Update: The April 11 Carioca Bowls event at the University of Portland has been cancelled due to weather, according to ASUP President Brandon Rivera.
The electric orange walls, hanging plants, picturesque acai bowls and the close proximity to campus make Carioca Bowls a buzzing oasis frequented by University of Portland students.
As the spring semester comes to a close, Carioca Bowls will be back on campus on April 11 and April 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a 10 percent discount off of regular in-store prices for yet another food cart day.
“Carioca actually came last year when we first started (bringing food carts to campus),” said ASUP President Brandon Rivera. “They were one of the first to come out, and I wanted to just continue that relationship with them and bring them out.”
A percentage of the proceeds will be going to Active Minds, a club focused on the importance of mental health. The eatery’s goal is to be “Portland’s hub for a happy, healthy lifestyle.”
According to Matthew Lau from Carioca Bowls, the restaurant uses 100 percent organic acai berries. These berries are known as superfoods because of their antioxidants, omega and fiber levels. Carioca Bowls’ main restaurant on Alberta Street also includes an in-house yoga and meditation studio.
“(Carioca Bowls) was asking me what is a club here that makes a lot of impact on campus that again kind of follows the same mission statement of Carioca, which is mind, body, the healthy kind of repertoire to them,” Rivera said. “Active Minds immediately came to mind because it really promotes mental health and staying healthy.”
There will also be a raffle while the food truck is on campus. Premier tickets to upcoming Marvel film Infinity War, acai seed jewelry and other prizes will be given away. Students can enter by purchasing a bowl, and winners will be announced at the end of the day.
“I expect a good turnout, especially if there’s nice weather and we promote it right,” said Rivera. “I think that’s the biggest thing, letting people know about it.”
