Take Out: Tastebud Joy

Every time I go to the Portland Farmers' Market, I get a slice of pizza from the Tastebud people. Fresh, brick-oven baked pizza. Always with interesting toppings - ricotta cheese, greens, ham, roasted vegetables - always delicious.

I was delighted the other week to put two and two together and realized that Tastebud opened a restaurant over on SE Milwaukie. That is especially good, since the Farmers' market that I like to go to at PSU is not open right now.

So after a long week, on my way home on a Friday night, I picked up a pizza to go from Tastebud. Braised kale, Italian sausage, tomato sauce and mozzarella. I was a little late picking it up, so it wasn't piping hot, which actually ended up being perfect - I could eat it on my way home.

The crust was not as thick as it usually is at the market - but it was still crunchy and chewy and good. The kale had a distinct spiciness and slight crunchiness after being baked on the pizza. The sausage was just flavorful enough. There was a bit of grease that dripped down my arm as I ate it. I think from the sausage. But that didn't bother me one bit.

I have heard some good things and not so good things about the restaurant. I plan on going there at some point to experience more aspects of the food and service. But for right now, that pizza in the box hit the spot.