Taste your way through British classics at this brick-and-mortar shop in Dutchess County.
Who: There’s no doubt that the Hudson Valley is a culinary hot spot, but the Wilkinson family, who lives in Lagrangeville and has English roots, noticed something missing: a place to get savory British pie. During WWII, family matriarch (and chef) Sue’s mother and grandmother rationed meals and “learned how to make something delicious out of what they had,” says second-oldest son and business owner/founder Oliver. Enter: flaky and filling meat pies. The family’s business, Braised Pies, debuted at regional farmers’ markets last July; in March, they opened a brick-and-mortar in Wappingers Falls.
What: The business name, Braised Pies, “speaks to how we cook our food—slow and gentle,” according to Oliver. A bite of the traditional shepherd’s (beef) pie or Scouse (Liverpool lamb stew) pie is bursting with authentic flavors and tender, juicy meat; the Wilkinsons add a tangy, not-so-secret ingredient—mustard—to their shepherd’s pies. Other authentic British dishes on the menu are snack-size sausage rolls and Cornish pasties, a hand pie filled with meat and veg.
Popular fall orders (pies that will keep you warm and satisfied) are the steak and Guinness and chicken and leek. Oliver loves to experiment outside the traditional British elements, too—special pies, such as brisket with macaroni, vegetarian coconut mango masala, and coq au vin, crop up. Have a sweet tooth? Scones and jam, banoffee pie (bananas, caramel, and whip), and fairy cakes (British cupcakes) are available year-round, along with traditional afternoon tea.
After filling up on savory pies, indulge in something sweet, such as a Nutella swirl or a fruit turnover.
Why: Braised Pies was a hit at Dutchess County farmers’ markets last fall and summer, so the Wilkinsons went even bigger. “We decided to open in Wappingers Falls because of the village’s growth and diverse businesses. People have been excited by the experience when they come in to see us and we’ve been graciously accepted into the community,” explains Oliver. On a deeper level, the business is a nod to British heritage, the family’s history of perseverance, and deliciously “modest” food.
Where: You can find the pie shop at 2665 E. Main Street in Wappingers Falls. Check braisedpies.com for their farmers’ market schedule, which includes Beacon, Cold Spring, Pawling, and Hudson—plus more during the holiday season.
When: Braised Pies unveils special savory fillings to complement the holidays. For example, turkey is the main protein at Christmas in the UK, so expect a Christmas dinner pie with turkey, stuffing, cranberries, roasted potatoes, sprouts, carrots, and turnips, all with a luscious gravy and flaky crust on top. Keep tabs on autumn and Thanksgiving pies by following @braisedpies on Instagram. The shop is open Thursday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (5 p.m. on Sundays).
