Kitchen Dances

Take heart! They’re open again on NE Oregon Ave between 81^st and 82^nd.
Nice outdoor patio, honking huge dining room, and food like so many have already described.
The unofficial address is 8155 NE Oregon, if you look for it at 850 NE 81^st you’ll do some walking around.

They are opening again on 8155 NE Oregon! So excited I was was so disappointed when then shut down their cart on Belmont. I randomly found them at the Montavilla Farmer’s market recently. They still make wonderful, healthy organic vegan food. I highly recommend the walnut meat tacos.
Walnut Meat Tacos: Very tasty and the best vegan tacos I’ve ever had. I’ve tried several other kinds elsewhere always made with vegan meats I can buy at the store or stuck with bean and cheese options. Love this place!
Raw beet ravioli: Very flavorful and fresh. Love the filling.
Vegan Tempeh Reuben: Sorry my favorite one is made with toasted bread like from Eastside deli or Vita Café ones
I shall go back and try different dishes.

With all the unhealthful choices of food carts, I had never been to the Belmont pod and spied Sugarcube and Violetta. My girlfriend was like my favorite raw cart is here. I thought awww man that’s healthy.
Let me tell you — the salad was amazing. They said they had over 100 heirloom tomato plants grown themselves and topped my salad with that, apples, cukes and avocados and this homemade seeded crunch with a a vinaigrette. And my friends Nachos were healthy in veggie tops galore.
There little side table if you can grab it is like eating in your own dining room. And another star for real utensils. Way to be eco!
Amazing!

After seeing all the positive reviews, I’m wondering if I caught them on a slight off-​day. I ordered the Sesame Peanut Wrap ($ 8): cooked ginger tofu, grilled seasonal vegetables, quinoa, and sesame peanut sauce wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla. It is served with a side salad (mixed greens) and a red wine vinaigrette.
A good dish here, but not mind-​blowing. The mixture of ginger tofu, grilled vegetables, and quinoa worked well with the sesame peanut sauce. I loved the mixed greens and the red wine vinaigrette. It really brought the overall dish to a more gourmet level.
I did have concerns with the tofu. It was a bit on the dry side when I enjoyed the first half of this meal at the food pod, and it got extremely dry by the time I finished the meal at home. The tofu is probably supposed to be the star (or at least one of the stars) of this sesame peanut wrap, so it was a bit disappointing to see that component turn in a subpar showing. Also, while the sesame peanut sauce was good, it should be more accurately termed a paste — at least for my serving.
What would have also worked for me: offering a spicy condiment (i.e. sriracha or another hot sauce). Maybe they did have something there and I overlooked it, but I didn’t see anything.
I would still return here to try other menu items, though!

Raw golden beet raviolis — oh my goodness. This town does not have enough raw food restaurants/​carts so when I found out this was on their menu, I was there in a heartbeat.
I knew I was going for this cart from the start but the other 3 folks with me decided they needed to look around some more. Only to end up coming back here and ordering!
My friend’s boyfriend ordered the huge veggie burrito stuffed with tofu/​potatoes etc. with, best part I thought, the white bean and mushroom gravy. I stole a taste because even though I am a vegetarian, I miss gravy the most. And this gravy is vegetarian, but you know what… it tastes rich, creamy and heavenly!
My other friend beside me had the veggie quesadilla and she was wrapping that up fast. I’m used to seeing her take her time eating so I knew she was enjoying it.
Finally, hubby had the tempeh reuben which, of course I had to have a bite of, and I kept hoping he would have been too full to eat it all, but, he wasn’t, dang it. And it was very reubenesque. even when not made of meat.
I have to add that I never have been to this food pod either and it was really quite intimate and comfortably set up, lots of seating as well so that adds to the ambience that I always appreciate when going out to eat.

