House of Pies

In this installment of Will Travel 4 Food, I am proud to bring y'all to a place that has been near and dear to my heart over the years, The House of Pies. While living overseas for the better part of 15 years of my life and coming back to Houston, I'd find that many things would change over the decades. But one thing was as constant, consistent and comforting as the House of Pies.

They are not the most fancy of places, and by no means are they the best tasting food. But one thing that has me coming back time and again is that the place evokes a feeling inside of me of a more simple time. Stepping into the place, you'll find the servers wearing the old, stiff cotton server uniforms. The pleather or maybe vinyl diner booths and the wall paper of poorly painted fruit. It's like stepping back in time to the 60's.

What makes this place really special is that many of the wait staff have worked there for 10+ years! And they don't have any plans on going anywhere anytime soon! Even some of the bust personnel have worked there for 20+ years! There are a few of them that recognise me and remember my favourite order when I sit down! And trust me, I don't go there that much! It's just I've been going there ever since I was like 6 years old, when my Mum and Dad would take me there for a treat once in awhile!

And let's talk about what the point of this place is known for....the pies! While there are newer, snazzier and ritzier places that have opened that specialize in desserts, this place sticks to the time-honoured recipes and flavours that are undeniably as American as....well...Apple Pie. You would be remiss should you stop into the House of Pies in Houston, Texas and NOT order a Texas Pecan Pie. However, with over 30 types of pies, 5 cheesecakes and 6 different diner cakes to choose from, you may be hoping you'd had a second stomach for desserts. If you do go with the Texas Pecan Pie, or even my second favourite pie, the Dutch Apple (Apple Crumb) Pie, I highly recommend you order it, "Heated, à la Mode". And with a nice cold glass of milk to help wash it all down, or in winter, a cup of hot cocoa with whipped cream, one will wonder if life could get much better (and I think not). While the Dutch Apple Pie is not nearly as good as my Mum's homemade Apple Crumb Pie, it's not bad in a pinch, especially if your Mum is traveling the world! But the Texas Pecan Pie is spot on! It's sweet, it's crunchy, and the crust is flaky and yet absorbs a bit of the Pecan Pie filling, so it's ever-so-slightly caramelised. Get it piping hot and top it with a scoop of the Texas-made Blue Bells Old-Fashion Vanilla Ice Cream and the vanilla melts slightly and mixes with the filling of the pie and the combination of cream, caramelised sugars and corn syrup and boy oh boy, you'll be smiling cheek-to-cheek! I know I was tonight!

Apple Crumb (aka Dutch Apple) Pie with Blue Bells Vanilla Ice Cream and a hot chocolate

Texas Pecan Pie

Another favourite amongst many of the locals is the Bayou Goo Pie. Basically, the Bayou Goo pie is a pecan crust pie with a layer of sweet cream cheese, then a layer of vanilla custard that is swirled with chocolate chunks. It is then topped with chocolate shavings and of course, whipped cream, for that extra measure of fluffy sweet goodness!

One of the things I also enjoy about coming to The House of Pies, is the fact that it is open 24-hours a day. While it is a popular daytime spot to grab a bite to eat for breakfast, or grab a simple diner lunch blue plate special or dinner platter, I think the best time to go is after midnight. This place is a popular night-spot for those that have been out all night and when other places have closed, before calling it a night. People are very friendly and having a great time. There's a certain, fun and youthful vibe about the place that is a great eccentric contradiction to the 1960's image of the place. But everyone is there to have a good time and just wind down after a night on the town.

So if you find yourself in Houston, Texas and it's late and you're thinking about grabbing a bite to eat late at night, don't just go to a familiar old chain diner, why not take a trip over to The House of Pies. I promise you're in for a treat! :)

If you'd like to see photos of my trip to the House of Pies, stop on over to my photo album, "Will Travel 4 Food - House of Pies" via:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=432947&id=619735401


Feedback is always welcomed! :)