I finally had success! Hog and Hen usually offers only two entree choices, and once they are sold out you're out of luck. Today I chose the gumbo ($5 for small and $7 for large; I had the small), which is served with rice (a choice of brown or white rice--yay!) and either corn bread or an apple. I loved it! It was just the right level of spiciness and perfect for a rainy spring day.

I also stopped by the Portland Soup Company, which is owned by Jeremy, the son of some friends from church. Jeremy happened to be staffing the cart today, and I asked him which cookie he recommended (chocolate chip or ginger-molasses). He recommended ginger-molasses, and YUM!!! It's gone now, and I miss it. :) I believe that's the next food cart on my list, in fact, so might have to get another one of those cookies.

My verdict: Will definitely go back to Hog and Hen.


The amazing cookie