Strawn's Eat Shop, Shreveport, LA

The 2011 foodie mantra is clear: pie is the new cupcake. As a cupcake purveyor I’m keenly aware of the turning tide in taste. Though I’m not too concerned. I’m pretty confident that the cupcake will stay around for a while, allowing folks bite-sized, instant gratification ensconced in a disposable wrapper.

But even as someone deep in camp cupcake, I’ve had my eye on the pie for several years now. It started in San Francisco back in 2008. I spent the year there—mostly in my office, but the few chances I had that year to get out from behind my desk, I used to discover the amazing food the city has to offer. And Mission Pies was one of the places I made a point to visit. Yes the pie was good, very good. But there was something lacking.

In my fantasy world pie is served at a retro, formica counter with a cheap ceramic mug of coffee (or tea) as an accompaniment. Yes, I want to eat great tasting, gourmet pie, not 3-day-old, from-a-freezer pie. But I also want that lethargic, small-town diner atmosphere in which to eat my pie.

So when I quit my job and took 6 weeks to drive across the country, I stopped for pie—often. The South knows pie. I’m sorry Brooklyn, NYC, San Francisco et al., but no matter how good your fancy pies taste, you will likely never understand that a slice of pie requires time to allow us eaters to sit at a table, bench, stool, whatever, but just sit and slowly enjoy one forkful at a time. No checking Blackberry’s or iPhones while eating pie either.

The result of my trip equaled much more than simply tasting a lot of pie. As I drove around the country, often through very small tows, I talked to people, relaxed, read the newspaper in whatever town I was visiting and slowly enjoyed my slice of pie at the local restaurant/diner/lunch counter.

My hope is that the pie fad is bigger than just pie. Perhaps we’ll all go back to taking a little time to enjoy what we eat. And maybe we’ll even wear fancy hats again while eating our delicious slice of pie. But perhaps this is more than our culture can absorb.

I’ll take a slice of coconut custard pie with whipped cream on top.

1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 Kitchen spoon of Karo
Butter (size of egg)
Pinch salt
Milk-enough to dissolve ( 1 cup or a little more)

Cook as you do fudge

Recipe 2

This second one is cleary a cake, guessing it’s a one bowl mixing method since there are very few wet ingredients.

I made one last trip to Bi Rite Market in the Mission and picked up some candy and a few slices of Jamon Iberico. For those who have not tasted, it’s as if a rich porky slice of Serrano ham mated with a luscious, creamy, yet slighty aged cheese.  The deep red ham, with a high fat content, melts in your mouth. The tongue first tastes a slightly salty pork flavor, the flavor then morphs into that of a cow’s milk aged cheese, and finishes off with a slight peppery taste in the back of the mouth. At $100/pound I only buy 2 or 3 slices at a time. But it’s a delicious treat if you can find it.

A while back at the Fancy Food Show I stopped by the Kerrygold booth and tasted one of the new varieties–Dubliner with Irish Stout. If a cheese can represent a season, this one represents fall. It has a nutty, full-bodied flavor, that finishes with a taste that’s reminiscent of classic Irish stew. The flavor that the stout adds is a complex combo of malt and yeast.

I can imagine nibling on a bite of this with some crusty bread on a cold, fall night. Dubliner with Irish Stout is available nationally at Whole Foods, and can be found at the below regional locations:
New England – Shaws
The Carolinas – Earthfare
Pacific Northwest – Haggen
Midwest – Jewel
Southern California – Gelson’s, Ralph’s

Yank Sing 49 Stevenson Street – Dim Sum. They have a take-out counter or eat-in restaurant. The take-out is especially quick and affordable, with combo platters ranging from about $5 – $9. Lunch goers will find all the likely suspects, such as potstickers, siu mye, chow mein, and BBQ pork buns. I usually grab a sesame ball for dessert. There’s a large patio for the take-out crowd.

The Sentinel 37 New Montgomery Street – Sandwiches/soup. To say that The Sentinel serves sandwiches is an understatement. They offer some of the tastiest meals I’ve ever eaten between two pieces of bread.  I love that Chef Dennis Leary (also of Canteen) hands me my freshly prepared lunch. Menu changes seasonally, as does the soup selection. The house-made pickle is an extra special treat. $8 – $11.50.

Mixt Greens several locations – Salad shop. Yes, the salads are pricey, but they are also quite large and filling. The ingredients are always super-fresh and the salads are made on the spot to your exact specifications–they even ask you how much dressing to apply. One word of caution: the line can be quite long by 12:30, but on most days moves quite quickly. I adore the Fusion salad. The sesame soy vinaigrette is addicting! Most salads in the $7 -12$ range.

Flames Mediterranean & Burgers 88 2nd Street – Burgers & stuff. When I need a greasy (in a good way) burger, or super gooey grilled cheese & tomato for lunch this is where I go–hands down.  They offer an array of sandwiches, such as tuna melts and veggie burgers as well as typical Mediterranean offerings such as shawarma, hummus and gyros. Also, the fries are hand-cut on the premises. Prices around $5-$10.

Yes, it’s true. I’m moving back to Providence at the end of March. Instead of buying a one-way plane ticket back, I’m taking the scenic route east. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone. It could be anywhere from two to six weeks, depending on factors such as weather and how much cash is left in the wallet.

The above map is only an approximation of the route I plan to drive. If you have any tips on must-see sights, restaurants or diners let me know. Drop me a line if it looks like I’m driving through your town and perhaps we can set up a blogger gathering. Besides just eating out, It would be great to meet-up with folks and cook the specialties of your locale. I’d love to cook with a southern grandma and learn to make a proper biscuit, or perhaps you live around New Orleans and want to share your method for gumbo–in return I’d be happy to share my grandma’s method for red sauce and meatballs.

Not all products are available in the US, though most can be found at speciality import stores. The complete line is listed on the company web site, where you can also find suggestions for beverage/wine and chocolate pairings.

Lake Champlain Chocolates

Old World Truffles – For those looking for a spicy kick in their truffles, these dark chocolates are just the treat. The package of six contains two each of: Spiced Sumatran, Aztec and Raspberry Pink Peppercorn flavored dark chocolate ganache covered in a layer of dark chocolate.

These Peanut Butter Cups are a more mature take on the classic candy combination. A delicate, yet not overly sweet, peanut butter layer is sandwiched between two layers of smooth milk chocolate. I’ve checked with the company and the peanut butter they use to create this confection is safe and not part of the recall. These especially hit the spot during a mid-afternoon sweet craving.

In an attempt to loosely associate the beverage with the just-passed economic stimulus/bailout plan, Diet Dr. Pepper announced it is giving away a coupon for a free beverage to the first 2 million people that register at the web site.

Seriously, lowering the price would be easier. But these promotions are not meant to provide ease to the consumer. It’s all about branding.

FYI – to the food and beverage companies issuing these releases, if you want more bloggers and online media to pick up these announcements, make it easier for us. Attach a photo to the release. Thanks!