Where to Buy the Best Pies
By Marci Lutsky
As a foodie and food blogger, I am inundated with food-related questions all year round. During the summer, my inbox is filled with people asking where the best new restaurants are. In spring and fall, everyone wants to know about the best farms for pick your own fruits and vegetables. This time of year, the questions always center around where to buy the best pies. It’s a tough job being knowledgeable about all things food, but one that I love and take very seriously. So if you are hosting a holiday gathering or going to one and want to pick up a pie that will wow all the guests, you are reading the right article. You may want to cut this one out and save it for future reference.
If you haven’t been to Stir it Up Catering in Egg Harbor Township, stop in there soon. Not only do they offer catering services and have an array of delicious prepared foods, but Chef/Owner Amy Manzione makes some of the best pies around. I should know, I’ve sampled most of them as she was a vendor at the Linwood Farmers Market last season! Her pie crust is absolute perfection and her fillings are always on point. Many of them are seasonal. I love both the sweet and savory pies with the tomato and apple being my favorites.
If you have driven along Mill Road in Northfield, chances are you have passed Mazza’s Market & Coffee House. If you have wondered what it’s like inside, stop in and you will receive a friendly greeting from owner Gino Clemente who makes all the pies himself. Everything is made in house and from scratch. His biggest seller is a ricotta cheesecake pie that looks absolutely divine. I always ask what the biggest seller is and then order that because there is a reason why people keep coming back for more!
Two of my favorite words when it comes to baking are small batch. I like baked goods that are not mass produced nor previously frozen. If you are a fan of small batch as well or have dietary restrictions, Ventnor No. 7311 is the place for you. They offer paleo, gluten-free and vegan pies and all are delicious. In the summer if you are driving by and see a blue light in the window, you know that they have fresh out of the oven blueberry pies. One time they even let me turn on the blue light which was a major highlight of my day.
If you only think of apple, pecan and pumpkin pies this time of year, it’s time to think outside the box. How about an ice cream pie? Jessie’s of Linwood sold out of their Thanksgiving ice cream pies in a hot minute and are planning to add these as regular offerings. I did not order one for Thanksgiving because I was traveling, but everyone I know who did said every last bit was gone in an instant. Next time we have a birthday to celebrate in my house, this is what I’m ordering.
Life is too short to eat just average pie. If you are not going to take the time to make your own, pick one up from one of these restaurants. Your guests will thank you. Just make sure you get a piece for yourself before they are all gone!
Marci Lutsky is a food blogger at Vegging at the Shore, www.veggingattheshore.com and can be reached at veggingattheshore@gmail.com.
