TravelCon 2024 in Portland, OR: Kicking Off Our Adventure
We were attending our first ever travel conference, TravelCon, and the life-changing experience set the tone for everything that followed. Surrounded by fellow travel enthusiasts and creatives, we learned that our tickets included FAM (Familiarization) tours designed to introduce attendees to the best of Portland. We landed a spot on the Portland Food Carts, Pods, & Patios Tour with Lost Plate Food Tours, and our anticipation was sky-high.
Coava Coffee Roasters and Tomorrow Records: Morning Vibes
Before diving into the tour, we gave ourselves a slow start, with plenty of caffeine of course. First up was Coava Coffee Roasters. Picture steampunk meets modern: exposed metal, warm wood accents, and the intoxicating aroma of single-origin coffee. We strolled in with bright clothes full of first-timer energy. Our outfits were giving Brady Bunch vibes. The staff welcomed us with genuine friendliness. Our lattes were made with housemade vanilla and local bee honey. They were absolutely delicious.
View this post on Instagram
The fact that Fred Armisen and Jerry Seinfeld sat at our exact table to film “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” was one of those tiny, serendipitous travel highlights, especially since we’re “Portlandia” fans. We didn’t find this out until we watched the show a year later after this trip and saw the stars sitting at our exact table. We were thrilled!
Fred Armisen and Jerry Seinfeld at Coava’s Brew Bar on SE Grand
Right after, we came across Tomorrow Records. If you love record shops like we do, you know the joy of browsing vinyl in a new city. This shop was such a vibe and had an eclectic mix that made it easy to get lost among the albums. It was a perfect slice of Portland.
Lost Plate Food Tour: A Food Cart Feast Begins
Lost Plate Food Tours offers guided food experiences in cities like Portland, Oregon, focusing on the discovery of local flavors, unique eateries, and community stories. Each tour includes all food and drinks, led by a local guide, with stops at carefully selected vendors and food carts that showcase authentic regional cuisine. The tours are designed for travelers of all ages and eating preferences, with flexible options to accommodate dietary needs and family groups.
Cartopia Food Cart Pod
We were so excited when we joined our guide Michelle and the group at Cartopia Food Cart Pod. Michelle was instantly personable, warm, witty, and ready to share her passion for Portland’s food scene. Kicking things off, she welcomed us with Thai Iced Tea Lemonades from BKK Thai. The drink was cold, sweet, and reminded us of something a loving family member or friend would make. It was a comforting start.
Potato Champion
Next at Potato Champion: our first-ever poutine. Imagine extra-crispy, golden Belgian-style fries, smothered in rich, house-made gravy and topped with fresh cheese curds from TMK Creamery. Each bite was pure comfort, hearty, flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgence.
Hawthorne Asylum Food Carts: More Carts & More Stories
Hawthorne Asylum is a popular Portland food cart pod located on the site of the former Oregon Hospital for the Insane, combining rich history with a vibrant atmosphere. It features a diverse mix of independent food vendors offering global and regional dishes in a casual, art-filled outdoor setting. With ample seating and cozy amenities, it’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors seeking unique, authentic flavors in a creative community space. Michelle was ready for us to check out this amazing, diverse area. This was undoubtedly a favorite for us.
Pelmeni Pelmeni
Pelmeni Pelmeni introduced us to kvass which is a sparkling rye bread beverage. It wasn’t our favorite, but if you enjoy fermented drinks, you may like it. The story behind it added a special touch. The owner’s family recipe goes back generations. The star here, though, was the pelmeni dumplings: bite-sized chicken pockets topped with sour cream, fresh dill, and their own tomato ketchup. Each forkful was rich and surprising. I’m here to tell you, it’s my new favorite food.
Burmese Delight
At Burmese Delight, we tried Shan Noodle Salad: packed with rice noodles, cabbage, carrots, curry chicken (or tofu), peanuts, sesame, and the house’s signature dressing. The owner’s happiness in sharing her cooking made every bite brighter. It was delicious and dynamic.
Smaaken Waffles
Then dessert in the middle of the day! Smaaken Waffles served up Dutch waffles layered with jam, lemon-vanilla Bavarian cream, and fresh whipped cream. We could eat them every day.
Portland Murals and Culture
Between bites, we took time to appreciate some of Portland’s street art. At the “Questions for Humans: Dreams Wall” by Gary Hirsch, we paused and reflected. Not far away, Jax Ko’s “You Belong Here” mural, part of the “Belonging” series, brought color and heart to the neighborhood. These moments captured why Portland feels so inviting and creative.
Morrison Market and Rogue Brewery
Just when we thought there was no way we could eat more, the next stops changed our minds.
Mota y Limon
At Morrison Market Food Hall, we enjoyed birria street tacos from Mota y Limon, with freshly pressed corn tortillas. The beef was perfectly spiced, and every taco was made with care. They quickly ranked among our favorite tacos ever. We found out from the family that they immigrated to the US from a small community where every family in the community had their own job. The family that runs this restaurant’s job was to make homemade tortillas for the entire community every week. We could tell right away that they were seasoned pros when it came to tortilla making because these were the best tortillas we’ve ever had in our lives.
Rogue Brewery
Wrapping up at Rogue Brewery, we got our second wind with soft, salty pretzels and root beer. Beer flights were also available. The atmosphere was lively and relaxed, making for a great end to our adventure.
Our Portland Reflections
We finished our first FAM tour with full bellies and happy hearts. Sharing food, stories, and laughter with new friends turned an unfamiliar city into somewhere truly memorable. The Lost Plate Food Tours team, especially Michelle, made the experience shine with delicious food, generous portions, and a peek into Portland’s rich local culture. By the end, we were already planning how to revisit our favorite carts and murals.
If you want a real taste of Portland, a food cart tour like this is the way to go. We came for the conference, but left with so much more: stories, flavors, and memories that made Portland feel like a second home.
