My name is Chris, or as it says on my business card, “The Pie Guy.” I instantly fell in love with the idea of opening a pie shop several years ago during a late-night download with my spicy friend Elise. It was the type of brainstorm that started with the phrase, “What do I want to do with my life?” Until now, I’ve spent most of my adult life either asking questions in front of a TV camera as a news reporter or preparing someone else for the experience as a PR consultant. Through it all, cooking has been my mood stabilizer – a relaxing way to end the day. It’s only natural that food would become the next chapter in my memoir. 

Sadly, pie is often dismissed as an old-fashioned, unadventurous dessert. Pie crust is intimidating to make, and store-bought options are bland and uninspired. Grandmas typically make the best pie, but that only happens on holidays. Coming off the cupcake craze, I strongly believe pie’s heyday is around the corner. These trying times call for comforting measures.
                             

Once the idea to open a pie shop was in my head, it took more than a year to work up the courage to leave my full-time job. Then, I spent the next 12 months preparing by taking a business class, crafting a plan, perfecting a catalog of pie recipes, gaining access to a commercial kitchen, launching a website and making some new friends along the way. 

Today, my path is clear – I want to remind people how fabulous pie can be.  With A la Mode Pies, homemade pie is just a few clicks away. And the best part is, it’s delivered to your doorstep. Pie with personality. Just like me.       

Entertaining Tip: Everyone knows pie is best served a la mode or with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.  But did you know whipped cream holds its peaks longer in the refrigerator (1-2 days) if you add a few tablespoons of powdered sugar?  Add some sophistication to your whipped cream by mixing in a shot of Bourbon, Irish Cream or Crème de Menthe.