The Real Pie Co

Available by pre-​order only.
You can sign up for the newsletter and receive emails every week listing the available pies with a price and description of each and instructions on how this transaction would go down.
It’s a hefty price point and I didn’t feel like it was money well spent. You’re getting a homemade product with the best seasonal ingredients Kira can find but I didn’t care for the Pineapple Upside Down Cake. It was okay but I was bummed I paid twenty-​some dollars for something that was just okay.
It was a fine experience and I haven’t written it off and I’m up to try other pies but I’m not jumping to do it either.

These pies are made in the Owner’s home kitchen and yes, they really are that good. The famous Jumbleberry is fantastic — bursting with berry flavor and with a crust that is flaky and buttery.
I will never go back to a store bought pie again, unless I am having Family over. Next, I am trying the Pecan pie.

don’t give up pie lovers!
these pies take me back to the midwest — to Iowa or Minnesota where pie crust is craft.
the pies are homey and «real» and worth any trouble you take to order one

Craving a great piece of pie, I preordered the jumble berry. Unfortunately, it was too tart because the berries were not all ripe and sweet.

Went over to the East Sac Mercantile to buy a pie, and learned this is not a bakery. It’s basically a pick up place. If you wish to buy a pie, you go to their website, subscribe to the newsletter, and then order a pie to pick up. I’m really looking forward to finding out what the excitement is about.

Open again as of 8÷28÷2013 at East Sac Mercantile 3257 Folsom Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95 816
Thur and Friday 230 till sold out come early they are better than ever and selling out fast.

I am just writing this so THERE IS NO CONFUSION…
THE REAL PIE COMPANY IS CLOSED DOWN AND IS NOT REOPENING.
THE PHONE NUMBER LISTED IS NO LONGER THEIRS EITHER…
SO, NO MORE PIE FOR YOU! (at least not there folks. :)
Peace, R

This phone number is no longer good. The website is down. I think this place is now closed.

She has moved her operation within Corti Brothers. You order and pre-​pay.

Holy Crap! Is that a new (ish) review I see? But… the address listed here is still the same as when the place closed down 3, nay 4, years back. If Stacy (the reviewer) actually managed to get a hold of one those pies in 2010, I must know how. Anyway, might as well write a eulogy for my first love in Sacramento.
I had recently moved from Los Angeles, into a small town where I didn’t know a single soul. Those early days in Sacramento were dull and bland. Surviving off the salary of a lowly state employee, I settled on eating Wendy’s chili and baked potato, day after day. Eating was a means of survival, nothing more. Even after I was promoted and able to afford finer fare, I stuck to my simple ways and continued eating fast food.
Then, about a year into my move, I discovered Unilocal.I was looking up Sandra D’s, based on a coworker’s suggestion, and I saw «The Real Pie Company.» After reading someone’s rave review of the chicken pot pies, I started reminiscing about the tasty chicken pot pies I used to eat as a kid. It was clear that I had to check this place out.
I rolled up to the little corner shop during my lunch break and I asked for a chicken pot pie. The nice lady behind the counter told me that I’d have to place my order a couple days in advance since they were backordered that far out. I looked around the shop and read signs talking about «slow food,» which was completely foreign to me since I only knew food of the fast variety. I read about how they used locally grown produce and changed their menu according to the seasons. I think my brain exploded just a little bit from the realization of how close Sacramento is to local farmers.
On the counter was a glass cake stand, which held the pie of the day. Basically, you had to either order a whole pie or settle for a single slice of whatever pie they decided to serve by the slice. Never having tried the place before, I decided that I’d settle with a single slice before dropping $ 15 on a whole pie.
That slice changed my life.
It was an apple calvados tart. Now, I’ve always enjoyed apple pies as a kid, cuz what could possibly be more American? But this thing was magical. The lady explained to me what calvados was because I’d never heard of it before and after her explanation I figured there was no way I could go wrong. I got my slice to go, sat in my car, and took my first bite. Somewhere into my 2^nd or 3^rd bite, I noticed that I was actually moaning while chewing the pie. Thankfully, nobody was around me because they probably would have thought I was touching my naughty bits, but honestly, I wouldn’t have cared if I were in public. It was that good. Each subsequent bite became smaller and smaller, just so I could make the moment last.
I went back to the Real Pie Company multiple times during its short existence. The crust and filling of the chicken pot pies were as good as I could hope for (albeit a little liquidy), but the fruit pies… oh the fruit pies were simply amazing.
When they announced that they were closing shop, I made sure to line up early in the morning to get my last bit of pie. I must have waited in line for an hour and I watched as more people queued up behind me. I could tell that other people loved this place as much as me as I watched people pull bootleg turns just to find a parking spot, so they could get one last pie.
My last order was a jumbleberry pie and an apple pie, both of which I took to the bay, so I could share that bit of love with my friends. All of them enjoyed it immensely and we took a picture of the pie, which I still keep in my kitchen to this day.
Damn I miss this place.

Flaky, flaky, flaky. When used to describe a person, this adjective is so negative, but when used to describe a pie crust, it transforms into a compliment. Flaky is the word to describe Real Pie.
I got on the mailing list recently through their web site and thought I’d hit pay dirt. Finally, I would be able to buy an elusive Real Pie. Alas, not so! It took several failed attempts to order one of Kira’s pies before I finally acquired one strawberry-​rhubarb concoction last week. (Her pies are so popular and few in number production-​wise that they were selling out fast!)
I picked my treasure up at Corti Brothers on Friday after work. Pies run about $ 19, but I love that Kira uses ingredients from local family farms. And did I mention they’re flaky? That’s the magic of all-​butter! The filling was just right, not glooey at all. Top notch, and trust me — I know pie!
Then, hooray! Kira told customers recently that she has acquired an assistant, which should increase her pie-​making capacity and enable even more people to enjoy Real Pie! You gotta try one!

