Cheapeats, Inc. Blog

Every now and then, you need to shake things up. Read the end of the story before the beginning, taste something new or paint your nails blue. You get the idea. In my never ending search for good eating, I decided to take on the challenge of finding the perfect slice of pie. I know…It’s a tough job, but someones got to do it. The flaky crust, tasty fillings. After all, it’s all American.  Can I find a great pie like Mom used to bake?  Let’s see.

Four & Twenty Blackbirds is a new cafe in the Gowanus/North Slope section of Brooklyn. When you step into this spot, you’re met with the smells of pies baking in the oven. Wood plank floors, cozy tables and a long counter showcasing the quick and portable treats that you can eat on the run. But I didn’t come for cookies, I came for pie!!!!    As I glance at the blackboard listing all the pies for the day, I’m hit with an overwhelming sense of confusion. Chocolate, buttermilk and custard…..Oh my. Let’s be daring today. Rhubarb. Don’t judge me.  Sweet custard filling mixed with tangy rhubarb sitting on a flaky and buttery crust. Not bad for 2 girls from North Dakota. Made to order pies are available.

Key West is a great place to visit to unwind. It’s full of color characters, great seafood and a relaxed and laid back attitude. My favorite part….Key Lime Pie. If you’re craving this delectable dessert and don’t have the time or money to head to the Keys, all you need to do is head to Brooklyn. Steve’s Authentic is serving up the real deal. Located in Red Hook, this blink and you’ll miss it spot is located in old warehouse on the waterfront. Just follow the moorings. The decor is a mixture of tacky and trailer park chic. You can grab a pie to go or enjoy a slice at the picnic tables outside. Creamy and tart filling in a proper graham cracker crust. My vote…..one of the best key lime pies I’ve ever had!!!!!!! After a day of shopping at Ikea or visiting the local galleries, treat yourself to a slice.

Little Pie Company is the little engine that could. A bake shop started in Hell’s Kitchen, to bring the comforts of a country kitchen to Manhattan. For Mother’s Day, I decided to treat my family to  their famous Sour Cream Apple Walnut Pie. First observation, this pie is HEAVY. Everyone at the table just looked and smiled at the beauty of this pie. Enough with the looking, let’s cut into this baby. Buttery, flaky crust filled with paper thin apple slices topped with a crumb topping of flour, cinnamon and walnuts. OH MY WORD!!!! The first time the loud Italians were silent.

The next time you’re asked to bring dessert or need a cure for the blues……get some pie. Sometimes the simplest things in life are the best.Mission accomplished.

Happiness, $25 and under.

Tags: Bake Shop, Birds Black, Country Kitchen, Dessert, Four & Twenty Blackbirds, Key Lime Pie, Little Pie Company, Pie, Sour Cream Apple Walnut Pie, Steve's Authentic Pies

This entry was posted by Rosemarie on Tuesday, May 11th, 2010 at 9:00 am and is filed under American/Comfort, Brooklyn, Dessert, Manhattan, Midtown West, Tribeca. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.