Guest: Valerie Estelle Rogers
V. Estelle Travel ~ Website: vestelletravel.com
Call it a life hack, call it genius, call it what you want, but one of the mad skills I have mastered over time is my call-ahead for pizza move. I first learned this when returning from central Oregon to the valley and discovered the time it took to call in an order from Detroit, Oregon, and arriving at Giovanni’s Mountain Pizza in Mill City just outside of Salem, was 100% perfect. The pizza will be just coming out of the oven and I can then opt to dine-in or takeaway as I zip by.
Utilizing this principle, here are three notable pizza locations that are perfectly timed for your trip to the Oregon Coast from Portland, when driving southwest on Highway 99W. You may plan to pick them up en route to enjoy when you arrive at your destination for sunset and settling in time, or you may choose to nosh on them (after they have cooled, of course) in the car, and this will keep you and your passengers from getting hangry.
. . . . .
NEWBERG – HONEY PIE PIZZA
Located in Newberg and tucked down an alleyway this indoor/outdoor venue is strictly for pizza lovers. When I’m not there I dream about their signature dish called Honey Pie and it’s simple perfection. This pie has evoo (extra virgin olive oil), honey, mozzarella, oregano, parmesan, pecorino romano, and chili flakes. Do not underestimate this dish and, yes, I do suggest buying two. With a well-crafted menu of fewer than ten pizzas, a weekly special, and two salads, ordering is easy.
112 1/2 S College St, Newberg, OR 97132
(503) 554-6750
Hours:
4 PM to 9 PM – closed Tuesdays
(Photos by Valerie)
. . . . .
CARLTON – PARK & MAIN
A little 6-mile deviation makes any road trip all the more interesting, and if you haven’t been to Carlton yet, it’s time. This bustling little wine country town is saturated with incredible wineries and history and a four-block main street. Joining a crowd of great businesses, and having just opened last spring during the current pandemic, Park & Main is making their mark. 13-inch pizzas make the best snack and what better than the Spicy Bianca – garlic white sauce, 4- cheese blend, Mama Lil’s peppers, and honey drizzle. Toss in a sandwich or two and be sure to add the Greek Hipster salad if you’re feeling groovy. With an easy online order form you can specify what time you will be arriving, and if you’re ahead of schedule enjoy a hand-dipped ice cream cone while you wait.
211 W Main St, Carlton, OR 97111
(503) 852-3025
Hours:
Monday Closed
Tue-Thur 3:30 PM-8 PM
Fri-Sat 12 PM-9 PM
Sunday12 PM-8 PM
. . . . .
MCMINNVILLE – PIZZA CAPO
Located in historic downtown McMinnville, Pizza Capo is a staple for this community. If you have been craving a pork belly pizza, look no further! The Valley Special pie features pork belly, jimmy nadello peppers, corn, potato goat cheese, and queso botanero. I would be remiss not to also mention the Mushroom Pizza, the Meatball Pizza, the Sausage Pizza, and the Capricciosa Pizza which has red sauce, artichoke, mushroom, olive, mozzarella, Parmigiano, and prosciutto, this is my favorite pie. These woodfired pizzas go extremely well with a charcuterie board, side salad, or a serving of house-made burrata. Online ordering is easy, I would encourage planning ahead as Pizza Capo is usually very busy. If you’re thinking this would be a good stopping point for dining in while on your drive, reservations are highly encouraged.
318 NE 3rd St, McMinnville, OR 97128
(503) 472-8040
Hours:
4 PM to 9 PM closed Monday and Tuesday
. . . . .
Expert advise to note if you’re planning to enjoy some pizza mid-trip to your destination, it is advisable to toss in a roll of paper towels, this will prevent runaway pizza grease rolling down to your elbow, yes, I am speaking from experience. It’s also important to clarify one small detail, ordering your pizzas ahead of time as you return home from your holiday is also highly recommended. After a long and festive weekend, arrive home, tumble your tired vacation bodies into the house, and feast on pizza. This life hack works both ways.
