Pulehu Pizza

April 25, 2013 by 2 Comments
Puhelu Pizza

Pulehu Pizza

Location: SW 3rd and Stark
Hours: Weekdays, lunch; Fri/Sat late night

The Story: A few years ago, a friend told me about a new pizza he was making at home on his gas grill. I just couldn’t picture putting a pizza on a grill. Wouldn’t it stick and burn? Fast forward to this week and I was able to see how it is done at the newest pizza cart in Portland – Pulehu Pizza.

On The Grill

On The Grill

Pulehu is the work of Pierre and Annebelle who originally hail from Maui. Pierre was a chef at the Four Seasons for eight years and both wanted to escape their jobs, so while camping among waterfalls, the idea of grilling pizzas was hatched. After trying their concept at a block party, the idea grew into a full service catering and concession operation. In Hawaii, they didn’t have a cart or food truck and were forced to carry everything to their events. They earned the right to be inside a box here in Portland. Pulehu – slang for grill.

The grill used is a large outdoor style gas grill you would see permanently installed for your outdoor kitchen. Pierre makes fresh pizza dough which is rolled out for either an 8″ or 12″ personal pie. He quickly grills one side and then waits for your order. I chose the Truffle Mushroom which comes with mushrooms, grana padano, garlic, truffle oil, cracked black pepper and other seasonings. Pierre tops the grilled side then slides it onto the grill to finish the crust. After a bit, once the crust is just right, he removes it onto a pie pan and closes the lid to cook the toppings and melt the cheese. After some final seasoning and slicing, they hand it over. I love truffle oil on pizza, it adds a fruity flavor that is amazing and subtle. This pie was right up my alley. The crust, thin and crisp enough you could pick up a slice without it getting all floppy. Simple toppings and simple prep made for a wonderful meal.

Truffle Mushroom Pizza from Pulehu Pizza

Truffle Mushroom Pizza from Pulehu Pizza

Pierre and Annebelle now call Portland their home and have opened their doors to be one of only a few pizza vendors in food carts. They have a diverse menu of pizzas along with salads for the non-pizza eater. They are  open late night on the weekends for your fourth meal cravings. Drop on by, welcome them to the Rose City and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

  • Classic Cheese- 8″, $5; 12″, $11
  • Margherita: tomato, cart made ricotta and pesto – 8″, $6; 12″, $13
  • Pepperoni – 8″, $6; 12″, $13
  • Meat Lovers: pepperoni, artisanal sausage, grana padano and garlic – 8″, 7; 12″, $13
  • Veggie Lovers: tomato, mushroom, feta, kalamata olives, cart made pesto – 8″, $7; 12″, $13

Phone: 503 915 6869
Website: PulehuPizza.com
Twitter: @PulehuPizza
Facebook: Pulehu Pizza

Filed Under: Dinner, Downtown, Hawaiian, Late Night, Lunch, Pizza, SW 3rd and Stark, Weekends

Pizza Box

November 27, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Pizza Box

Pizza Box

Location: SE 9th and Oak at Base Camp Brewing
Hours: Sun-Wed, 11:30am-9pm; Thurs-Sat, 11am-12am

The Story:

Pizza. God’s food. That and burgers seem to have been all I ate in high school and college. I can’t believe how we would order Domino’s and actually time them for the 30 minute challenge. Youth! As I grew older, the glory of enjoying good ‘za with a beer changed the game. While Portland has some excellent pie, Pizza Box is a cart at a brewery. Now that’s progress.

Gretel is the name of the wood fired brick-oven inside Pizza Box. It is also the name of a pepperoni, bacon and sausage pie. I like Gretel. The cart, originally located off 82nd and Woodstock, relocated this fall to the new Base Camp Brewing. Since the brewery only has a taproom, they wanted to offer some food options for their patrons and what’s better with your IPL than a good pizza. A match made in marinara sauce.

Margherita Pide

Margherita Pide

Wood fired, brick-oven pizza has become the new level set for many. I too am convinced the wood fire adds something special to the pie. Pizza Box offers 12″ neo-napolitano pies with numerous combinations. All pies can be made vegetarian or vegan, but no substitutions. One can go big with the supreme – sausage, pepperoni, roasted red peppers, onions, mushrooms and a side pepperoncini. Or you can go traditional with the classic cheese – a proprietary blend. Every pie can be made into a Pide, a different take on pie which looks like a pizza boat and is only $6. I ordered the margherita Pide and dove in. The crust, perfectly charred, laid the groundwork for a wonderful little dish. Layers of basil, mozzarella, olive oil and tomato sauce provide an excellent bite each and every time. They nailed it.

