Classic Kiwi pie reclaims the top title

Classic Kiwi pie reclaims the top title

A "perfect little mince and cheese pie" has taken the top spot at this year's pie awards, ending the two-year reign of the fruit pie. Judges tonight handed the title of Bakels New Zealand Supreme Pie Award to David Liem, of Greenland Bakery & Café in Botany, Auckland. The winning mince and cheese pie saw off competition from a host of creative pastries, holding its own in a field of exotic entries which included: ostrich, peas, duck breast, orange, bacon, mushroom, raspberry macaroon pie and raspberry. The win ended the controversial two-year winning streak for fruit pies. The competition also saw a record breaking 4522 pie entries from 505 bakers across the country, which organisers said was the highest number of entries in the event's 17 year history. There was also a resurgence in so-called 'classic' pies, with 634 mince and cheese, and 682 steak and cheese pies submitted for judging. However, while there was strong competition, judge and Bakels executive chairman, Duncan Loney, described the winner as "impeccable". Advertisement "It was well rounded and well flavoured, with a perfect balance between the strength of the mince and the cheese," he said. "The pastry was good quality, with a crunchy flaky top, robust rim, and a lovely even colour. It stood out. "The Kiwi love affair with the mince and cheese pie is certainly continuing. Cheese was only introduced to the humble mince pie in the last decade, but since then it's become a tried and true favourite." Celebrity judge Michael Meredith described the mince and cheese winner as iconic. "The balance between the pastry and filling was perfect - it brought me back to my old school days, the visits to the tuck shop. It's a classic," he said. While Greenland Bakery & Café has won multiple awards over the years, this is the first time Mr Liem has taken out the Supreme spot. Mr Liem also proved his prowess with vegetable pies, taking home a silver award in the vegetarian category with his broccoli, pumpkin, carrot, spinach, capsicum and mushroom, and a bronze award in the chicken and vegetable category. And proving that pie making talent runs in the family, Mr Liem's brother Bill Lenh Lim of Greenland Bakery won a bronze award for steak, vegetables and gravy in this year's competition. To choose the winners, 22 judges spent last Thursday blind tasting the pies, which were split into 12 categories, including mince and gravy; steak, vegetables and gravy; steak and cheese; chicken and vegetables; gourmet meat; vegetarian; bacon and egg; mince and cheese; gourmet fruit; seafood; commercial wholesale; and café boutique. Chief judge Tim Aspinall said the competition this year was tight, with just a few points separating the top category pies. Award winners were spread throughout the country with 22 winners (included Highly Commended) from Auckland, eight from Tauranga, four from the Hawkes Bay, four from Christchurch, three each from the Waikato and Taupo, and one each for Dunedin, Northland, Wanganui, Rotorua and Wellington. The winners were announced at The Langham Hotel in Auckland tonight. The Supreme prize is worth $7500 to the winning baker, with Gold awards coming with a $1000 cash prize.




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