Make Me Some Pie: A pie blog in Portland, Oregon. » Oregon Pie

Oregon Pie History: Crater Lake Ice Cream Pies, Klamath Falls

Joel — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:13:33 +0000

I spotted this old Crater Lake Ice Cream Pie box at an antique shop in Cannon Beach recently. It was sold by Klamath Falls Creamery in Klamath Falls… looks fairly old, maybe 60s or 70s-era. The Klamath Falls Creamery building still stands today, it is now home to Klamath Basin Brewing Company’s “The Creamery Brewpub & Grill“. A large neon blue cow from the original creamery building, built in 1935, still stands today.

Did anyone out there ever have Crater Lake Ice Cream pies? Were they good? Tell me about it – comment below!

Pecan & Chicken Pot Pies at Pine State Biscuits

Joel — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:45:43 +0000

Pecan Pie @ Pine State Biscuits

Pine State Biscuits is one of my favorite breakfast spots in Portland and I’ve gone a lot more since they opened a second location on Alberta with more seating in addition to the original Belmont location. Along with their amazing breakfast sandwiches, they also offer pecan pie and chicken pot pie (at the Alberta location).

Let’s start with the good, and that was the pecan pie. This is just a good solid take on traditional pecan pie. It was balanced, with a good amount of pecans and the right amount of sugary goo. The crust didn’t sway me one way or the other, it just did it’s job with little fanfare. It was served with just about the right size whip cream mountain as well.

However, I’ll be honest, if you’re going to go with a dessert there – go with their seasonal strawberry shortcake when they have it. They specialize in biscuits, so it’s naturally going to be amazing.

Now on to the bad. We also tried the chicken pot pie, which I believe is only on the menu at the Alberta location. First off, it’s not really pie, it’s a mixture of chicken, veggies and gravy with a biscuit topping. I knew that going in, so I’m not complaining about it – just letting you know.

The chicken pot pie just did not have a lot of flavor… I think they used their mushroom gravy instead of the sausage gravy, which seemed really bland in comparison and I didn’t think there was enough of their delicious fried chicken either. It also took a long time for them to prepare – which added to the disappointment after you’d been anticipating some serious chicken pot pie goodness.

Verdict: The pecan pie is fine if you’re in the mood for it. I don’t recommend the chicken pot pie; stick with the Reggie and the other excellent sandwiches.

Salt & Straw – Bourbon Pecan Pie Ice Cream

Joel — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 15:45:43 +0000

Bourbon Pecan Pie Ice Cream @ Salt & Straw made w/ Pieku Pie

Yum.

I’d heard a lot of good things about Salt & Straw, a new handmade ice cream shop in Portland. But I was sold on it when I heard that they had a seasonal Bourbon Pecan Pie flavor, which is made with real pie from Portland’s Pieku Pie & Oregon Whiskey from Portland’s Stone Barn Brandyworks.

The ice cream is really creamy and rich, but they keep the sweetness level low so the flavors standout more. The pecan pie was very sweet and decadent, but that’s what pecan pie is all about. The whiskey was not overwhelming at all and perfectly complemented everything.

In addition to ice cream, Salt & Straw’s Alberta scoop shop offers Pieku’s bite-sized pies, a daily offering of pie a-la-mode, and ice cream pies made with Pieku crust.

Verdict: Get your paws on the Bourbon Pecan Pie ice cream while it’s still around.

Salt & Straw Scoop Shop
2035 NE Alberta
Portland OR 97211
503-208-3867

Holiday Pie: Learn How to Make a Pie

Joel — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:28:46 +0000

Update: Pacific Pie Co. will be hosting two more classes on Dec. 11 & 14. Same details as below apply.

If you want to lovingly make pies for your friends and family this holiday season instead of purchasing pies, there are a couple of options in town.

Pacific Pie Co. is trying its hand at pie-making classes. Classes will be held at their bakery on SE 7th Ave and taught by Pastry Chef Kate Withiam and co-owner Sarah Curtis-Fawley.

