It seems like everyone is outsourcing elements of the big meal. Not only can you pick up an entire Thanksgiving feast to-go, you can also just pick up a pie. Places like Shaw's and Ann Sather have pie pick-up programs in place. But so does a big-time steak and seafood operation where all of the pies are truly irresistible.
For most people, the thought of going to Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab in River North conjures images of primarily one thing: stone crabs. True, these crustaceans often steal the show. But their dessert menu is also worth taking a closer look at; it consists entirely of homemade pie.
"In the summer months, we do feature some fruit and berry-based pies, but this time of the year pumpkin, and we feature a pumpkin chiffon which is a little more unusual than a typical pumpkin pie," said Gary Baca, executive chef of Joe's.
Like many of the pies there, it begins with a graham cracker crust. Then egg whites, sugar and lemon juice are whisked in a stand mixer, until they reach a stage called "stiff peaks." Pure pumpkin puree is then folded in with those egg whites, which create the chiffon.
"We fold whipped egg whites and whipped cream into the pumpkin base with some of those pumpkin spices, so it makes it a little lighter a little airier," Baca said.
Some of the classic flavors on the menu include a mind-numblingly rich chocolate fudge, as well as a mile-high custard-and-whipped-cream-filled banana cream that's capped with a few pecans, and has the good fortune to bathe in a pool of caramel. Coconut Cream is equally rich, studded with shards of fresh coconut.
Then there's the Boston Cream - a personal favorite - since it layers vanilla custard and cake beneath a thin sheet of chocolate. If you're throwing absolutely all caution to the wind, there's a creamy peanut butter pie, topped with peanuts of course, and paired with a drizzle of chocolate.
"It's so rich but it's really the pie that kind of sparked the whole idea. We already had key lime with our tie into Joe's and then also the apple, so we had three pies right there then we just kept going until it turned into an all-pie dessert menu," said Baca.
Joe's needs at least two days' notice for whole pie orders. You can also get them delivered, depending on your location.
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
60 E. Grand Ave.
312-379-5637
Joe's Pies are available for pre-order/take-out and even delivery through DiningIn.com.
Pies are $29.95
Ordering: Joe's needs the order for a full pie at least two days before an order is needed. (The sooner the better). Guests will be given a time slot of when to pick up the pie, and a delivery order would also need to be placed at least 2 days in advance with Diningin.com
Here are the pies that Joe's offers through the holidays:
Seasonal:
Pumpkin Chiffon
Sweet Potato Pecan
Classic:
Key Lime Pie
Banana Cream Pie
Chocolate Fudge Pie
Boston Cream Pie
Coconut Cream Pie
Old Fashioned Apple Pie
Peanut Butter Pie
Ann Sather Restaurant
909 W. Belmont Ave., will be rolling out its traditional holiday pies-to-go beginning Monday, Nov. 23.
This year's selection - back by popular demand and available daily for takeout through Dec. 31 - includes pumpkin, apple and walnut-chocolate chip.
The 9-inch pies are priced at $12 (tax included).
Especially during the peak weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas, advance orders are highly recommended.
Dial-a-pie orders will be accepted at Ann Sather's on Belmont where order forms also will be available: 773-348-2378.
In addition, pie pick-up stations and order forms will be available at the two Ann Sather Cafes located at 3416 N. Southport Ave. and 3411 N. Broadway; and at Ann Sather-Andersonville, 5207 N. Clark St.
Shaw's Crab House
The restaurant is now offering whole pies available for carry-out or overnight delivery.
Key Lime Pie
Raspberry Pie
Pecan Pie
Apple Pie
all available to order for $45 each, plus tax and shipping (if applicable).
21 E. Hubbard Street
Chicago, IL 60611
312.527.2722
1900 E. Higgins Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173
847.517.2722
www.shawscrabhouse.com
