redtigeriii

Yep, I'm also a part of the Voodoo Donuts being overrated camp. I've never really understood the appeal, though I know its popular as I see those pink boxes all the time both around town and at PDX airport.

I'm extremely happy about Burgerville opening past security. I usually eat before getting to the airport but if I am going to grab a bite, I'd never do it pre-security for a lot of reasons. But, the food options have definitely improved since working at PDX many years ago!

mczlaw

As noted above, both Pok Pok and Koi Fusion (an excellent emulator of L.A.'s orginal Korean taco purveyor, Ray Choi) opened today in the PDX food court in the main connector between the terminals, outside security. These are short-term leases (6 mos. subject to extension). Many other slots to open in the next months and years, including spaces inside security. My understanding is that the Port of Portland recruited Koi and 2Pok to see how local vendors would work out. I'm told a third deal (cart space immediately next to Koi) is imminent, though I promised not to spill the beans on who it is. Only hint: kid friendly.

Given the PofP's efforts, I would be surprised if Salt & Straw (or some other local ice cream vendor--there are other less known, but equally excellent enterprises such as Ruby Jewel, Cool Moon and What's The Scoop) didn't end up in PDX. It was previously announced that the PofP has signed a deal to bring a branch of The Country Cat, another local favorite, to PDX. Not sure of the time line on that.

I'd love to see Blue Star go in too. I need to do some asking around to get better info. Will report here. VooDoo's claim to fame is their shock value shapes and toppings (penis shape donuts coated with Fruit Loops have a certain cool factor to TV producers, I guess) and eccentric owner, resulting in massive overexposure. The product is most assuredly crappy.

--mcz

AS Flyer

I'm happy that PDX airport has a pretty interesting food vendor concept and there will be some interesting places to eat there. I'd hardly say that people in Seattle are "scavenging" though. Ivar's, Beechers, Waji's, Dilletante, Pallino, Dish Delish, Anthony's. They're all local food concepts and are decent options. They aren't food trucks but they are very decent. Not to mention the wide variety of chain options (Wendy's, QDoba, McDonalds, Chili's, BK's) and airport concepts. Seatac has a very good selection of restaurants to choose from.

mczlaw

Was only referring to AS key hunt. Don't know much about SEA food. I dig the Beecher's/Cafe Vita stand myself.

--mcz

AS Flyer

LOL!! That was a crazy misunderstanding. Sorry I do love the idea of food truck stand operations at the Portland airport. Local flavors at airports makes traveling much more interesting.

beckoa

Huh. Have only done Voodoo once and it was...um...interesting.

Recall previous discussion on FT about them and Top Pot, so had to check them out. However this was fun as a friend and I had a pink box we took on a MR...all the way to Portland, ME and back to ANC

Chantier

You were brave bringing that into Dunkin' country (though the product inside is certainly worlds apart).

apodo77

Hope it is Grilled Cheese Grill. One of my favorite food carts.

Who is taking Gustavs place? I was told by an HMS Host manager it was closing down in November (assuming he is correct of course).

ijkh

My vote goes to opening a waffle window

fwoomp

^^^

This entire thread is making me think a trip to Portland is in order.

tusphotog

I echo what other's say: Voodoo is overrated and for tourists. Add my vote for Blue Star.

I was at PDX on Friday and I totally missed all the food carts. I even grabbed lunch at Elephants (another great place!). Pok Pok is quite good. I'm looking forward to bringing the wings onto a flight with about a tree's worth of napkins.

If anyone wants sinful food at PDX, go try the Monkey Love cake thing at La Provence. It's amazing. The nice thing with taking the evening flights out of PDX is the lines aren't long and Provence and Elephants are great places to gorge.

AKCuisine

I have a 3+ hour evening layover in PDX between SFO & ANC on an upcoming flight, but I'm beginning to think that's not long enough to take advantage of all of the new spots that are popping up.

Never realized that Elephants has a good reputation at PDX. Love Petit Provence, especially the Alberta location. Great croissants.

AKCuisine

The Eater newsletter for Portland just arrived and the lead story was - no suprise - the newly opened food cart pod at PDX.

According to the article, a 3rd cart will be opening with a yet-to-be-disclosed purveyor. And the plan is to eventually have a 5 cart pod.

Here's the full article: Pok Pok wings and KOi Fusion take flight at PDX.

redtigeriii

It looks like Mo's is coming to PDX! I'll try to post a picture later of it but there is information posted about Mo's applying for a liquor license. I saw this in the C concourse recently, so it'd be past security.

fairviewroad

That was my first thought when I saw the phrase "kid-friendly." Not sure if they have a big enough following to make the leap to PDX, though. But I'd certainly give them my business.

As far as Voodoo, I've never been there but have sampled their donuts that were brought to me by others. Agreed that they're "meh" but then again what I was eating was definitely not fresh-made. I think there's a bit of a backlash factor in terms of locals being too "cool" to like Voodoo...but certainly if you were a local, why would you stop for donuts at a place where you're likely to have to wait in a long line?

Realistically, regardless of what locals think, a Voodoo location in PDX would be a license to print money.