It was cold and dreary the day we decided to make the trek to West Village Detroit and put Sister Pie to the test. (Because what else is better on a cold dreary day than freshly baked pastry?) When we saw the “pie” sign pointing toward the iconic pink neon “Sister Pie” illuminated over the door, it was a little like coming home- with the porch light on waiting for your arrival.
Sadie had been wanting to go for months; ever since she saw the local dancer-turned pie maker’s cookbook in her hometown kitchenware store. Within days of the seeing the book on the shelf, she had convinced herself she should order a copy from Amazon. (It wasn’t hard to do… Michigan born cookbook author + local pie shop + baked goods recipes = no brainer.) The unusual flavor combinations, such as Concord Grape and Goat Cheese Pie; Rhubarb Blondies; Fennel Seed Snickerdoodles; etc; were intriguing.
I love that it smelled like the spices of India when we walked through the front door. Popular tunes were flowing from the radio, and the bakers were all doing their best Mariah Carey. (Note to reader: be sure to get there early before many items are sold out!) And to make you feel even more at home, if you are staying for coffee, you get to pick your own mug from an eclectic collection stored in a “help yourself” cabinet along the wall.
The flavor combinations are interesting for sure, but most alluring is author and owner, Lisa Ludwinski’s mission: “to serve food, our neighborhood, and each other.” Her business approach follows an ethical strategy that is hard to place a value on, and continues to be evaluated and evolved. It is a commitment in supporting employees (i.e. teaching valuable skills, paying them higher than average wages); supporting our environment (sourcing in-season produce from local farms, recycling, etc.); and the economy (they are transparent with their employees about financial reports and sales goals). Bonus: they donate their coffee grounds and egg shells to the local community garden! I’ll eat to that.
Furthermore, they have a great “Pie it Forward” program, where anyone can purchase a slice of pie that someone else can collect at any time for any reason. It keeps a sense of community in focus.
Sister Pie is truly unique, in recipe and vibe, but still has the ageless charm of an established neighborhood bakery. And don’t think just because “pie” is in the name that your options are limited. Rachel’s favorite item was the Salted Rosemary Shortbread. Sadie’s son begged for a second Buckwheat Chocolate Chip Cookie! (Which he received because “buckwheat” sounds healthy.)
Like many Detroit businesses, Sister Pie offers other Michigan made products. One of our favorite take-aways from our visit was this Detroit made Hibiscus Rosemary Mint Tea from Ellis Island Teas that we didn’t even know existed! Um, delicious!
Of course, being who we are it didn’t seem right to end our journey without cooking something from the Sister Pie Cookbook. We chose “Sweet Potato Coconut Pie” from the Fall and Winter section. (Granted our sweet potatoes were of the white variety, so colors do vary… but so yummy!)
Thank you Sister Pie for bringing the light and warmth on a dismal day!
For more information check out their website at www.sisterpie.com or better yet, visit them in person!
