A local food publisher, “Kitchen Table”, recently released a collecting them map for local pizza shops. This helps incentivize me to go out and get more pizza (as if I need more encouragement), and one of the names I did not recognize – the Turning Peel. I brushed it off as another up-and-coming pizza shop, one of a few dozen that have come and gone in the last few years. I’m not sure why Portland is such a pizza-centric city, but I love it and I have not had the chance to eat them all yet, which is insane.
The first thing we noticed was the atmosphere. It feels like we are in a little hut in the tropics. Think of drinking a cool mixed drink in the jungle of an island in Thailand – that is what it felt like. The owner put a lot of thought into decorations, and we opted to sit outside, which was equally decked out. I would highly recommend coming here based on looks. We ordered the Pepperoni jalapeño hot honey, Truffle Mushroom, and Margherita pizza because the pies looked a little small. We aren’t that gluttonous!
The pizza came out soon enough while we were enjoying our drinks outside. The sun is setting earlier now that we are close to the fall equinox, which brings sadness and grey weather. Back to the good stuff, the pizza crust is a sourdough base, and beautifully charred and crispy. As a result, it is slightly drier and needs some assist from the toppings. As a result, I thought the Margherita was only okay because it felt plain and couldn’t balance out the sourness. The truffle smelled very good, but the crown goes to the greasy pepperoni. I feel like the dough was meant only for the extreme flavor of the hot pepper and the grease could be soaked by the crust.
Even if you do not want the pizza, at least stay for their homemade dessert. Or at least, the tiramisu. They proudly showed that off at the front counter, and I couldn’t resist the temptation. It was extremely creamy while the rum came through. Such a lovely dessert and balances out the salty pizzas we had earlier. What a grand way to end the night as the night sky hangs over our shoulders.
So yes, everyone ought to come to the Turning Peel. I think it is getting some attention already, although the pizza game is extraordinarily strong in this town, and there is still a chance to get here before the crowds arrive. The pepperoni pizza might be the single best pizza in the city; I will have to revisit a few of my top favorites over the years and do a real ranking. The dessert is amazing and it is just a cool place to hang out. I know where to bring people in the future!
Ranked: ***** Bo’s Best of the Best.
Issue 92. Volume 14. Chapter 5.
Visited: September 8th, 2024 at 19:30.
Address: 4546 SE Division St, Portland, OR
Website: https://www.theturningpeel.com/