Pizza Box is open daily at the brewery. You can enjoy your pizza with a beer or take it to go. Next time you have that craving, drop on by and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

  • Margherita – fresh Mozzarella and basil – $12
  • Marinara – marinara, roasted garlic, oregano – $9
  • Classic Cheese – $10
  • Veggie Deluxe – artichoke hearts, pepperoncini, roma tomatoes, black olives, roasted red pepper, onions, mushrooms – $12
  • Pepperoni – pepperoni and cheese – $10
  • Supreme – sausage, pepperoni, roasted red peppers, onions, mushrooms – $12
  • Gretel’s Pie – pepperoni, bacon, sausage – $12
  • PBBP – cart made pesto, bacon, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, cheese – $12

Hours: Sun-Wed, 11:30am-9pm; Thurs-Sat, 11am-12am
Phone: 503 683 3154
Facebook: Pizza Box

Filed Under: Dinner, Lunch, Pizza, SE 9th and Oak, Vegan Options, Vegetarian Options, Weekends

Kindle Kart

May 17, 2012 by 3 Comments
Kindle Kart

Kindle Kart

Location: NW 27th and Wilson across from Montgomery Park
Hours: Mon-Fri, 11am-2pm

The Story:

A year or so ago, I learned of a new wood fired pizza cart opening off N Mississippi. Kindle Kart was doing something new and exciting, yet when they left Mississippi, I lost track of them until now and I’m saddened that I haven’t been able to enjoy their amazing food this whole time.

Kevin Hutchinson is a pizza guy having built and opened Wildfire in NE Portland a few years ago. The wood fired oven he built by hand is still being used by Ned Ludd to this day. A work of art. Kevin wanted a food truck, so outfitted a Boyertown stepvan with a smaller version of the oven inside and opened Kindle Kart. Originally on Mississippi, Kevin eventually moved to northwest across from Montgomery Park. To create the pizza, Kevin leavens the dough which uses no yeast. Pretty difficult to do in a restaurant let alone a cart, but he does it and does it well. Upon my visit, close to the closing bell, he stated he normally sells out after just four hours.

Jalapeno Burger and Pomme Frites

Jalapeno Burger and Pomme Frites

While Kindle Kart is famous for its pizza, I was directed there to try the brisket burger. Yep, I skipped the pizza for a burger. Dumb of me? Maybe, but I’m glad I did. If I had started with the pizza, I may have never even tried his other items. Kevin bakes his own brioche buns in the wood fire oven and they are indeed fresh and tasty. The burger, double ground brisket with a bit of seasoning added is one of the best I’ve had from a cart. I chose the Jalapeno burger with mixed greens, grilled onions, jalapeno sauce, a grilled chili pepper and cheddar cheese. Wow, a stunning sandwich. Everything dripped with flavor and the bun brought it all together. Pair with some excellent crispy fries with a bit of truffle oil ketchup and your done.

Kindle Kart is one of those gems you travel to just for the nosh. I know I will be making the side trip to NW more in the coming months just to try different items. Kevin has plans to expand, so keep watch for a second cart. Drop on by, enjoy some pie or a burger or maybe just fries and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

Pizzas are made fresh with fermented dough and cooked in a wood fired oven. 10″ pies:

  • Artisan Pepperoni – $8
  • Sausage – house made with grilled onion – $8
  • Cheese – two types of Mozzarella – $6.50
  • Bacon and Mushroom – sauteed mushroom, smoky bacon with white sauce – $8
  • Bacon and Cheese – smoky bacon, two types of cheese – $7.50
  • Margherita – fresh grape tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic – $7.50
  • Bianco – ricotta, black pepper, rosemary, truffle oil – $7.50
  • Pommes Frites: Belgian style fries – 1/2 order, $3; full order, $5
  • Bacon Blue Brisket Burger: roasted garlic sauce, bacon, grilled onion, pickles, blue cheese, mixed greens – $6
  • Bacon Mushroom Brisket Burger: roasted garlic sauce, bacon, grilled onions, sauteed mushrooms, pickles, swiss cheese and mixed greens – $6.50
  • Jalapeno Brisket Burger: roasted garlic jalapeno sauce, green chili, grilled onion, pickles, cheddar cheese, mixed greens – $6
  • Classic – $5.50
  • Portobella + Eggplant: basil balsamic sauce, grilled onions, Swiss Cheese, mixed greens – $6

Hours: Mon-Fri, 11am-2pm
Website: KindleKart.com
Facebook: Kindle Kart

INSERT_MAP

Filed Under: Hamburgers, NW 28th and Wilson, NW Portland, Pizza, Salads, Sandwiches, Vegetarian Options

Cornucopia Joe’s

February 28, 2012 by 7 Comments
Cornucopia Joe's

Cornucopia Joe's

Location: SE 43rd and Belmont – Good Food Here
Hours: daily and weekend, lunch into dinner hours

The Story:

Need some pizza? How about some farm fresh veggies? Cornucopia Joe’s has both.

