August 10th, 2024Ballarat’s best pie competition is back for seconds
Ballarat’s Best Pie competition is back with nearly 30 local bakers, restaurants, and cafes contending for the tasty title.
Launched last week and running until 31 August, the competition will feature 10 first-time entrants and 18 returning competitors.
Creswick’s Le Peche Gourmand, Aussie Oggie Pasty Co, Apple Crumble Pie, Itinerant Spirits, Saltbush Kitchen, and The Shared Table will all compete in the Sweet Pies division.
Venues competing in the Savoury Pies category include 1816 Bakehouse, 321 Cafe, Aunty Jacks, Beechworth Bakery, Black Cat Truffles, Boatshed Restaurant, Cornerstone Cafe, Golden City Hotel, Grainery Lane, Sovereign Hill’s Hope Bakery and New York Bakery, Hop Temple, Hotel Canberra, Kilderkin Distillery, Mitchell Harris Wines, Mondergreen Cafe, Nolans Restaurant, Peasant, Red Duck Brewery and Distillery, Roy Hammond, The George Hotel, and Turret Bakehouse.
The event is being run through Tourism Midwest Victoria, whose chair John Pandazopoulos said it’s the ideal opportunity to savour some of the region’s best pies.
“Victoria’s midwest is brimming with some of the best produce in the state and it’s remarkable seeing these flavours brought to life by the region’s talented chefs, especially in the form of a pie,” he said.
“More than 2500 pies were purchased last year, proving Ballarat’s Best Pie can deliver on its goal of getting people out and exploring the region during the tail end of winter.
“To this year’s contenders, good luck, and to everyone else, what a good excuse to invite your friends and family to town and taste as many pies as you can.”
Throughout August, pie lovers can taste all Ballarat and the region has to offer, from traditional flavours with twists, to creations not normally known to be in pies, there will be plenty of pies to sample.
In 2023, Flying Chillies was crowned Grand Prize Winner for its Babi Ponfteh Pie, while Kilderkin Distillery’s Grandma Harriet’s Bramble and Apple Pie took out Best Sweet Pie and the Smoked Brisket and American Cheddar Pie from 1816 Bakehouse was named Best Savoury Pie.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said Ballarat’s culinary scene is one to watch, and the pies are some of the most mouthwatering you’ll ever have!
“I encourage you, your family and friends to get out and about in our city and sample the great pies we have to offer. Why not start ticking them off the Pie Trail and rank your favourites?” he said.
“Ballarat’s Best Pies is a much-loved competition in our city, and I am incredibly fortunate to be one of the lucky pie judges for 2024.”
Tim Bone said as a returning judge, he would have the enviable job of sampling all the amazing creations and cannot wait.
“We are fortunate enough to have some incredibly talented producers and makers right here on our doorstep,” he said.
“I urge you to commit the month of August to exploring the Ballarat Pie Trail and indulging in as many pies as you can handle.”
For more information or to download the self-guided map, head to visitballarat.com.au/ballarats-best-pie.
