It’s not that A la Mode Pies is new. They’ve been producing pies and selling them online since 2009, receiving accolades from Seattle Weekly readers in 2011’s “Best Desserts” category. Today is special because A la Mode Pies debuts its flagship café in Phinney Ridge, which will be open seven days a week from 7:00 to 7:00.
Look for a menu board of 9-10 pies, plus a seasonal special or two, available in petite (serving two) and whole (serving eight) sizes. Chef/owner Chris Porter acknowledges that the pies are a bit pricey ($25 for a whole), explaining that he uses locally grown organic fruit and strives for high quality with “layers of flavors.”
If you can’t wait to get your pie home, sit in the store (there are a couple of tables, as well as a few seats at a counter), get some Caffe Umbira coffee, and order a slice. Definitely heed the café’s name and get your pie “a la mode,” as the ice cream comes from Bluebird. The creamy vanilla ice cream is a fine match for most flavors, while snickerdoodle add a cinnamon burst to the apple-based pies.
The gallery above shows some of the pies I sampled. Much to my surprise, my favorite was the signature Blue Hawaiian pie, with a streusel topping and blueberries that burst with flavor, working well with pineapple and coconut. If you like the pie, note that Bluebird is perfecting a Blue Hawaiian ice cream to match, to be available only from A la Mode Pies. With innovative flavors and quality products, anytime’s a good time to be in the mood for A la Mode.