Located at one of Portland’s premier food cart pods, Cornucopia Joe’s offers up fresh hand made pizza along with having a small market selling fresh local vegetables from his farm. Referred to as farmer Joe, he is truly a presence at the pod when he is there. Many a time, Joe has magnanimously rushed over to shake my hand and welcome me to the lot and even bring me one of his fresh smoothies when we’ve been there shooting an episode of one food show or another. Such a kind and generous individual.

Margerita from Cornucopia Joe's

Margerita from Cornucopia Joe's

At Cornucopia Joe’s, they have fresh hand made pizzas along with calzones, smoothies and juices. I could eat pizza daily of someone made it fresh for me; I’m that kinda of eater. The pizza at Joe’s isn’t perfectly round which tells me some love went into it. Add on a great sauce, fresh tomatoes, some Mozzarella and basil and you have the Margarita – a favorite in summer and a gem if found year around. We devoured it and put it on our list of go to pizza carts for the future.

Cornucopia Joe’s has made Good Food Here its home and I’m happy they continue to succeed. Come spring, keep an eye out for the fresh veggie and fruit stand. Drop on by, grab a pie and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

Pizzas come in three different sizes ranging from $7-$16 depending on size and style

  • Cheese – tomato sauce, cheese, Italian spices
  • Meat – tomato sauce, choice of pepperoni, Canadian bacon, meatball, sausage or chicken
  • Muffuletta – fresh roasted peppers, artichoke, minced olives, garlic, feta, Mozzarella
  • Vegan – tomato sauce, vegan sausage, vegan Mozzarella, pesto sauce

Hours: daily and weekend, lunch into dinner hours
Phone: 503 840 5282

INSERT_MAP

Filed Under: Dinner, Lunch, Pizza, SE 43rd and Belmont, Smoothies & Fresh Juices, Southeast-Portland, Vegan Options, Vegetarian Options, Weekends

Southwestern Pizza Company

June 21, 2011 by 10 Comments

 

Southwestern Pizza Company

Southwestern Pizza Company

Location: SE 50th and Ivon, A la Carts Food Pavilion
Hours: Tues-Thurs, 11am-8pm; Fri/Sat, 11am-9pm; Sun, 11am-6pm

The Story:

Southwestern Pizza Company was one of the first carts to open at Mississippi Marketplace in North Portland back in October of 2009. With a unique menu of pizza based on tortillas, they made a splash in the community and created a following. A year later, the original owner sold the cart to John Nicoletti and his wife who moved the cart to A la Carts Food Pavilion in SE Portland. John has kept the same menu, but added some new options.

After the move to A la Carts, I remember the cart not being open on a regular basis. I had assumed it was closed, but what was actually happening behind the scenes was that John was working with the former owner to learn how to make the signature pizzas. During that time, they re-branded the menu and added some new pies and flavors. While you can still get the Sagebrush with Italian sausage and Alfredo sauce or the Stagecoach with pepperoni, Italian sausage and tomato sauce, they also now have the Hawaiian Cowboy with pineapple, ham, cheese and tomato sauce. John has also added clams to the menu along with wheat and gluten-free, dairy and goat cheese options. Truly someone who understands Portland’s palate and is catering to it.

Southwestern Pizza Company is open everyday except Monday and stays open into the dinner hour so you can grab something to take home for the family. Drop on by and say hi to John and let him know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Full menu can be found at their website Southwesternpizzacompany.wordpress.com.

Hours: Tues-Thurs, 11am-8pm; Fri/Sat, 11am-9pm; Sun, 11am-6pm
Website: SouthwesternPizzaCompany
Twitter: SouthwestPizza
Facebook: Southwestern Pizza Company

INSERT_MAP

[Our original post from October 2009 below the fold]

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Breakfast, Dinner, Gluten Free Options, Lunch, Pizza, SE 50th and Ivon, Southeast-Portland, Vegetarian Options, Weekends Tagged With:
«Older Posts