Canadian and Californian Pie Shops Loved by Locals

New Zealand-owned pie shops are popping up all over the place with Wiseys Pies & Bakehouse in Toronto, Canada and BurtoNZ Bakery in California the latest to introduce our savoury traditions to the world.

Wiseys Pies & Bakehouse has an interesting pedigree. Opened earlier this year, it’s owned by New Zealander Gary Wise, who started his career at the age of 12 cleaning trays and prepping for a local baker.

He’s overcome some major hurdles to perfect his New Zealand-style sweet and savoury pies for the Canadian market.

“The butters are different, the flours are different, the humidity has a massive effect, but I think we’ve got it right. The community support certainly has been outstanding,” Wise says.

And in Windsor, California, Warren Burton’s BurtoNZ Bakery opened on 1 December, “a cause for celebration” according to local paper the Press Democrat, “overwhelming the owners and pretty much clearing out the bakery case by noon.”

“The newly minted bakery is a labor of love by the couple, who raised nearly $40,000 on crowdfunding website Kickstarter from friends, relatives and supporters who wanted to see authentic meat pies – flaky-crusted mini pies with steak and potatoes, cheese and mushrooms or bacon and eggs stuffed inside – along with sausage rolls and Wattie’s sauce (a sort of spiced ketchup), custard pies, breads and other traditional bakery goodies arrive in Sonoma County.”

Original article by Vicky Sanderson, Toronto Star, December 5, 2014.