Pacific Pie Co. Classes:

Wednesday November 16, 6pm-9pm

Sunday, November 20, 1-4pm

$50, includes wine + a pie

Register by emailing sarah@pacificpieco.com or calling 503-381-6157

SweetWares in Hillsdale, which is owned by the same folks that own Baker & Spice, also offers a variety of baking classes on a regular basis and they also offer classes for private parties.

SweetWares Details:

The next class is on Nov. 12 from 2-4:30 p.m. and is $75. Julie Richardson will teach the class.

Visit http://www.bakerandspicebakery.com/sweetwares/classes.php for more information.

10 Places to Order Your Holiday Pies in Portland

Joel — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:04:52 +0000

Pumpkin with Ginger Streusel at Pacific Pie Co.

Hey Portland, I know you are ready to gobble gobble up some pie this Thanksgiving, so here’s a list of 10 great places in town to get pie from! No matter where you’re going, make sure to get your orders in soon! I’ve indicated the deadlines for most places, but the earlier your order the better. These are listed in no particular order, FYI.

Baker & Spice
One of your best options in town by my estimation. They have tons of great options this year, classics like spicy pumpkin or double crusted apple, they also have galette’s, or you could even just order pie pastry from them. Prices are very reasonable for the quality. Deadline is Sunday, Nov. 20 for Thanksgiving. Get all the ordering details here: http://www.bakerandspicebakery.com/seasonal.php

Queen of Hearts Bakery
For those looking for a gluten-free options during the holidays, Queen of Hearts is promoting its savory hand pies – they will not have full size pies available. They will have a beef chili pie & a chicken and vegetable pie. You can purchase the pies at Salt, Fire & Time Community Grocery (http://saltfireandtime.com/) and at the Portland Farmers Market at PSU on Saturdays. If you want to place an order, email molly@queenofheartspdx.com.

Helen Bernhard Bakery
If you’re looking for an option that’s affordable, has plenty of variety and you’ve waited until the last minute, try Helen Bernhard Bakery. Their extensive lineup is: Pumpkin, Cherry, Dutch Cherry, Apple, Dutch Apple, Almond Apple Crunch, Marion Berry, Pecan, Chocolate Pecan, Mince Meat Pie. They didn’t mention any ordering deadlines to me, and they’re a full service bakery, so you can probably pop-in and find something when they’re open, but I’d still recommend calling ahead: (503) 287-1251.

Lauretta Jean’s
Great pies, all $28. Flavors this year are Salted Pecan, Heirloom Apple, Pumpkin, Spicy Pear, Chocolate Cream and Coconut Cream. Deadline is Nov. 21. Pickup is on Nov. 23 at their new pie shop at 600 SW Pine in Portland. To order email kate@laurettajean.com. http://laurettajean.com/

Pacific Pie Co.
They may be known for their Australian-style meat pies, but Pacific Pie Co. has also become one of the finest spots in town for sweet pies. They have a great variety of flavors this year including: Old Fashioned Pumpkin, Pumpking with Ginger Streusel, Heirloom Apple, Apple Cranberry, Apple Sour Cream Streusel, Sweet Potato + Pecan, Chocolate Cream, Chocolate Bourbon Hazelnut, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Key Lime. All pies are $25 for the 1st, and $20 for additional pies (plus, $5 refundable deposit). Deadline is Nov. 22, pickup is Nov. 23. Call 503-381-6157 to order.

Pie Spot
Pie Spot, purveyors of pie-holes, will be selling 9″ pies. One pie for $20, two or more $18 each – very reasonable as far as price goes. Deadline: Nov. 16. Email order to piespot@gmail.com. Pick up is on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at their food cart at 3221 SE Division St. in Portland.

