Battle for best pie decided

THE babi pongteh pie from Flying Chillies has been crowned a crust above in the Ballarat’s Best Pie competition.

Judges included the City of Ballarat’s Cr Daniel Moloney, toastie tzar Tim Bone, radio host Jack Vanderheyden, Plate Up Ballarat head Kate Davis and food writer Richard Cornish, who made the call at a tasting event at Hop Temple last weekend, hosted by culinary journalist Sofia Levin.

The winning pie is available from Red Duck Brewery and Cr Moloney said getting to try all the pies was a fulfilling experience.

“Sampling the excellent pastries and fillings from some of Ballarat’s fantastic hospitality venues really showcased the incredible food we have on offer in our city,” he said.

Second place in the overall competition went to Eclectic Tastes ultimate egg and bacon pie and third was taken by the confit chicken, leek and truffle pie from Black Cat Truffles.

Grandma Harriet’s bramble and apple pie from Kilderkin Distillery was awarded the best sweet pie and best bakery pie went to 1816 Bakehouse’s smoked brisket and American Cheddar pie.

As part of what’s being called a ‘pie trail’ Visit Ballarat is giving away a local travel prize valued at $1000 this month.

“All the pies will be available for the entire month of August, so make sure you try some of these delicious offerings from bakeries, cafes, bars and restaurants across Ballarat,” Cr Moloney said.

For the full pie trail and more information on the competition, head to the Visit Ballarat website.