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Happy Sparrow – Bringing the Kolache to the NW!

happysparrow1If there’s anything we love more than delicious food at Portland Pedal Power, it’s delicious unique food that you would struggle to find anywhere else. The kind of food that makes someone do a double take and say “Wow, where did you get THAT?”

That’s why we are very excited to be delivering for Happy Sparrow Café, who specialize in making the Kolache (kuhlah-chee)!

Now if you’re anything like me, you may have never heard of a kolache. But Happy Sparrow’s creations compete with bagels and donuts as the favorite breakfast meal in Texas. A pastry that competes with donuts? Color me surprised… and more than a little curious.

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So what is a kolache?  According to Mary and Danny Quach, the owners of Happy Sparrow,  it’s a “sweet soft bun filled with yummy fillings, then baked to a beautiful golden delight.” Like many things in life, it’s the insides that count! (But take it from me, the outside is just as tasty!) This special pastry was brought over to the States by Czech immigrants, and once the locals in Texas got a taste, they couldn’t get enough.

Today, Mary and Danny continue the tradition of creating delicious Texas-Style Kolaches like the ones they enjoyed growing up in Houston and Austin. But now, they get to use some of the best local Northwest ingredients resulting in a fresh and delicious treat. You will find Tillamook Cheddar Cheese, Zenner’s sausages, locally crafted fruit preserves, all fitting inside a hand-rolled, lovingly made treat.

On our menu, you will find kolaches for the sweet tooth, savory kolaches for those looking for a hearty breakfast, and even mini kolaches for those just looking for a quick snack before work. No matter how you’re feeling, there’s a kolache to compliment the mood.

So what are you waiting for? Do yourself a favor: try a kolache, and change the way you look at breakfast!

 

 


Ate-Oh-Ate: It’s like going to Hawaii, but with better food!

_DLR1343At Portland Pedal Power, we always get excited when we start delivering for a new vendor. Ate-Oh-Ate is a Hawaiian restaurant located on Burnside, bringing the delicious cuisine of the islands to the mainland. We wanted to learn a bit about Ate-Oh-Ate, so we asked them to tell us about themselves:

Certain things become iconic for a reason. Sometimes you just hit a combination so right, there’s no improving upon it. Like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. It’s just kind of perfect. That’s how I feel about Hawaiian Plate Lunch. There’s just something so right about two scoops rice, a scoop of creamy macaroni salad and a pile of tender, smoky Kalua Pig. Or Teriyaki Chicken, maybe.

Tropical paradise is a frame of mind. It helps to be someplace warm and sunny with the breeze coming off of the ocean wafting aromas of plumeria and hibiscus; but if you can’t be there then transport yourself mentally via alimentary pleasure. Sometimes people ask me, “How is it you’re wearing board shorts and rubber slippers when it’s so cold out?” I just tell ’em, “If I believe hard enough, it’s warm and sunny right now.” The sit in stunned silence, allowing me the time to slurp up the last of my Saimin noodles, as the warm rays of belief start to shine in their heads.

Ate-Oh-Ate is proud to be in partnership with Portland Pedal Power, sharing our version of reality with the entire city of Portland. Ate-Oh-Ate – promoting the power of belief one plate lunch at a time. Working to achieve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup status.

Ready to get yourself some delicious Hawaiian food? Check out our menu, and bring a taste of the islands to your office!


Taste the Mediterranean at Tangier!

There’s nothing like great Moroccan and Mediterranean food. Few genres of flavor offer the same kind of complex tastes and culture that comes with each meal. As luck would have it, Portland is home to some great locations where you can experience the fine edible art from the Mediterranean, and none compare to what Tangier creates in their kitchen!

Tangier is a warm and welcoming family restaurant conveniently located in downtown Portland, quite close to the waterfront. When you show up, you will likely notice Tangier has a casually elegant atmosphere, catering to the exquisitely prepared cuisine that will enhance any dining or celebration experience.

Tangier features an extensive menu, much of which is vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free. Take a look at a few of the choices you will want to order from our website:

Vegetarian Mezza – Falafel, humus, tabouli, tatziki, spinach pie, zattar pizza, baba ghannouj & veggie grape leaves.

Tabouli Salad – Finely chopped fresh parsley mixed with mint, green onion, tomato, bulgar, lemon juice & olive oil.

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