Pie II, Electric Boogaloo: Sunday 03/08/09

My new lunch pal Paul SL was curious to know about the next Pie-a-Thon, and that got me thinking. The tentative date for Plethora of Pie '09 is Sunday, March 8th, starting at 1:30pm. I thought I'd post ridiculously early.

But what better way to celebrate Pie-t Mondrian's birthday than with pie? (So what if his name is pronounced Pete). It's also National Procrastination Week from 2nd-8th! The fates are with us!

Last time, these two places were mentioned:

Miss Lee's Good Food
203 E Garfield Blvd (@55th St)
Chicago
773-752-5253

Medici on 57th
1327 E. 57th St.
Chicago

Any other idears? I'd like to keep it at three or four. It seems we were pied out by the fourth last time. I'm taking suggestions now...

Nice work, Pie Lady. Hope to be able to join but am not sure of that weekend yet.

One additional data point you might consider if keeping the 'thon to the Souf Side is Gina's Five Fruits Pie at GNR Healthy Food Lithuanian.

http://www.healthyfoodlithuanian-chicago.com/

3236 S. Halsted

Utter simplicity, and for me, the perfect antidote to newfangled fancypies. I like only a few made north of Duluth (must be the magical Lake Superior water, winter-kissed berries from just up the trail, and local lard) better.

Healthy Food also puts you close to Taqueria San Jose or Ed's Potstickers for a salty after-party.

Thanks for the tip, that sounds tasty!

And this...

Santander wrote:newfangled fancypies

...sounds like the best name for a pie shoppe ever.
Hope you can make it!

I like the sound of this, but I have zero suggestions since Santander took mine. Except, possibly, the Depot Diner, though I really don't know how their pie is, only having enjoyed the donuts and the red velvet cake.

I do recall, vaguely, a mention Cathy2 made of a soul-food joint that sold good milk pie...?

I just discovered this thread . . . a pie tour? Brilliant! I'm so glad there are other pie devotees out there. I'd like to snag a place, if possible, and also make a few suggestions. (Disclaimer: I read about these in a Trib feature on pie two years ago--but I never tried the dessert at these places and don't know if these are still on the menu):

Lemon Chess Pie at West Town Tavern, 1329 W. Chicago

Pecan Pie at Wishbone, 1001 W. Washington

Hoosier Mama pies at Glenn's Diner or Metropolis Cafe (heard a lot about this pie--wondering if it's worth the hype)

I've heard Army & Lou's makes a great peach cobbler--if you're stretching the definition a bit.

FYI, If you haven't tried it yet, the apple pie at Medici's is large and heavy and takes a while for them to bring out. Absolutely worth it, but doesn't leave much room in the 'ole belly.

Sure, we're stretching the dimensions - last time we incorporated whoopie pie too. We did try Hoosier Mama last time, and it was quite tasty, but we could do that again at a different place (last time we went to Glenn's). And SuzyCreamCheese, Depot could be a possibility. I'll have to call and see what's on the menu for that day.

I'll keep all these idears in mind...tell your friends!

Suzy Creamcheese wrote:I like the sound of this, but I have zero suggestions since Santander took mine. Except, possibly, the Depot Diner, though I really don't know how their pie is, only having enjoyed the donuts and the red velvet cake.

I do recall, vaguely, a mention Cathy2 made of a soul-food joint that sold good milk pie...?

The peach pie my wife and I tried from the Depot was fine, but not any sort of destination pie. I haven't made it back yet for the donuts or red velvet cake, but based on their reputation alone I expect the peach pie is a few rungs down from those options.

Hi,

I am fighting with my memory about the milk pie. However if you want Sweet Potato Pie or slices, then Brown Sugar Bakery across the street from Lem's on 75th Street is worth a try.

You may want to get a bean pie, though maybe Rene G has an idea on a bakery to purchase it. There was a guy he talked to last year who planned to open a bakery at Western and 95th streets offering bean pies. I just don't know if he really pulled it off.

Sweet MiMi's bit the dust either early last year or late the year before.

If I think of more, I'll report back.

