So... I've thought long and hard how to write this and still haven't come up with much. Here's the fact, Cutie Pies will be officially closing this Saturday. The Saturday Winter Market at Hope Artist Village will be our last hurrah.
The menu? Whatever I feel. I was thinking maybe a Drunken Coconut Turtle, or a Lemon Thistle. Not sure yet, but I know it'll be amazing, and exactly what I want to see. If there's any requests, now is the time. I don't doubt there'll be more than two pies, because who can say all they want to with just two?
The question a lot of y'all must have on your mind is why. Very simple, though twofold. First is the economy. We're small, one full time employee (me) and a part time, sometimes more depending on the season. It's been two years, to the day, and we haven't gotten any bigger. I can't find any funding to grow, the SBA is dry and every backer I find takes a look at the tax codes here in Rhode Island and backs right out. Food is also a risky investment. So I have a choice.... I can stay small and barely make ends meet or move on to something else with a little more security.
The other big reason is my mother. As some of y'all know she's been sick and is only getting worse. I'm taking this time to head down to Florida in order to look after her and run her business for a little while. Until she gets back on her feet or until something else. What will happen to Shea, you ask? He'll stay here for the time being, until things are figured out. We're taking the next few months as they come. It's what times of transition call for.
Before I sign off, I'd like to say a few things and some folks I'd like to thank. First to my partner Shea. He's been very supportive and has struggled with me through everything, lent a hand when he could and backed off the best he knew how when he had to. Also Josh Selle, the owner of the now gone Blue Elephant. He rented his kitchen to me when we started out and we wouldn't have gotten anywhere without him. Ian Wade, now at Julian's, has been a great support and a fantastic cook, there's no amount of praise I can give that's worthy of him.
I'm deeply indebted to Tina of Tina's Jamaican Caribbean Restaurant. She took up our cause after we parted ways with the Elephant, and has been my personal champion. Tina, in all her warmth, love and glory, is one of the best human beings I've had the pleasure of meeting. Please, keep going to her place, show her support. I know of no harder working, loyal and genuinely lovable people. Her food is amazing and walking into her place you'll feel a great homecoming. I did.
And while there's a whole host of folks I'd love to thank personally, I wont bore y'all. There's just one big ass group. And that's y'all. If you're reading this, you've bought something in the past or been part of this little adventure. You've supported and loved us beyond the call of duty, read all the updates, ordered, showed up at markets, festivals, hired us for weddings, tea parties and everything else in between. You've delighted in my weird little creations and enjoyed classics. You've hung on when maybe something didn't turn out exactly as expected and been surprised when the unlikely knocked it out of the park.
Thank you.
Because of y'all I made it two years. That's longer than most in this business, and if I were to go on I have no doubt y'all would still be with me. I am grateful.
While I know this is kind of sad, especially for those who've no idea how I made that Sweet Chai Pie or crave Chicago Blues, know this isn't the end. I'm leaving the door open. I'm willing to come back to being the Pie Lady in the future, here or elsewhere. Nothing is ever the end and never say never and all that.
You're welcome to come around on Saturday to send us off, take a picture or get one last cinnamon roll. I'll be there and happy to see you because you've been great.
Thanks.
~Iris
--
Cutiepies - Our only competition is Mom.
400 flavors, 9 crusts, and 3 sizes
at your local market or for home delivery.
BEST PIE IN RHODE ISLAND
- Providence Phoenix & RI Monthly 2009
cutiepiepies@cox.net
http://www.cutiepiepies.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
French Vanilla Strawberry and Sunrise Pie
Hey all! Yes, another late entry into our ongoing menu release. Why? I just got strawberries.
Strawberries, you say... not just any strawberries, but local organic greenhouse strawberries!
There aren't many, so I'm making a French Vanilla Strawberry pie. This has just about everything you'd want. Sweet, light, rich and chock full of bursting fresh berries. I love berries more than almost anything else, so it is a delight to work with really good ones.
