Fortuitously, I dropped in yesterday while picking up my bike from the nearby Pony Shop, and I have to say, Paula Haney at Hoosier Mama finally has a bit of competition for best pie in Evanston.
I cannot resist any citrus curd pie, and the lemon blueberry served yesterday was a "best in class" pie. It hit the perfect balance between sweet and tart - a point often missed by less skilled bakers. And the curd was absolutely laden with plump, fresh blueberries.
If I were not trying to drop my COVID layer, I would have happily gone for seconds, and for that matter, thirds.
As I understand it, the owner is a (semi)-retired executive. He was a delight to chat with - offered me a free cup of New Orleans style coffee (also excellent!) - and he wants the bakery to act as an outlet for his creativity.
Full pies are offered for sale - and in a throwback to earlier times, all pies are sold in a glass pie dish. There is a $5.00 deposit, refunded when the dish is returned.
It was late in the day, and selection was limited. I believe there was passion fruit pie available, and perhaps guava, as well. I think all the key lime pies were sold out - although a piece or two was left. Given the excellence of the lemon blueberry, I am planning to get myself a key lime pie for my August birthday.
There were also single serving bread puddings - and again, but for weight control, I would have tried the goat cheese - cherry, which looked awesome. I think there was a chocolate bread pudding, as well.
Best of all, this is a tiny shopfront, reminding me of the original Hoosier Mama in Ukrainian Village - and as such, with a handful of tiny tables, provided a quiet bit of civilization in the midst of downtown Evanston. It was just awesome to be able to sit down, cool off, and treat myself to a perfect piece of pie.
I am hopeful that the owner finds this place an appropriate outlet for his creativity, and continues to bake his wonderful pies. I will be back!