Who: There’s no doubt that the Hudson Valley is a culinary hot pot, but the Wilkinson family, who lives in Lagrangeville and has English roots, noticed something missing: a spot to get a piece of 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 downtown 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) or Scouse (Liverpool lamb stew) pies 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 (AKA 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 a cup of traditional afternoon tea.
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, roast potatoes, sprouts, carrots, and turnips, all with a luscious gravy and flaky crust on top. Keep tabs on other seasonal pies @braisedpies. Shop hours are Thursday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (5 p.m. on Sundays).
Braised Pies
2665 E. Main Street, Wappingers Falls
845.253.3580
Website
Related: Where to Take Home the Tastiest Pie in the Hudson Valley
