We knew it! Taupo bakery has the best pie
‘‘We just kept trying.’’ Lee Ing
A Taupo baker’s venison, bacon, mushroom and cheese pie has been named the best in the country
It took 12 months of tinkering to make Lee Ing’s venison, bacon, mushroom and cheese pie the best in the country.
His gourmet pie beat 5695 others for the top spot in the 21st annual NZ Bakels Supreme Pie Awards.
The accolade should see business boom at his Fast & Fresh Bakery on Horomatangi St.
The pie didn’t make the cut in 2016’s awards, but Ing got tinkering.
He kept making the venison pies, tweaking the recipe and asking for customer feedback. He eventually found the winning recipe. ‘‘We just kept trying,’’ he said. The flavour and texture of the winning pie was exemplary, as was the pastry, said celebrity judge, chef and self-confessed pie fiend, Sean Connolly.
‘‘I was so impressed that it wasn’t dry. It was super moist, it was tender. And the skill of the cook - it was not just the pie making - he made a great pie filling,’’ the Gusto and Grand chef said.
‘‘The amount of effort and hard work that went into his pie, it’s just amazing and I’m blown away,’’ Connolly said.
Ing and wife Linna Tuy bought the bakery from the previous owners 14 months ago.
Ing was looking forward to coming up with more creative pies to please discerning Kiwis’ palates, he said.
NZ Bakels managing director Brent Kersel said bakers had been particularly imaginative with their creations this year.
Entries ranged from goat vindaloo pie to seafood pies with octopus.
The winning pies: Mince & Gravy: Crown Bakery & Coffee, Pukekohe; Steak & Gravy: Viands Bakery, Kihikihi. Chicken & Vegetable, Gold Star Pat’s Pies, Tauranga; Steak & Cheese: Waihi Bakery, Waihi; Mince & Cheese: Richoux Patisserie, Takapuna, Potato Top: DAiry Flat Bakery, Albany. Gourmet Fruit: Dairy Flat Bakery, Albany (blueberry, Apricot And Apple), Gourmet Meat, Fast & Fresh Bakery, Taupo (venison, Mushroom, Bacon And Cheese), Vegetarian: Richoux Patisserie, Takapuna (corn, Carrot, Potato And Mushroom), Bacon & Egg: Gold Star Pat’s Pies, Tauranga, Cafe Boutique: Cafe Pret, Sockburn (steak, Mushrooms, Carrots)