Let me be completely honest here. We came to BG's Food Cartel in Beaverton because I was craving…read moreramen and wanted to try the ramen cart there. However, the very day that we visited, it was closed because of issues with the kitchen, and would take several days to fix. We were only in the PDX area for a few days, so we could not return on time to try the ramen.
I was bummed and hangry. While browsing the other food carts, I came across Rose City Hibachi. The smell of the garlic was hitting my nose and I decided to give them a try. They were offering a $15 lunch special bowl with various protein and carb selections. I went with the shrimp and yakisoba w/ veggies, and a side of yum yum sauce. Unfortunately, what I smelled vs what I tasted in my bowl did not match up.
My food took a while to be made. Sure, they had other orders, but it shouldn't have taken that long. Especially when I went to pick up my bowl and it didn't look or feel like $15 of food, especially when it was like $17 with tax and whatever tip I gave.
The shrimp were quite good. Juicy and bouncy, and not dry like some shrimp can be when overcooked. It was served with a giant slice of lemon as well. The noodles were fine, nothing to write home about really. The zucchini was tender, which I liked. I hate the taste of zucchini usually, especially when it is not cooked through. The yum yum sauce was flavorful. I wish I had been given a bigger container of it, however.
The thing is--and I write mostly 4 or 5 star reviews, so a 3 star review is uncommon for me--for $15, this was just not it. I completely agree with another Yelper that I'm glad I didn't splurge on one of their main dishes, because this would have cost quite a bit more if I hadn't chosen their lunch special.
I've had plenty of food for $15 that have been a much better portion size, and better flavor.
While this was fine to satisfy my hunger, I was left unfulfilled after I finished my bowl, and my husband and I ended up ordering some delicious skewers from Chuan Up BBQ after.
The ambiance of BG's Food Cartel was buzzing that day, even with the heat wave that passed through PDX during our August anniversary trip. I loved the expansive seating options. We sat at the bar area by the beer garden since we enjoy people watching.
I'm willing to give Rose City Hibachi another chance, but they need to improve upon their flavor and portion sizes for their price.