Five great pies
The truest test of a pastry chef’s talent lies in a simple pie. A flaky crust and a sumptuous filling are straightforward skills that can take a lifetime to master. Here are five places that have it down cold.Strawberry and rhubarb pie at Mission Beach Cafe
Alan Carter’s pies are as noteworthy as this café’s modernist interior. His take on the spring classic has melting bits of berry, half-moons of puckery rhubarb, and a ridiculously tender crust.
198 Guerrero St., S.F., 415-861-0198
Sweet potato pie at Nellie’s
Nellie’s rendition of the Southern staple almost always sells out—for many reasons. Each pie is spiced with fragrant nutmeg, loaded with evaporated milk, and cradled in a textbook-perfect crust.
1155 3rd St., Oakland, 510-625-1350
Chicken curry pie from Mystipies
This South African–style savory turnover is stuffed with chicken and potatoes and has just a touch of heat. The pastry is so flaky, good luck not getting pieces all over you.
www.mystipies.com, available at La Cocina’s stand Saturdays at the Ferry Building Farmers’ Market
Coconut cream tart at Tartine Bakery
A tart in name; a pie in spirit. The chocolate and caramel base and filling of coconut-infused pastry cream and whipped cream are just what you might find in a diner. A diner with really good pie, that is.
600 Guerrero St., S.F., 415-487-2600
Peach pie at Memphis Minnie’s
Did someone say fried pie? Each three-inch crescent has a blistered exterior from the hot oil and a molten center of spiced peaches. Yes. Please. Now.
576 Haight St., S.F., 415-864-7675
Alan Carter’s pies are as noteworthy as this café’s modernist interior. His take on the spring classic has melting bits of berry, half-moons of puckery rhubarb, and a ridiculously tender crust.
198 Guerrero St., S.F., 415-861-0198
Sweet potato pie at Nellie’s
Nellie’s rendition of the Southern staple almost always sells out—for many reasons. Each pie is spiced with fragrant nutmeg, loaded with evaporated milk, and cradled in a textbook-perfect crust.
1155 3rd St., Oakland, 510-625-1350
Chicken curry pie from Mystipies
This South African–style savory turnover is stuffed with chicken and potatoes and has just a touch of heat. The pastry is so flaky, good luck not getting pieces all over you.
www.mystipies.com, available at La Cocina’s stand Saturdays at the Ferry Building Farmers’ Market
Coconut cream tart at Tartine Bakery
A tart in name; a pie in spirit. The chocolate and caramel base and filling of coconut-infused pastry cream and whipped cream are just what you might find in a diner. A diner with really good pie, that is.
600 Guerrero St., S.F., 415-487-2600
Peach pie at Memphis Minnie’s
Did someone say fried pie? Each three-inch crescent has a blistered exterior from the hot oil and a molten center of spiced peaches. Yes. Please. Now.
576 Haight St., S.F., 415-864-7675
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