In other things I love, I love sunshine. We have finally come out of the worst of winter, it's almost behind us, almost all done. As some of you know, I'm a southern gal and can't stand the winter, just makes me want to sleep. But then spring starts to come in, the windows get thrown open and I shake off the doldrums of winter and get into something new.
Hence, Sunrise Pie. This is a playful orange cream with toasted coconut layered on top. This reminds me of bright days, warm breezes, picnics and kite flying. Which are all things I'm looking forward to.
We'll be at the Hope Artist Village in Pawtucket tomorrow, that's Saturday, from 11-2. And if you're lucky, and early enough, you'll find some cinnamon rolls and a bit of Cutie Quiche. See you then, and stay tuned, big announcement next week.
~Iris
Strawberries, you say... not just any strawberries, but local organic greenhouse strawberries!
There aren't many, so I'm making a French Vanilla Strawberry pie. This has just about everything you'd want. Sweet, light, rich and chock full of bursting fresh berries. I love berries more than almost anything else, so it is a delight to work with really good ones.
In other things I love, I love sunshine. We have finally come out of the worst of winter, it's almost behind us, almost all done. As some of you know, I'm a southern gal and can't stand the winter, just makes me want to sleep. But then spring starts to come in, the windows get thrown open and I shake off the doldrums of winter and get into something new.
Hence, Sunrise Pie. This is a playful orange cream with toasted coconut layered on top. This reminds me of bright days, warm breezes, picnics and kite flying. Which are all things I'm looking forward to.
We'll be at the Hope Artist Village in Pawtucket tomorrow, that's Saturday, from 11-2. And if you're lucky, and early enough, you'll find some cinnamon rolls and a bit of Cutie Quiche. See you then, and stay tuned, big announcement next week.
~Iris
Monday, March 1, 2010
Giveaway ~ Get a free pie from Cutie Pies!
Here at Cutie Pies we love to work with other great people (that's why we work with Tina's, Farm Fresh, I Heart Providence, etc), and Erika Smith at I {heart} Rhody is no different. We're big fans of her blog and have coordinated a giveaway with her. Yea! I'm going to simply cut and paste the entry, because she put it so well.
Enter early and often, y'all and get a free pie, is what it comes down to.
Thanks and have a great week!
~Iris
Giveaway! ~ Get a free pie from Cutie Pies!
This is my first giveaway! Because of its nature, it's limited to readers who live within traveling distance of the Wintertime Farmer's Market in Pawtucket.
Cutie Pie Pies is a Rhode Island bakery that has more than 400 different pie recipes. Each week, Iris the Pie Lady makes two flavors, ranging from the unusual ("Black and Tan") to the standbys (Chocolate Cream) and available in three sizes. In 2009, Cutie Pies was voted Best Pie in Rhode Island by both the Providence Phoenix and Rhode Island Monthly. You'll find Iris, her friendly smiles and wonderful pies at the Wintertime Farmer's Market in Pawtucket, and she's been known to pop up in other venues as well.
Iris has generously offered a full sized pie in your choice of Black & Tan or Chocolate Irish Cream flavor. The pie must be picked up on March 13 at the Cutie Pies table at the Wintertime Farmer's Market, or by arrangement with Iris.
Black & Tan is a sweet guinness bottom layer with a chocolate top.
Chocolate Irish Cream is a creamy chocolate pie infused with Bailey's...rich and decadent.
Either will be a delicious and fun addition to your St. Paddy's Day.
To enter:
Winner will be selected by random.org on March 8, 2010. The winner will have 48 hours to respond, or I will draw another winner. Winner may choose either Black & Tan or Wild Honey pie.
Thanks to Iris for making this giveaway possible!
Enter early and often, y'all and get a free pie, is what it comes down to.
Thanks and have a great week!
~Iris
Giveaway! ~ Get a free pie from Cutie Pies!
This is my first giveaway! Because of its nature, it's limited to readers who live within traveling distance of the Wintertime Farmer's Market in Pawtucket.