Random Order
You can’t go wrong with Random Order. Pies run ~~$35~~ $30 a piece, plus the $5 deposit, a little bit more on the pricey side, but you won’t be disappointed. Options this year are Heritage Apple, Tahitian Vanilla Salted Caramel Apple, Kentucky Pecan, Spirited Pumpkin, Coconut Cream. Order by Nov. 19. For all the details, visit: http://www.randomordercoffee.com/special-orders-catering/

Pieku
I haven’t tried Pieku pies yet, but given that they are sold at, and incorporated into the ice cream at Salt & Straw, which I hear is amazing, I trust that these pies will be excellent. Pies are $20 a piece, and you can get them in a Pyrex dish for a $5 deposit, or a reusable tin for no charge. Flavors include Salted Caramel Apple, Maple Apple Crumble, Pecan Pie, Chai Pumpkin, Maple Mousse w/ Bacon Infused Crust (nice!), Honey Pear Cranberry Walnut, and Peanut Butter Pie. Deadline is Nov. 17. Visit http://blog.adambaruh.com/pieku/ to order.

Woodlawn Coffee and Pastry
Though I haven’t checked out this place yet, I’m comfortable recommending it, as the reviews on Yelp seem stellar, and the pictures look excellent. It doesn’t sound like they’re limiting their selection for holiday orders, but they do have Grandma Ruth’s Pumpkin Pie and Pecan Pie available. No deadline for ordering is listed, but certainly get your order in soon. Call (503) 954-2412.

Crust and Common Pie Shop
Crust and Common seems to be taking Portland by storm. I still have yet to try it, but I’ve been getting a ton of people coming to the blog searching for “Crust and Common”, so I think that is a sign people are hearing good things. Owner Bradley Jones will be serving up Classic Apple, Cranberry Apple, Carmelized Apple Tart, Pear-Hazelnut, Pumpkin and Pecan. They will also take orders for individual sized turkey pot pies and family sized turkey pies. Sweet pies are $25, individual turkey pies are $8 and large turkey pies are $40. No deadline was given, but order ASAP! Order at their cart at NW 19th and Quimby, or call 503-593-4936.

For more options, visit MakeMeSomePie.com’s Ultimate Portland Pie Guide.

Portland Pie History – Fred Durst Gets Pied

Joel — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:01:53 +0000

When Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst was visiting a Portland area Guitar Center store on January 13, 2002, he took a pie to the face from a teenager. The pie was of the coconut cream variety. The teen was charged with disorderly conduct and five counts of harrasment.

I’m not sure why the kid did it, but I think it’s safe to assume that he probably did it all for “the nookie”, and we all thank you for that (no offense to all you Limp Bizkit fans that read this blog… but seriously, if you like them, please stop reading this blog). Actually, @TheJoshGross said on Twitter that the kid was in a band called “Blarg” at the time, so maybe the lead singer from “Limp Bizkit” didn’t like “Blarg”. Personally, neither sound very appetizing to me.

Durst was on tour searching for a new guitarist, and also looking for new acts for his record company.

This concludes another edition of Portland Pie History. If you have an interesting bit of Portland Pie History, please email makesomepie@gmail.com.

Source: Durst Finds Pie at Guitarist Search, Yahoo Music.

Thanks to @TheJoshGross for the info.

Photo via Warfieldian, used under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic.

Lauretta Jean’s Joins Forces with Cafe Velo

Joel — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:02:36 +0000

Lauretta Jean’s has opened a storefront operation as a collaborative project with Cafe Velo at SW 6th and Pine downtown.

I’m not sure if they’re “officially” open yet, as the representative I spoke to said they’d be opening “September 15thish”, but Eater PDX is reporting that they are open now.

Lauretta Jean’s pies had previously only been available at farmers markets around town and they also had been supplying The Sugar Cube with cherry pie, which we reviewed here, and it was amazing (they no longer supply to Sugar Cube, though).

They will continue to be set up at farmer’s markets, including Saturdays at Portland Farmers Market PSU, the World Trade Center Market (through September), and the OHSU Market (through October 4).

Congrats to owner Kate McMillen, I think this will be a welcome addition downtown. By my estimation, there is not a lot of good pie available in that area of town.

Image borrowed from Lauretta Jean’s Facebook page.

A Pie a Day is Good for the Soul

Joel — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:12:02 +0000

More proof that Oregon is an awesome place for pie in general: Karen Amarotico lives down in Ashland, Oregon and she is giving away a pie every day for a year to a different person every day. She is on Day 145 today! It may be someone she knows, or just someone she runs into that day, but she’s doing it every day and she writes about the pie and the person she gave it to on her blog, pieadaygiveaway.com What an awesome way to spread the cheer.

