I met a buddy in downtown Portland for lunch today, and since it wasn't raining we decided to hit the food carts at Portland's oldest food cart pod, on Alder Street. For those outside Portland the concept may be foreign, but here food carts gather like teens at the mall on a Saturday afternoon. Large groups can be found at several locations around town, but Alder Street is the oldest and largest to be found.

We made the loop of the full city block that is the Alder Street pod getting samples of foods that looked interesting to us. I spotted a Green Bay helmet magnet through the window of a little Brat cart, and sampled one of the best Bratwurst I have ever tasted. My mind was made up.

Since wheat and gluten were out, all I needed to do was get my brat with kraut sans bun and I was set. George Wittkopp, the owner of Altengartz was quick to accommodate my request, and soon the smell of a brat frying with kraut filled the air.

The flavor was amazing. A nice deep brown on the ends showed a well seasoned grill had been used, and the blend of spices was perfect. George told me that Carlton Farms was making his sausages for him from his own recipe, and that old-world flavor shone through perfectly. The sign of a good Brat is the lack of need to use condiments, and this one sure fit the bill. I ate it as served and was not at all disappointed.

If you want more information on Altengartz Bratwurst, their website can be found at www.germanbratwurst.com

Definately a little piece of Fat Boy Heaven.