THE BEST: Pie

[Pan]

I thought there already was a "best pie" thread, but if so, I can't find it. Anyway, Thanksgiving is almost upon us, and I would like to get delicious sweet potato, pecan, and apple pies, preferably in the same place and preferably with the possibility of getting small pies for a couple of the varieties. I love Southern-style pies, and that's what I'm looking for for the holiday (those of you who remember Elyse's pecan pies will know what I mean). Where should I go? Either Manhattan or Brooklyn is fine.

[Pan]

A friend highly recommends Two Little Red Hens. I love their stuff but haven't gotten any pies from them so far. Any comments?

[Lindacakes]

I don't like the Hens, personally.

Little Pie Company, although some are better than others.

Apple walnut sour cream is the best.

[Pan]

For the record, Two Little Red Hens' apple pie was a big hit, and I liked their pecan pie, too, but my brother correctly pointed out that its texture was slightly - I'm trying to find the word for it. Chalky? I mean, it tasted good, but it could have been better.

One thing is, Hens doesn't make sweet potato pie. Does Little Pie Company? They're somewhere on the West Side, I seem to recall?

Edited December 2, 2008 by Pan (log)

[Fat Guy]

Sorry I missed this topic. I have long been a fan of Sweet Chef Southern Styles Bakery in Hamilton Heights, and their pies are also sold at West Side Market and Fairway. Or at least they were last time I bought one.

[Pan]

Thanks for the recommendation, Fat Guy. I used to have a favorite place in Harlem, Better Krusts, Inc., on 138th St. and 7th Av., but I think someone in the family may have died (I hope not), because they just closed up shop one day, and that was that.

[Lindacakes]

Chalky crust you mean? It's all in the crust for me. I'm a crust meister.

I think Little Pie makes sweet potato.

They're in Grand Central, now, I think, and 43rd Street on the West Side.

I deeply studied pie until I could replicate the crust of my mother. Now I can, so I'm spoiled.

However, Pillsbury Ready Crust, is, in my opinion, better than 90% of most bakeries. They started formulating it with lard and it's not bad.

[Pan]

I actually meant the filling was slightly chalky, not the crust. I'm really talking about a slightly sub-optimal level of viscosity.

[Lindacakes]

Word.

That's why God invented whipped cream.