Planetary Pies, oh my!
While Pig Out in the Park is one of my favorite local traditions—the people-watching is top-notch—some of the vendors take the “pig out” part of it a little too literally. Even on my hungriest days, I’m not going to be able to finish a pile of ribs or mountain of Chow Mein on my own.
So I was quite excited when the food festival announced $3 bites a few years ago. Unfortunately, these mini-portions are only available during non-peak hours, 3-5 p.m. and 9-10 p.m., but I’m treating myself this week with a mid-afternoon snack at some of this year’s new booths (or at least booths that I do not recognize).
For my Wednesday bite, I went to Saucer Burgers & Planetary Pies. Regular prices are $5 for one, $9 for two, which is a pretty good deal on its own. UPDATE: At 11:30 a.m., Sept. 3, prices are $3 for one, $5 for two. - TC
The Apple Planetary Pie is apple pie filing pressed and toasted between two circular cut slices of Franz Big White Bread, topped with cinnamon and sugar, caramel sauce and whipped cream.
I must say, Franz bread makes for a decent pie crust, and the hand-sized pies follow the Goldilocks principle (not too big, not too small…but just right). It was too difficult to eat with a spork, so I’m sure I looked ravenous as I shoveled the pie into my mouth straight from the basket. The sticky toppings made a bit of a mess, but also made the pie much more delicious.
The Apple Planetary Pie piqued my appetite, and interest, just enough that I might have to return to Pig Out at lunchtime to try the Saucer Burger, in addition to my Thursday afternoon bite, which I’ll tease with three words: mashed potato sundae.
What Pig Out bites have you tried this year?