Many notable things originated in the land down under before heading stateside:
-Half the actors and actresses in Hollywood
-A significant number of NFL punters (pays better than rugby)
-Rugby (way buurlier than the NFL, pads? who needs those?)
-Wine ranging from Costco kangaroo cases to Molly Dooker to Chris Ringland
-Oceanic Flight 815
-Men at Work (Vegemite!)
-Joseph Hachem
-Tim Tams (and by extension Tim Tam Slams!)
-Australian Pies
While you won't find most of this list at Pacific Pie Company, it doesn't matter they have Australian Pies. This in itself is a rarity, quick name another place where you can get one, the closest I can think of is Seattle and they weren't this good. Made from scratch using locally sourced, often seasonal, ingredients Pacific Pie Co is a big deal for anyone who's tasted the flaky, savory, hand held goodness of Australia's unofficial national food.
What I love about this little operation, other than the wonderful pies and the charming mates who make them, is the variety. Classic Beef is just that. I'll take Beef + Mushroom anytime, but Sunday Roast Lamb, Thai Green Chicken Curry, Moroccan Chickpea, Spicy Lentil + Coconut, there are no pedestrian pie problems here.
Several paths to pie bliss exist (combining methods is not only possible, but encouraged):
Instantly - a warm pie appears in front of you, then disappears quickly, leaving only a few flakes and a smile.
That Night - you're given fresh pies, you stick them in the oven (325 for 20min), see Instantly
Some Later Point - you leave with frozen pies, keep them till you're ready, see That Night
A few other little things not to miss: their sweet pies, little Pacific Pie Co stickers at the counter, Hot Lips Pear Soda, little boxes of Fifty Licks locally made ice cream, and catering options. Oh and for anyone who's traveled to the UK, there's sometimes Cornish Pasties (Pasty in singular form and not a reference to minimalist female body coverings).
It's one of those places that I heard about, took months to eventually try. Don't wait. Go. Eat one there, take a few home, and find yourself some Tim Tams for dessert (pssst Cost Plus World Market, Arnott's Chocolate Covered Biscuits).
Pacific Pie Company
609 SE Ankeny St, Suite C, Portland, OR 97214
Monday - Thursday
10am - 5pm
Friday
10am - 8pm
Saturday
10am - 5pm
Farmer's Markets
Saturday - 8:00am - 1:30pm
Sunday - 9:30am - 2:00pm
Bike delivery by Portland Pedal Power now available!
Great article Josh..
ReplyDeleteI agree... great pies, and beautiful pie girls.. I usually buy one at the Milaukie FM when I go.. can't resist the smile of the blonde with short hair.. she could be selling rat pies, and I'd prob buy one.
we need to catch up soon.. 2010 nocino is just about ready for sampling.
todd
I never had meat pies in Australia, but I remember having curried meat pies in South Africa and I have craved them ever since. I am so glad to know about this place. Thank you, Josh!
ReplyDelete@Todd You crack me up. Soon sounds good. Dude your nocino's good stuff, let me know.
ReplyDelete@Christine Glad I could help connect you with a new spot. I had a morrocan lamb pie from there the other night and loved it.