Petaluma Pie Company is an example of one of those great local places that does one thing only; but does it so well that shortly after taking a few delectable bites, you realize you are faced with that awful dilemma: Do you tell everyone you know about this great new find, or selfishly savor it as a private haven before it gets on everyone's must-go list? Fortunately for you, I chose the latter!
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| Strawberry Guava |
This charming hole-in-the-wall location turns out amazing sweet and savory pies, featuring the whatever the best and freshest organic local ingredients are in season at the time. This means ingredients are sourced from artisan cheese makers such as Cowgirl Creamery, Central Coast Creamery and Spring Hill Creamery. Produce is sourced from local organic growers, and the quality shows in the fresh flavors in the pies.
Pies are available both ordered full-sized for eating at home (vegan on request) and in mini pies that have me considering if pies will be the new cupcake in terms of foodie fads. They are perfect for eating as a light lunch or with coffee on-site.
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Pie maker and filmmaker Lina Hoshino offers up
what's hot from the oven |
The menu changes seasonally, and is available on
their website , but also sadly means that the absolutely sublime pear with cardamon pie is no longer available. This one had me eyeing my date to make sure he didn't exceed his half by as much as one crumb as we shared. When a tiny bit slipped from my fork onto the table, there was a pause as we both stared at it with predator-like focus and weighed propriety over desire. When he announced that it was too good to let rest, and that if I didn't take it he would! I was moved to action- propriety be damned!
The other pie we shared, a savory portobello mushroom, was also good but didn't ascend to the heights of the pear and cardomon; which after swallowing the last crumb had me thinking that sometimes food was better than...well, you know.. .
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| Mushroom and Goat Gouda hand pie |
I will just have to drown my sorrow in one of their other offerings; which along with simple classics like apple, might range from creamy wild salmon chowder pot pie, spicy pumpkin coconut curry pot pie as savory pies; to sweet pies such as Elvis peanut butter and chocolate pie, or strawberry guava pie as the season dictates. One of the regular specialties is Cheeseburger pie, developed as a meat pie that would appeal to an American palate.
On the weekend they serve "brunch” pot pies in flavors like spinach and cheddar, or smoked salmon and fromage blanc.
“It's like a quiche with just a top crust,” Sacerdote said. “The bottom crust is Yukon gold potatoes, sliced thin and roasted in the oven ahead of time.”
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| Elvis Peanut butter chocolate cream mini pies |
The current location is so tiny that you can see the entire compact baking and prep area directly behind the counter - that is, if you can pull your eyes away from the pastry cases full of mini pies on top of the counter. They also have coffee and salads accompany the main course.
The only counter item that isn't directly pie-related is a display of attractively packaged chocolate rounds that can be melted into milk to make Mexican hot chocolate in various exotic flavors. These would make a great original gift for the foodie on your list. Despite only having been open just over a year, they already have an expansion under way into the space next door to keep up with demand.
There is some counter seating in the shop along the wall as you enter, but the best choice is to eat outside in the charming bistro-like 20 seat outdoor area. On the way out you might want to read some of the notes from customers about their memories or thoughts on pie. What is it about a warm slice of pie that is so evocative of comfort?
Petaluma Pie company is located on the Helen Putnam Plaza on Petaluma Boulevard, the main street in Petaluma's historic west side, so the spot is a natural for people-watching with a cup of coffee and pie, or as a starting point for a stroll around the vintage Victorians in the shopping district or the newer theater district. It is steps away from
Copperfield's books; just up a pedestrian cut-through with lovely decorative wrought iron.
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| Celebrating their first year in business |
The pie shop is the dream of the two unpretentious, friendly owners, Lina Hoshino and Angelo Sacerdote; and the odds are good one of them will be behind the counter helping you. Both Hoshino and Sacerdote are community focused and have deliberately chosen to run the business in a way that supports the local economy and organic farmers, and frankly just the sort of sincere folks one likes to see succeed. Unlike those who go organic after observing the growing market trend, they host regular summer harvest swaps for home gardeners in the shop (you know how you end up with a bumper crop of eggplant, but would really love some strawberries, while the gardener down the street has the opposite problem?) and have an organic garden of their own. Both of the owners are also successful documentary film makers. Sacradote is best known for his film
"Fed Up" that has been described as "a fiercely indie film on genetically modified foods ", so clearly he is passionate about fresh organic ingredients.
125 Petaluma Blvd N. Ste D
Petaluma, CA 94952
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| Savory pies |
(707)766-6743 | pie@petalumapie.com
PIE SHOP HOURS
Mon 9 am -7 pm
Wed-Sat 9 am -7 pm
Sun 9 am - 6 pm
Closed on Tuesdays
From 101 S
Take exit 472A to merge onto Petaluma Blvd. S. Continue on Petaluma Blvd for about 2.5 miles. Look for Starbucks after Western. We are located behind Starbucks.
From 101 N
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| Coconut Heaven- Oh Lord, take me now! |
Take the E. Washington Exit toward Central Petaluma.
Turn right onto E. Washington St.
Turn left onto Petaluma Blvd. N.
