PIE. IS. BACK.
March 14th at The Autry
Do you want the origin story first or the deets? Yes, let’s get the details out of the way. The KCRW PieFest & Contest will return after a three-year hiatus on March 14th, Pi Day (of course!). Our new venue is The Autry. It’s a great institution with amazing exhibitions and a beautiful lawn that should help us create a perfect Pi(e) Day vibe. Pie is delicious, but it is also a vibe. Is that the only change from past years? No, it’s not.
We’re focusing on four popular categories this year: Apple, Fruit (excluding apple), Cooked Custard (think chess pies, lemon meringue, key lime, etc.), and Junior Baker (ages 12 and under). The most notable change, however, is that those big pie-tasting tents, where home bakers served their pies to the public, will be transformed into a Pie Pageant, where attendees will cast their votes across multiple visual categories, like the most beautiful pie. For registered bakers, there will still be the same level of high-stakes competition with a stellar list of the most talented bakers in the city, plus some celebrity judges. The nail-biting final judging will actually happen live on stage this year!
Eaters can content themselves by either purchasing pie (and other foods) from our Pie Marketplace, or you can bring your own and picnic with your pie and friends. And of course, the rest of the day’s entertainment remains intact and expanded. There will be music, book signings hosted by Now Serving, baking demos, plus games for kids, an “Ask a Pie Expert” booth, plus the Autry Museum will be free for the day.
Every year, the launch of PieFest is accompanied by pie content on Good Food. This week, I talk to filmmaker and pie lady Beth Howard. Her film PIEOWA is a wonderful look at the deep culture of pie in Iowa. So like our contest, but Iowan. Beth will be joining our esteemed judging panel. We’ll keep you updated about any local screenings of her film.
As for the pie origin story? Look for that in the upcoming Tuesday edition of this newsletter.
In a quest to better understand who listens to Good Food and how, we have a very short survey for you to fill out if you are so inclined. We would love to hear from you!
Digestibles
A powerful essay from marvelous food writer and recipe developer Yewande Komolafe about learning how to cook again with new physical challenges.
Wild Mushroom Fair at the Arboretum on Sunday, the 15th from 9 Am–4 PM.
A Minnesotan tells her children what to do in case ICE takes her.
Extraordinary frozen lake ice formations entice skaters.