Coming from Eugene I’ve learned to be a bit weary of veggie/​vegan food from rasta-​loving, dread-​locked hippies, so I used to always go for the tried and true Yum Zap, Lardo, Nambu, or Eurotrash at GFH
But the amazing advice of all the 1337 Unilocalers made me give this place a shot, and damn am I glad I did! Oh man… the Sesame Peanut Wrap is THE BOMB! The sweet peanut sauce and hearty tofu & veggies in the delicious wheat wrap and fantastic salad, albeit just 5 bites worth, was a total meal.
Fills you up and makes your tummy happy! Just as good as Blossoming Lotus but at half the price! :-)
Definitely my new favorite (healthy) cart in town :-D

What an amazing experience — Piper is from my hometown of Evansville, IN and my aunt is friends with his mom. She told us we had to check out Kitchen Dances while passing through Portland and we were blown away.
My dad and I originally went for lunch and split the tempeh reuben. We enjoyed it so much we came back for dinner and sampled 3 other dishes. They were all delightful and Piper gave me some great recommendations for vegan websites and books to check out. Definitely try this Portland gem!

Kitchen Dances has quickly become one of our favorite places to eat. They make healthy food that looks elegant and everything on their menu tastes great. The walnut tacos could fool a carnivore and the wraps are tasty and filling.
The pies are un believably tasty and even if you are stuffed you should get a piece. Amazingly, the prices are completely affordable. We have eaten at Kitchen Dances with a large group including carnivores who were completely satisfied and full from their delicious meal. Not to me missed. Definitely one of Portland’s jewels.

Tempeh reuben rules and comes with a tasty side salad for $ 7.50. Walnut meat tacos are good but not as insanely tasty as the reuben. Unless you are starving, the reuben could be shared if you also got some sort of other side, like fries from nearby Violetta.
Sometimes I walk by Kitchen Dances just to look at the menu even if I’m not hungry. Sometimes the nice girl that works there will offer 2 vegan pastries (normally $ 2 each) for $ 3 at the end of the night!
Some of the other inferior carts at this food cart location will «veganize» things by leaving stuff off, like cheese and sour cream. Dumb. I want there to be some effort behind making my food delicious and Kitchen Dances pulls that off big time.

Finally, a place that truly understands two of my passions — my favorite location in my crib and my favorite thing to do all by my lonesome (I’m either Hammertiming, skanking, or doing the Running Man at any given sad lonely moment). Kitchen Dances is quickly becoming one of my favorite go-​to spots in Portland. Sure, that dude who runs the cart might be slightly intimidating in his all-​black get up and totally excellent posture, but he’s super duper nice and a killer chef to boot!
Of course, nothing that crawls, swims, flies, or wiggles gets killed here at Kitchen Dances — everything here is vegan, and occasionally raw. But my dear omnivores, please don’t let «vegan» deter you from visiting this spot. It’s not just «good…for a vegan place,» but GREAT ALL AROUND. Everything is so fresh and high quality (and organic to boot!) and made with incredible detail and care. The ingredient combinations are incredibly creative and taste freaking amazing!
For example (pulled from the FB page):
Biscuits and gravy, tempeh bacon, roasted potatoes, greens and mushroom-​white bean gravy
Polenta with pinto beans, greens and radish-​orange-​relish
Raw Thai curry plate with tangerine-​cucumber-​mint salad
Raw strawberry coconut cream pie
OMG DOESN’T IT ALL SOUND SO GOOD!!! I guess it’s kind of a bad idea that I’m writing this review before I’ve had lunch. I think I know where I’m going today…

Kitchen Dances, I would dance with you any time and in any style.
You want to tango? I might step on your feet (or wheels, as you are a food cart) but stick a rose in my teeth, allow me about five warmup backbends, and I’m good to go.
You’d rather swing? I used to cut a mean lindy hop back in the day, you know, when people used to ask «Oh won’t you Charleston with me?» and thought dark-​skinned people were dangerous or whatever.
Or you just want to amble your feet side by side, swinging your arms in feathery shapes across the sky, whlie Widespread Panic plays in the background? Seems a little cliché on account of your serving of raw, vegetarian, and vegan delights, but if that’s what you’re into, I do love to sway.
Or we could just avoid dancing altogether and I can chow down on your raw seasonal pesto, clever beet ravioli, and gimundo breakfast burrito. No footwork, just jaw work. You catch my drift, Kitchen Dances? Bom chica wow wow.