Regards,

Cathy2,

I seem to recall that the pie in question was sold at the sort of place where the employees are protected by glass. A fish place, I think? Or possibly BBQ, but I am leaning toward fish.

Suzy Creamcheese wrote:Cathy2,

I seem to recall that the pie in question was sold at the sort of place where the employees are protected by glass. A fish place, I think? Or possibly BBQ, but I am leaning toward fish.

It is Miss Lee's Good Food on Garfield Blvd.

Miss Lee's Good Food
203 E Garfield Blvd
Chicago, IL
773-752-5253

I saw in Dish that Hoosier Mama will be opening a shop in Chicago.

Paula Haney, of local pastry and pie fame, is opening a retail bakery, Hoosier Mama Pie Company (1618 1/2 Chicago Avenue), on March 14th.

Too bad it's after the Pie II Boogaloo.

Blimey. But there will be another Pie-a-Thon, probably in September again.

Okay, here is the final list for today's festivities. Sadly, my first choice, West Town Tavern, is closed on Sundays. But there are plenty of pies to try:

FIRST: Healthy Food Lithuanian for Five Fruits Pie, possibly Rhubarb or Cheesecake if it's available.
SECOND: Medici on 57th for Vaguely Reminicent (frozen mocha cream with rum whipped cream), Pecan (with a hint of chocolate) and Gracie's Apple.
THIRD: Army & Lou's for Blackberry Cobbler (only on Sundays, whooopie!), Sweet Potato Pie, Apple and Peach Cobbler.

The jury is still out on Miss Lee's. If there are a good number of people coming, I'll add that (I'm intrigued!) but that's a lot of pie to eat so I'll wait for some responses. I'd like to have no less than 4 people attend, 8 for Miss Lee's too. Of course, if you just want to join us for one pie stop, that would be fine too.

Please let me know who to expect and I can warn the owners that a large group of piethusiasts are coming. I'll put the cap at 11 people (12 total, with me).

Thanks for all your suggestions! I'll be sure to keep the others in mind for the next -Thon. Tell your friends!

~SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM FOR TIMES/PLACES/ATTENDEES, updated regularly.

Too bad about West Tavern But please count me in!

New to the forum, but looking forward to meeting folks and, of course, eating pie . . .

I would like to invite you guys for key lime pies and chocolate peanut butter pie to Delightful Pastries where I work at, plus they have some great Hawaiian coffee.
Let me know if you are game.

Am I game! What a silly question!

Do you mean on Pie Day, or another day? And are you coming to the -Thon as well?

Yes and yes.

Pie Lady wrote:SECOND: Medici on 57th for Vaguely Reminicent (frozen mocha cream with rum whipped cream), Pecan (with a hint of chocolate) and Gracie's Apple.

Unfortunately I can't make the Pie-a-thon, but I do highly recommend the Medici's Vaguely Reminiscent. I think the Vag Rem helped me make it through college and grad school. And btw, the Trib published a recipe for it some years ago, which I have, if anyone is interested. IIRC, it has 13 tablespoons of butter in it (or is it 16?).

FIRST: Delightful Pastries for Key Lime and Chocolate Peanut Butter Pies. Thanks Cookie Monster!
SECOND: Healthy Food Lithuanian for Five Fruits Pie, possibly Rhubarb or Cheesecake if it's available.**
THIRD: Medici on 57th for Vaguely Reminicent (frozen mocha cream with rum whipped cream), Pecan (with a hint of chocolate) and Gracie's Apple.
FOURTH: Army & Lou's for Blackberry Cobbler (only on Sundays, whooopie!), Sweet Potato Pie, Apple and Peach Cobbler.

Attendees so far
Pie Lady (+1 or 2?)
Cookie Monster
InaScreen

**Since Cookie Monster offered up some pie at her bakery, I think we can do without Miss Lee's this time around. But there's always fall...

Alright folks, I'm dong one last count before next weekend, to make sure there will be a Plethora of Pies II. Depending on the size of the group, we may decide to eliminate Healthy Food but hopefully we will get some more people interested before then so we don't have to. Tell your friends!

Just in case anyone else was planning to just show up, we are no longer having Plethora of Pies II. Cheers!