Cutie Pie Pies is a Rhode Island bakery that has more than 400 different pie recipes. Each week, Iris the Pie Lady makes two flavors, ranging from the unusual ("Black and Tan") to the standbys (Chocolate Cream) and available in three sizes. In 2009, Cutie Pies was voted Best Pie in Rhode Island by both the Providence Phoenix and Rhode Island Monthly. You'll find Iris, her friendly smiles and wonderful pies at the Wintertime Farmer's Market in Pawtucket, and she's been known to pop up in other venues as well.
Iris has generously offered a full sized pie in your choice of Black & Tan or Chocolate Irish Cream flavor. The pie must be picked up on March 13 at the Cutie Pies table at the Wintertime Farmer's Market, or by arrangement with Iris.
Black & Tan is a sweet guinness bottom layer with a chocolate top.
Chocolate Irish Cream is a creamy chocolate pie infused with Bailey's...rich and decadent.
Either will be a delicious and fun addition to your St. Paddy's Day.
To enter:
- Mandatory entry. Visit Cutie Pies Web site at cutiepiepies.blogspot.com, and leave a comment, telling Iris what flavor sounds best to you (you can even make a suggestion!), then leave the SAME COMMENT HERE. (this gives you two entries)
- For an additional entry, follow iheartrhody on Twitter, then leave a SEPARATE COMMENT here.
- For an additional entry, follow cutiepielady on Twitter, then leave a SEPARATE COMMENT here.
- For an additional entry, become a fan of I {heart} Rhody on Facebook , then leave a SEPARATE COMMENT here.
- For an additional entry, become a friend of Cutie Pies on Facebook, then leave a SEPARATE COMMENT here.
- For an additional entry, follow this blog and then leave a SEPARATE COMMENT here.
- For an additional entry, follow Cutie Pie's blog and then leave a SEPARATE COMMENT here.
- For an additional entry, Tweet about the contest with a link to this page and then leave a SEPARATE COMMENT here.
- For an additional entry, post a link to the giveaway on your Facebook page and then leave a SEPARATE COMMENT here.
Winner will be selected by random.org on March 8, 2010. The winner will have 48 hours to respond, or I will draw another winner. Winner may choose either Black & Tan or Wild Honey pie.
Thanks to Iris for making this giveaway possible!
Friday, February 12, 2010
No market!!
A first!! Cutie Pies is sold out. Already! We have nothing for tomorrow's market, so we've got a rare Friday night off. If you need something extra for Sunday to give to your sweetheart, give a shout and we'll take care of you. Thanks!
~Iris
~Iris
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
I Heart Providence
Hey all!!
Just in case you forgot, with all the snow, new episodes of Lost and every day living, Valentines' Day is just around the corner. Not to worry, we've got you covered. This week the Cutie Pie crew are putting together little gift bags that won't break the bank but will make your loved one feel special. A little bit on that later, first, where to see us this week!
I Heart Providence has come back around, and this year should be an even better party. Held at City Hall and starting at 6PM on Thursday the 11th, this party is the end all be all of lovers and lovers of Providence. Come by for some food, music, and get in the media booth to tell the world why you love Providence. Things aren't that bad, show some love.
We'll also be at the Hope Artist Village Winter Farmers' Market, complete with our Valentine flavors, just in case you can't join the festivities at City Hall. The market starts at 11am and we'll stick around as long as we've got pie.
So what are we serving? Four delightful flavors this week! Follow me down the wonderful and wicked ways of love.
Falling in Love This was a favorite last year and has been heavily requested. A chocolate crust filled with a dark chocolate smashed with raspberries and a mint ribbon, this is the perfect way to let your loved one know exactly how you feel.
Wild at Heart Not just in love? Completely bananas? Chocolate whipped with bananas and covered in caramel, this succulent little pie will have your sweetie swinging from the chandelier.
Vanilla Heart Not a chocolate fan, are you. So, try this lush vanilla with an eggy center, complete with a bruleed top. Yes, vanilla might sound boring to others, but Cutie Pies makes it decadent and new. Surprise your partner with... vanilla!
Cupid Can Suck It Ok, not everyone is in love, and the big V-Day celebration isn't always well timed. So what? You can have a pie, too. Chocolate filled pie full of cherries and hand made marshmallows. No love has ever tasted better.
