Burrito: El Fuego burrito
Biting into a Fuego burrito doused in sweet chili sauce is liking relishing a little slice of heaven. Okay, maybe that is a slight exaggeration, but if you have ever purchased a $4 burrito and felt satisfied with its somewhat bland burrito taste, this burrito cart (located in the Park Blocks near the Millar Library) will jumpstart your taste buds.
Fuego offers both vegetarian and grilled chicken burritos that include black beans, brown rice, salsa and your choice of sour cream or non-fat yogurt. Patrons can choose between a flour tortilla and whole wheat, but health nuts are charged 25 cents extra for their consciousness.
In addition to great taste, Fuego burritos are a good-sized meal. A small grilled chicken burrito is enough to make almost anyone walk away satisfied, and I have personally witnessed a grown man splitting a large into two meals.
There is simply nothing negative to say about this cart. Chris greets his customers with a smile, asks about their day and reminds them to punch the buy-10-get-one-free card, all the while working on swift burrito preparation. The grilled chicken is generally free of the annoying chunks of fat often found at fast food establishments and the tortillas always taste fresh.
If there is anything negative to say, it is this: cheese is an extra 50 cents. But that’s not even so bad after you’ve had one burrito.
Fuego has a full-fledged restaurant offering a larger menu, including items such as salads, tacos and fajitas. Located at 2135 S.E. Division, there is indoor and outdoor seating available and they take orders to go, as well. Unfortunately, the service at this larger venue has not, in my mind, matched the quality found at the cart. Food preparation is slower and the wait staff is simply not always very nice.
The restaurant has been open only a short time, and we hope that as things get rolling, service will improve. But for now, the cart in the South Park Blocks will do for me.
-Erin Lloyd
Bento: Healthy Asian Grill
Last year, a food cart crisis happened on campus. Long-term favorites were pushed off campus by a bidding war at Portland Parks and Recreation, which manages the PSU Park Blocks food carts. The winning bidder, however, could not maintain a bustling total of three carts, and in the place of one, like phoenix, rose Healthy Asian Grill. And while I can’t necessarily say that it is the catchiest name, it is healthy and it is pan-Asian and it is a grill. Grilled breast of chicken, done teriyaki style, is sliced over white or brown rice (which they are too often out of). Peanuts are sprinkled liberally over the top and choice of spicy, spicy sweet or garlic chili sauce can be applied depending on your mood. Simply, Healthy Asian Grill’s bento is generous and deliciously simple – a winning combination.
-Jason Damron
Pizza slice: Blind Onion
Decidedly crispy crust and fresh vegetarian options make this little pizza place off PSU’s most-beaten track a real reward for the student appetite and budget. Tucked west of the sprawling Urban Plaza, Blind Onion Pizza may not boast the fancy ingredients of some of its more franchised, faux-trattoria counterparts, but it makes a damn good slice and its value is unmatched by any other parlor in the PSU community. The sauce is what wins me over, sweet and delicious. Venture away from walnuts on your pizza (it never was that good anyway) and stop into and get a slice of tradition.
-Jason Damron
Falafel: Basha’s
Another winning truck full of good things. Who would think that a small white truck filled with hummus and smiling family members could boast such good Mediterranean vibes? Basha’s has won over PSU students, year after year, with their unending enthusiasm for the little things. Whether you want pickles or hot sauce on your oozing falafel, it is a sincere request. They want you to like their stuff, and it is almost impossible not to. It is the falafel sandwich, with its toasted warm chickpea rounds and a daub of hummus and pickles and onions that dominates, though. And, of course, if you like, a touch of fiery sauce.
-Jason Damron
Pasta and salad: Il Pizzaiolo
This tiny place nestled between Starbucks and the now-relocated Council Travel had a rough start. It was another of the campus restaurants that students eyed with suspicion. “Will this be a good investment,” they seemed to ask? After a few months, the answer became an unequivocal “yes.” Soulful and (al dente!) pasta by the large bowlful is paired with winning house or Caesar salads. Seating on the sidewalk adds a nice touch; staring at the falling leaves of the Park Blocks and a steaming bowl of pasta is the perfect date with your own American-Italian self.
-Jason Damron