The proof is in the Pie at this CBD cafe slinging American-style sweet pies after owner Lachlan Mackay went on a ‘pie-venture’ around the US to discover the secret to what makes their pies so good. Partnering with local roaster b3 Coffee to make some top-notch brews, Lachlan and his pie-obsessed family are bringing a piece of America to the CBD with the Proof of Pie cafe.
Co-owner with his wife Lachlan Mackay says the family of five’s infatuation with pies started with their first taste of proper American Pumpkin Pie.
“As a whole family we went around the US for three months in 2015 and got to experience many of the pies we only had heard about on TV for the first time. It was absolutely delicious and we wondered why on earth no one was selling this in Australia,” Lachlan said.
In late 2019, he returned to the US, and went on a pie tasting research adventure through the Midwest and South, to gather pie-based wisdom, recipes and calories – documenting his pie-venture on Youtube.
When he returned to Australia, full of pie wisdom, the family started planning to open a pie café which they felt was lacking from the Adelaide food landscape. After delays due to the pandemic, the doors to their dream pie shop opened earlier this year.
“Our cafe grew from a great amount of research, love and obsession with the humble pie and our fun and friendly space is decorated with nods to that – as well as to the building’s history as the old Adelaide bus station.”
Nestled in Franklin St’s Bus Depot prescient, the shop offers travels and city-dwellers alike American-style sweet pie’s – think apple, pecan, cherry, pumpkin – by the slice as well as other delicious US-inspired treats, light meals and drinks.
“We’ve tried to emulate that friendly diner feeling that is all over the US. A fun and colourful vibe and where people are comfortable and can sit down for a chat,” Lachlan said.
During the pandemic, Lachlan was asked supply pies to b3 in Blackwood and Ten Talent Coffee in Marion. Now he’s excited to be running his own shop and “bringing the joy of pie to the people of Adelaide.”
“We supplied b3 with pies for a couple of years now and it’s nice to be able to work with them in the other direction, with their coffee expertise” Lachlan said.
Lachlan keeps his fingers in all the pies (but not the ones they sell!), as his wife bakes the pies, he works part time at a local high school and pops by when he is needed.
He says it took some locals a moment to get used to the idea.
“We’ve quite a few people coming in asking for a traditional Aussie meat pie but once they try the US offerings we have, they are hooked,” Lachlan said.
“Most people have heard of pumpkin, pecan or apple pie from movies – this is their chance to give it a go!”
What: Proof of Pie Cafe
When: Monday Closed
Tuesday 7:30 am–2 pm
Wednesday 7:30 am–2 pm
Thursday 7:30 am–2 pm
Friday 7:30 am–2 pm
Saturday 10 am–1 pm
Sunday Closed
For more info: https://proofofpie.com.au/
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