Judy.
As I mentioned in my last
post, one of the nice things about being in Asheville is its proximity to
Atlanta. Still, you get the mountains and a smaller-town feel.
So when my friend
and fellow actor Ingrid announced she was moving to Asheville to open a pie
shop, I didn’t worry she’d disappear from the stage or screen. What I didn’t
know what that her shop would be as successful as her stage career.
If you’ve ever
seen MENOPAUSE, THE MUSICAL anywhere in the country, you’ve probably seen
Ingrid as the Earth Mother. If you’ve seen any musicals in Atlanta, or attended
cabarets, you’ve heard her incredible voice. She’s a delight to watch on stage
and a joy to hear sing.
I’d actually
forgotten the Baked Pie Company was in Asheville. I thought it was in Greenville,
South Carolina. A friend reminded me it was here and that she’d heard it was
fabulous.
She heard right.
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| With Ingrid at Baked Pie Company |
A few years ago,
Ingrid’s sister opened the first Baked Pie Company, using her family recipes for the
pies they’d always enjoyed: blackberry, apple, honey pecan, chocolate chess,
quiches, and so many more. It became so popular that she asked Ingrid if she
might be interested in opening a second location in the Woodfin area of
Asheville. Ingrid jumped at the chance.
We arrived one
afternoon when I knew Ingrid had returned from a month-long performance in
Atlanta. Not having her present contact information, we decided to surprise
her, and got a huge hug and lots of pie!
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| A really big pie flight |
The shop itself is
a delight—next to the spot where you pick out your pie is a cozy room full of
books and vintage items, so you feel right at home. Ingrid told me any item was
available for purchase. We immediately bought a “pie flight” of several pies
with ice cream, and coffee, and settled in with our forks. Each one was
delicious, with flaky crusts and tasty fillings. Obviously we couldn’t finish
our flight, and were provided with individual containers to take them home.
That was dessert for the next TWO nights! Even the coffee was good and hot—not always
true in some restaurants.
You can also order lunch: quiche, salad, and, of course, dessert pie.
While we enjoyed
our treats, a young woman came in with her toddler. As her order was being
filled, she was directed to the “Magic Suitcase” to pick out a stuffed animal
for her son to take home. When you come to the Baked Pie Company, you are
treated like family!
For those of you
who ever head this way, I highly recommend a stop at the Baked Pie Company. If
you’re lucky, Ingrid will be in that day, and will settle you in for a surprise
snack and a tour of the books and toys. And maybe she’ll burst into song.