Ridiculously good!
We were out walking the dog, looking for a place to eat (anything to avoid our leftovers) and having just moved over to SE, we were still becoming familiar with our new little neighborhood. So, as we turned a corner, we saw a collection of food carts. We wandered around until we found the first vegan option — Kitchen Dances! I quickly became overwhelmed by the choices (because that’s what I do), mumbled something about the vegan reuben and walked away with the dog. Literally, 5 minutes later, Piper came out to the precious little table they had with his delights in hand. My boyfriend had ordered the reuben and also the nachos. Holy.Mother.Of.GOD. They were flipping fantastic.
And that’s when I looked at the menu again and saw the raw raviolis. Quickly, I expressed (loudly) my disappointment that I didn’t see that (again, overwhelmed) and asked Piper a few questions about it. He answered them patiently, and then let us get back to our eating. 3 minutes later, he comes out again, with two of the raviolis on a plate for me to try (and, yes, they were heavenly). How awesome is that??? I was so surprised, and had the food not sealed my immediate and utter devotion, that would have.
They were incredibly kind and it was pretty cheap. Piper even informed us he’d been selected for Vegan Iron Chef here in Portland — which is really cool!
Anyway, moral of the story is this place is completely delightful, and the owners are as well. Mandy apparently does all the baking, which I didn’t try because they were all chocolate aaaaaaand I don’t like chocolate, so… maybe next time! I heard her talking about a key lime pie, so I might have to troll Kitchen Dances for the next few days. Go, enjoy, sit outside, bring your dog/​child/​cat/​rat/​etc, and have a great meal!

Food:
vegan quesadilla, Walnut Meat tacos and raw pesto.
* All of these were extremely good. I’m usually a fan of foods who’s flavor profiles set off a nuclear bomb in my mouth but this was all much more subdued… in a really good way. You could really taste the flavors of all the fresh vegetables and they still had a nice crispness to them (not overcooked)
Service: downright delightful.
Even though they were out of what I originally wanted they were very sweet and added a few extras to my plate of other things on the menu so I could try a bunch of stuff, a very nice gesture. The people working were softspoken and all smiles.
Notes:
A really, really nice place. The cart’s set up is especially striking when all the windows and doors are open which creates an almost open air kitchen feel.
I definitely want to get back there to try some of the amazing looking treats.

Healthy, vegan, raw, organic, and most important… delicious.
That’s all you really need to know about Kitchen Dances.
Seriously, if you want to be at all conscious about what you’re putting in your body from a health perspective, you can go to Kitchen Dances and not even have to worry about it. You know you’re getting plenty of nutrition from wholesome, clean, guilt-​free food.
Home-​made soups, raw wraps, tempeh reuben, quinoa, mixed veggies, vegan quesadilla, you name it, they have it. Plus a sweet selection of desserts and plenty of gluten free options. 4 solid stars for the food, and the 5^th for the health/​organic factor.
Mmmmmmm… healthy food. When I want it, I don’t want to have to work for it. And that’s why I’m eternally thankful for places like this.

Am I vegan or vegetarian? No, but because of its reviews I had to check this place out.
I asked the owner what the most popular item on the menu was & he was quick to answer the tempeh reuben. I love reubens but had no idea what tempeh was nor what it looked like. KD owner explains what it is, shows a piece of it to me & then offers to heat it up for me to try. I tried it. I liked it. I ordered it.
A few minutes later I’m handed a heavy to-​go container & inside is a multi-​grain bread sandwich stuffed with thick layers of tempeh & sauerkraut /​thousand island mix with a side salad. The sandwich was pretty good but I thought the side salad was the best. A spring mix with apples & fermented radish with light, raspberry vinaigrette dressing was surprisingly tasty! The reuben was good for awhile but then my palate got bored & started salivating for meat.
I’m glad I tried it but I don’t think tempeh is my thing. I’ll come back though & try the breakfast burrito very soon!