So that's it, y'all! Give a shout, email or phone, and we'll hook you up with a gift box, whole pie, tasters, cuties, whatever you'd like. You can even call and tell me what you think the next pie name should be! Hope to see you at I Heart Providence, it will hoot of a time, but if not we'll catch y'all later in the week. Until then, keep warm!
~Iris
Just in case you forgot, with all the snow, new episodes of Lost and every day living, Valentines' Day is just around the corner. Not to worry, we've got you covered. This week the Cutie Pie crew are putting together little gift bags that won't break the bank but will make your loved one feel special. A little bit on that later, first, where to see us this week!
I Heart Providence has come back around, and this year should be an even better party. Held at City Hall and starting at 6PM on Thursday the 11th, this party is the end all be all of lovers and lovers of Providence. Come by for some food, music, and get in the media booth to tell the world why you love Providence. Things aren't that bad, show some love.
We'll also be at the Hope Artist Village Winter Farmers' Market, complete with our Valentine flavors, just in case you can't join the festivities at City Hall. The market starts at 11am and we'll stick around as long as we've got pie.
So what are we serving? Four delightful flavors this week! Follow me down the wonderful and wicked ways of love.
Falling in Love This was a favorite last year and has been heavily requested. A chocolate crust filled with a dark chocolate smashed with raspberries and a mint ribbon, this is the perfect way to let your loved one know exactly how you feel.
Wild at Heart Not just in love? Completely bananas? Chocolate whipped with bananas and covered in caramel, this succulent little pie will have your sweetie swinging from the chandelier.
Vanilla Heart Not a chocolate fan, are you. So, try this lush vanilla with an eggy center, complete with a bruleed top. Yes, vanilla might sound boring to others, but Cutie Pies makes it decadent and new. Surprise your partner with... vanilla!
Cupid Can Suck It Ok, not everyone is in love, and the big V-Day celebration isn't always well timed. So what? You can have a pie, too. Chocolate filled pie full of cherries and hand made marshmallows. No love has ever tasted better.
So that's it, y'all! Give a shout, email or phone, and we'll hook you up with a gift box, whole pie, tasters, cuties, whatever you'd like. You can even call and tell me what you think the next pie name should be! Hope to see you at I Heart Providence, it will hoot of a time, but if not we'll catch y'all later in the week. Until then, keep warm!
~Iris
Friday, February 5, 2010
Who Dat Pie & Sweet Ricotta
Hey all!!
Alright, so unless you've been living under a rock or you're just not interested in football, the Saints are headed to the Superbowl this Sunday. Now, I admit, usually, I don't care. I am, however, from New Orleans, and am part of my tribe.
So in honor of my city's team heading to the big show in so many freakin' years, I'm doing a Who Dat Pie. Now, I have to maybe explain this a little bit. I've been getting a lot of questions about what, exactly, a Who Dat is. It's our fight song. As in, "Who dat sayin' they gonna beat them saints, who dat?! Who dat?!"
The Who Dat song has sorta.... well, let's just say the city has done exactly what my city does, and everyone is now doing their own version of the Who Dat song. In case you'd like to know what that sounds like, take a look at the Times Picayune/NOLA.com site to hear the whole line up of songs. It really is quite fun. http://www.nola.com/music/index.ssf/2009/12/new_orleans_saints_tribute_son.html
So what's in a Who Dat Pie? Chocolate, lots of it, and pralines. And lots of lots of love. Molasses. And more pralines. And cream. And more pralines. Who dat sayin' they gonna eat that pie? Who dat?!
While I'm usually very fair and like to put in both sides of pie, in love and not in love for Valentine's day, all political candidates, the front runners of any race..... not this time. I'll admit, I live Persimmon Pie (the best persimmons being found in Indiana), but they aren't in season. And no one around here really knows Shoofly Pie. So what to do?
Go local.
That's right, this week we're featuring a local favorite, the Sweet Ricotta. For once I won't put berries or honey or anything in it, just let this wonderful little pie speak for itself.