The Ashland Daily Tidings had a good article about Karen here:

Clipped from: www.dailytidings.com (share this clip)

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New Pie Cart: Crust and Common Pie Shop

Joel — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 06:01:38 +0000

According to their Facebook page, new pie cart, Crust and Common Pie Shop will be opening this weekend, June 11-12.

Crust and Common is located in the Sellwood area at 7875 SE 13th Ave.

According to their website:

“There will be a somewhat pared down menu available for the Grand Opening and we will be back with a full menu and full hours starting the following weekend. We’re excited and would love to see you.”

The pie photos look delicious, so I think this is probably a pie joint worth checking out for sure.

Bradley Jones is the proud new owner, and I have to say it is welcome sight to see another male in the Portland pie scene… I don’t really care, but it’s kind of dominated by the ladies.

A Meat á la Mode Smörgåsbord

Joel — Thu, 26 May 2011 04:51:13 +0000

Kristina Von Kroug at Meat á la Mode has been on a fateful path to pie stardom since she won the Pietopia pie/writing contest in 2009. Her winning entry, which spoke of her soul-sucking job and her desire to make pies for a living actually lead to her losing her job and pursuing her dream after her superiors saw the winning entry.

Meat á la Mode specializes in meat pies and savory ice creams. The pies, according to Kristina, “explore the flavors of more rarely used game meats such as rabbit, oxtail, or alligator.” She said that she models her pies after a more “medieval” style of pies – which is totally cool because that is where pie got its start.

Kristina was kind enough to give me a sampler platter of a few Meat á la Mode pies. I tried the Oxtail Veggie & Dill, Chicken & Rhubarb and Coconut Pulled Pork.

Oxtail Veggie & Dill: This was my least favorite of the three. It had a pretty strong dill flavor, which I’m not a huge fan of personally, and I think that’s the biggest thing that threw me off. It also seemed to be a little light on the meat. Nonetheless, I did enjoy it, even though I am a “recovering picky eater” who has never had a lot of rare meats, like oxtail (which is cattle tail… you probably knew that, but I didn’t). The flavors were balanced so that the fact that I was eating a meat I wasn’t used to wasn’t even noticeable. I give this pie a 3.5 out of 5 rating.

Chicken & Rhubarb: This one I was a little iffy on because it seemed like a strange combo. Rhubarb has a very strong flavor, which is fantastic with loads of sugar in sweet pie form, but in a savory pie with chicken? However, I was pleasantly surprised. Kristina does a great job of balancing the flavors in this pie and it really works. I give it a 4 out of 5 rating.

Coconut Pulled Pork: Again, I was a little iffy on this one because I’m not a coconut fan, but this pie is packed with delicious pulled pork, and the coconut is very subtle. Kristina said this is one of her most popular offerings, and I can see why. She serves it with her spicy mango BBQ sauce, which is amazing and complements the pie perfectly. I give this pie a solid 4.5 out of 5 rating!

Generally speaking, I was really impressed with these little golden pies (literally, she sprays a touch of 24k gold on the crust to give it that medieval touch). The crust is really done well, flaky on the outer layer, a little bit chewy on the inner layer and durable (they held up very well in the refrigerator and reheated nicely).

And, keep in mind that if you are a more adventurous eater than myself, you will probably like the more exotic meats and flavors that she offers (check out her full list of offerings – she is helping to Keep Portland Weird, and Pied) – so don’t put too much stock in the 3.5 rating on the oxtail… I think other people would probably like it more than me, especially if you like dill. But, generally speaking, I think all eaters would be very happy with the traditional offerings that Meat á la Mode has to offer.

Oh, and I didn’t get a chance to try the ice creams, but I’m guessing they complement the pies as well!

Kristina has long term plans to find a full time commercial kitchen/ pie shop and you can help her bring Meat á la Mode to the masses by donating money via the PayPal link on her website. Or you can order pies – call her at 503-702-0002 or email meatalamode [at] gmail.com.