Piper the owner of «Kitchen Dances» was the brains and talent behind Proper Eats menu of the past. If any of you have been to Proper Eats, you would know their Vegan Reuben sandwiches can make you cry tears of joy. I used To drive all the way out to St. Johns for the Reuben. Then after doing some review reading on here, I discovered Piper was creative behind this Reuben and created this cart «Kitchen Dances.» I was super excited that I fell upon it after taking some movies back to Movie Madness. The newish food cart mall on 45^th and Belmont is really cool!
My first thought was now I do not have to drive so far away to get this delicious food!
So Mike (my man) and I ordered the breakfast burrito (with mushroom gravy and a whole buncha veggies) and I ordered the peanut wrap with tempeh and quinoa and it was delicious! We decided the following:
*Piper is the MAN!!!
*This is what vegan food should be. Meat wouldn’t make this better
*Daily specials makes ordering easy once you know everything on the menu, because then you can have a bit of variety and it keeps you wanting to come back for more!
PS. I’m not a vegan but my original experience with Piper’s Reuben inspired me to change my diet to mostly a plant based one. To eat food that is actually more delicious than any bacon or cheese infused meal I was eating on a regular basis and then feel like a million bucks afterwards was my motivation to do this.

There’s a literary group based in Paris called the Oulipo that produces work based on a variety of constraints. They create random (and sometimes absurd) rules, and then they follow them: for example, writing an entire book without the letter «e». No one *has* to write a book like that, but why not try? The constraint makes for a challenge and the end result is that much more rewarding.
Lot’s of things are vegan. French fries (that aren’t fried in animal fat) are vegan. Spaghetti with red sauce is vegan. A grilled vegetable sandwich is vegan. You could just stick to making food like that and call it a day. Or you can take a challenge, use constraints — not literary, but gastronomical. Make a vegan Reuben. Use only raw foods to create a satisfying dish. Make a meal in which meat (or cheese, or egg) is completely obsolete — that the very thought of adding these ingredients is blasphemy. That crosses the line from basic cooking to art. And that’s what this cart is.

Went back to Kitchen Dances again tonight for some more goodness. Had the breakfast burrito tonight, which is a burrito filled with tofu, potatoes and seasonal veggies smothered in a white bean mushroom gravy. This was a very tasty and filling burrito. I ate everything except for the last couple bites! For all you fellow mushroom texture haters, the gravy on this doesn’t contain any discernible chunks of mushroom :)

This is a great new vegan and raw cart located in the Good Food Here pod on SE Belmont and 44^th. The folks here are sincerely super friendly. They offer a great array of tasty savory options. They also carry sweets from Black Sheep Bakery. Yesterday they were also offering a Coconut Dream Banana Split. If I was had been feeling better, and not looking for take out I would have absolutely given it a try.
I ended up picking the pesto veggie wrap which comes with fresh seasonal veggies, quinoa, and tempeh (see the photo I uploaded). For $ 7.50 you get one heck of a meal. It was so good, it made my night. I will definitely be coming back again, and again, and again.
One other bonus, the offer coconut water. Yum!

Kitchen Dances has a varied menu of vegan dishes, from hearty breakfast burritos with gravy to gluten free nachos.
On our first visit to Kitchen Dances in the Good Food Here pod, we had the tempeh reuben and the raw ravioli. Both were extremely delicious and we couldn’t get enough. If you know Piper’s cooking from Proper Eats, you’ll recognize the food here, though it’s certainly not a rehash of the dishes at PE. I highly recommend checking it out.
The cart pod has already filled out nicely, has some parking, and is a great place to hang out and chow down.