Out of TownTasty n Alder

tastynalder-01

Tasty n Alder brings their eclectic, family style dining of Tasty n Sons to downtown Portland. Their globally influenced menu of well executed small and large plates run the gamut from classic egg breakfasts with a Tasty twist to European influenced tapas for the entire table to share.

tastynalder-06

Inside, raw wood beams, steel sheeting and cast iron instruments are left exposed to the diners. Several long, heavy wooden communal tables sit to one side amongst a scattering of cozily cramped more conventional table setups. Bar seating is available right up at the open kitchen if you want to watch the action while you dine. It’s a decent sized dining room with an option for some seating outdoor, but don’t expect a lot of privacy.

tastynalder-04

To say that Tasty n Alder’s menu is globally eclectic is an understatement. Mediterranean influenced dishes like Baked Prunes with Taleggio is served alongside the French (Monte Cristo with spiced maple) and the Spanish (Potatoes Bravas with over easy eggs & aioli) without missing a step.

Korean Fried Chicken ($10): Served with short grain rice, house kimchi & eggs two ways.

Korean Fried Chicken ($10): Served with short grain rice, house kimchi & eggs two ways.

That global reach extends further East for something a little unexpected — Korean Fried Chicken: tenderly fried chicken smothered in a sweet and spicy sauce served over short grain rice, house made kimchi and pickles and eggs two ways. It’s a hearty bowl of goodness that sits up and cuddles your tummy.

Bim Bop Bacon & eggs "stir like crazy" ($12): Yes, the crazy folks at Tasty just added bacon to an already perfect dish.

Bim Bop Bacon & eggs “stir like crazy” ($12): Yes, the crazy folks at Tasty just added bacon to an already perfect dish.

Equally heartwarming is the Bim Bop Bacon & Eggs “stir like crazy” which is exactly as it sounds: Korean style bimbimbap served with bacon, kimchi and fried egg over steamed rice crusted at the bottom from the heated earthenware. We suggest taking that beautifully presented bowl and gently folding the eggs and rice for a perfect blend of textures (soft and crunchy) and flavours (sweet and spicy). While the Korean Fried Chicken gives your tummy a cuddle, the Bim Bop sneaks up and gives it a big bear hug.

Cowboy Baked Beans ($5): with cotija cheese & salsa.

Cowboy Baked Beans ($5): with cotija cheese & salsa.

It’s not a perfect ace, though. For the little one, we ordered the Cowboy Baked Beans with cotija cheese and salsa, which was largely unremarkable except for being overly seasoned. But dishes like these are more hiccups than the norm.

Tasty n Alder is ridiculously popular during brunch, particularly on the weekends. Expect a lineup upon opening and a healthy wait beyond that. Our meal, including tip came to just under $32 — continuing the Tasty franchise’s knack for remarkably imaginative takes on the traditional brunch for a really great value.

— ♠ —