Every March 14 (3.14, get it?) we are granted another reason to indulge in that versatile, time-tested treat we call pie. It’s not like we really need an excuse to eat pie, but Pi Day presents a special opportunity to feast on pie with friends, family, or coworkers. Cake is for birthdays, ice cream for summer; March 14 is pie’s special time to shine. To honour this quirky celebration we have chosen 3.14 spots to pick up a pie in Ontario’s Highlands this Pi Day, or really any day you feel the urge.
Fifth Chute Coffee
Eganville is a small town in the Ottawa Valley that sits along the fifth chute of the Bonnechere River. The aptly named Fifth Chute Coffee on Eganville’s main street brings in locals and visitors alike thanks to its renowned coffee and baked goods. If you play your cards right, your visit will be graced with one of their special pies. Most Saturdays you’ll find hand pies featuring seasonal flavours like sour cherry, and on special occasions like Pi Day, they bake up full pies that are almost too pretty to eat, in flavours such as blueberry peach.
Hidden Goldmine Bakery
Hidden Goldmine Bakery in Madoc, just minutes from Highway 7, provides refuge for hungry travellers and pie-seekers alike. Their tarts, which some might consider tiny pies in their own right, have been described as life-changing. Flavours include plain, raisin, or pecan butter tarts, or coconut raspberry and other fruity departures from the standard gooey butter tart. Pie purists needn’t fret: they also offer up pies in a variety of flavours with both buttery crusts or crumble toppings.
Perth Pie Co
There’s no way we’d leave off Perth Pie Co from a round-up of best pies in the region. These pie experts leave no stone unturned. Meringue-topped beauties, custard pies, chocolate crust, hand held cuties, crumbles, half-lattice-half-crumble Frankenstein pies, savoury pies, and “pie fries.” You name it, they’ve done it. This speciality shop serves up any pie that tickles your fancy, either as a slice or full pie. Bring one of these into work this Pi Day and you’ll quickly become the office hero.
Bonus: The Little Tart
We promised 3.14 pie spots, and we aim to deliver. The .14th on this list of pies, a tiny bonus, or mini pie, if you will, is dedicated to The Little Tart in Haliburton. The Little Tart opens for the season in spring and closes shop around Thanksgiving, but it is entirely worth the wait. Their speciality is tarts in a variety of flavours including lemon, strawberry, blueberry crumble and mini cheesecakes. Give them a visit when they open for the season and you will not be disappointed.