We'll also have a few Key Lime Pies at the market this Saturday, but only in whole pies, the crust won't allow little ones. So jump on them while they last! There's also going to be some quiche (new flavors!) and maybe, if we have time, cinnamon rolls.
Alright, y'all, see you at the Hope Artist Village tomorrow from 11-2. Hope you have a great weekend!
~Iris
Alright, so unless you've been living under a rock or you're just not interested in football, the Saints are headed to the Superbowl this Sunday. Now, I admit, usually, I don't care. I am, however, from New Orleans, and am part of my tribe.
So in honor of my city's team heading to the big show in so many freakin' years, I'm doing a Who Dat Pie. Now, I have to maybe explain this a little bit. I've been getting a lot of questions about what, exactly, a Who Dat is. It's our fight song. As in, "Who dat sayin' they gonna beat them saints, who dat?! Who dat?!"
The Who Dat song has sorta.... well, let's just say the city has done exactly what my city does, and everyone is now doing their own version of the Who Dat song. In case you'd like to know what that sounds like, take a look at the Times Picayune/NOLA.com site to hear the whole line up of songs. It really is quite fun. http://www.nola.com/music/index.ssf/2009/12/new_orleans_saints_tribute_son.html
So what's in a Who Dat Pie? Chocolate, lots of it, and pralines. And lots of lots of love. Molasses. And more pralines. And cream. And more pralines. Who dat sayin' they gonna eat that pie? Who dat?!
While I'm usually very fair and like to put in both sides of pie, in love and not in love for Valentine's day, all political candidates, the front runners of any race..... not this time. I'll admit, I live Persimmon Pie (the best persimmons being found in Indiana), but they aren't in season. And no one around here really knows Shoofly Pie. So what to do?
Go local.
That's right, this week we're featuring a local favorite, the Sweet Ricotta. For once I won't put berries or honey or anything in it, just let this wonderful little pie speak for itself.
We'll also have a few Key Lime Pies at the market this Saturday, but only in whole pies, the crust won't allow little ones. So jump on them while they last! There's also going to be some quiche (new flavors!) and maybe, if we have time, cinnamon rolls.
Alright, y'all, see you at the Hope Artist Village tomorrow from 11-2. Hope you have a great weekend!
~Iris
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wild About You & Lime in the Coconut!
Hey all!
Sorry these posts have been a little sparse, just keeping it simple for the next few weeks.
This week we're previewing one of our Valentine flavors, Wild About You. This delightful pie is filled with dark chocolate, bananas and caramel. Cause, y'know, I'm wild about y'all. Sinfully good.
On the other hand, I'm missing the warm weather, and who isn't right now, so I'm bringing on board Lime in the Coconut. This is a lime, coconut and rum whip, so light and sunny you'll feel like you're on a beach. And who doesn't want to feel that?
Our Cutie Quiches this week are a feta with green onion, spinach and garlic (that's one) and the other is a tomato, basil Parmesan. If you want Cinnamon Rolls or Pecan Cinnamon Rolls, get their early while they are still hot and still around.
We'll be at the Hope Artist Village on Saturday from 11-2 on Saturday, right on Pawtucket. Hope to see y'all there!
~Iris
Sorry these posts have been a little sparse, just keeping it simple for the next few weeks.
This week we're previewing one of our Valentine flavors, Wild About You. This delightful pie is filled with dark chocolate, bananas and caramel. Cause, y'know, I'm wild about y'all. Sinfully good.
On the other hand, I'm missing the warm weather, and who isn't right now, so I'm bringing on board Lime in the Coconut. This is a lime, coconut and rum whip, so light and sunny you'll feel like you're on a beach. And who doesn't want to feel that?
Our Cutie Quiches this week are a feta with green onion, spinach and garlic (that's one) and the other is a tomato, basil Parmesan. If you want Cinnamon Rolls or Pecan Cinnamon Rolls, get their early while they are still hot and still around.
We'll be at the Hope Artist Village on Saturday from 11-2 on Saturday, right on Pawtucket. Hope to see y'all there!
~Iris
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