Not sure where to post this review since this location isn’t open again, but the Real Pie Co. is back in business selling through the Corti Bros. Really awesome pie and other forgotten pastries, but $ 18.50 per is a little pricey. Not many people would notice the difference or care that the pie was baked with love and the best quality ingredients.

Dear Kira,
Even though you broke my heart by closing your shop, I think it was really awesome of you to make me pie for my wedding. Our guests also thank you. I will even own up to the fact that I hid one of the pies in the kitchen so I could have delicious peach blackberry pie for breakfast for the week afterward. Might you consider making us anniversary pie next year?
Love,
katie & paul

Fare thee well.
I weep as I write this.. .
I cry because
I’ll truly miss you,
Wonderful pie
Somber, as come morrow,
You’ll be no longer
Wistful and misty
Full of regret
That I didn’t get to know you well enough
Your flaky buttery crust,
I’ll never forget
Waltzing in off the streets
Without reservations
Pie in the sky dreams
About to be dashed
As the many around me
All vying for the last
Unreserved treasure
But it was I, that scored
That prized pot pie of chicken
Not knowing for the life of me
How I won that lottery
Alas, my memory is lacking..
Haiku, limerick, iambic pentameter. .. whatever
Your fresh ingredients, I’ll always remember
Your lovely savory or fruit filled centers
No style of poetry can ever describe
Hell, I don’t write no damn poetry
I will MISS you…
Now I must imbibe

The Real Pie Company is great. How many other websites can proudly proclaim, «Our crusts are made with all butter…»? The other great thing about them is that, «…we follow the seasons and source most of our produce from local small farms…» Is there anything worse in the food world than eating food that is out of season or shipped from 1000 miles away?
I was watching Anthony Bordain on A Cook’s Tour the other day and he commented that we try to make food consistent across the US. Food should be local to ensure that it is fresh, high quality and supports the local economy. I could not agree more.
So local ingredients + butter = heavenly.
«Chicken pot pie
It’s hefty and loaded with chunks of chicken, oven-​roasted carrots, mushrooms and potatoes (and sauted onions, red bell peppers and peas!) — all bathed in a creamy house-​made gravy and encased in crispy pie dough. Weighing in at almost a full pound, it’s enough to satisfy even the hungriest of our customers. «
I had heard about these from other people and was interested in trying one out. I was pretty lucky that day. I ordered the last two chicken pot pies. First you have to try the crust. It was crunchy, tender, light, buttery and flaky all at the same time. These people have some skills and you could literally taste the care they put into the crust.
As you can see, there was just enough broth to keep all the ingredients moist without making the bottom of the pie soggy. The chicken was perfect; moist and tender. The carrots, peas, potato and chicken flavors complemented each other well. The little bit of broth at the bottom was delicious as well from absorbing all the flavors of the chicken and vegetables in it. It was by far the best chicken pot pie that I have ever had.
«Quiche of the Day
We fill our quiches with fresh vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, asparagus, onions, bell peppers and tomatoes — the combination changes daily. The all-​butter crust also contains chunks of ham, and feta and cheddar cheeses — and, it’s made with non-​fat milk, not cream, so you don’t have to feel guilty eating it (plus, we think it tastes better that way). «
Sorry, quiche, I should have tried you first. The crust was similar, but not the same as the chicken pot pie. This one was a spinach quiche. Overall it was good, but it was not in the same league as the chicken pot pie.
Satsuma Orange Chocolate Tart
This was interesting. The tart crust was very crunchy tasted of bittersweet chocolate. The orange custard on the top was tart and not too sweet. The flavor combination was good, but not great. I brought this to a friend at work. I think it would have been better if I was able to heat it up and serve it warm with a side of vanilla ice cream.

I heard so many good things about Real Pie that I had to go. The first time I tried to go to this place, it was a Sunday and they were closed. The second time, they were on vacation. The third time, they were sold out. I’m so glad I didn’t give up, because I love this place.
I’ve tried the Jumbleberry, Apple, the Apple Galette, Pumpkin, and they even had a Persimmon one for a few weeks that was incredible. The quiches and pot pies are awesome too. Part of why they are so amazing is that flaky, buttery crust. yum!
Okay, with all the good, there is one bad… I bought a Cazuela Pie and it was wholly disappointing. I think I might have bought the rare bad one in the bunch, but the custard was way too thick and had separated completely from the crust, which was burnt. It’s been the only Real Pie I had to simply throw away, and I’ve been checking my pies closer at purchase since, but given how beyond awesome every other pie/​cake/​quiche I’ve bought here is, I can’t give them any less than 5 stars and rave reviews.
Everyone who works here is also super nice.

I’m a sheep. I heard about how good the pies were at this place, and so I braved the weird hours, the pie shortages, and the crowds to get a pie. I’ve always been perfectly happy with Marie Calendar pie, but no, if the big sheep in the bunch starts heading off to a flower in the field that looks tastier than the last, I’m following.
Baaaa.
That big sheep knows more than I do sometimes. That peach pie was like summer in a crust. A flaky, buttery, perfect crust. Fresh peaches, bursting with juicy goodness, sang a song of pools and parties and childhood Sacramento summers, me wearing shorts and flip-​flops, reading under a tree with the itchy grass tickling my tan legs and peach juice dripping down my chin… how do they get all that in a pie?
I don’t know. But they do.

I am staying at the Best Western while I am in town and I was searching on Unilocal to see what was around the hotel.
I found out that the Real Pie Company was just around the block (very dangerous!!!). I love me some pie. and knew I had to put on my walking shoes and head over.
My friend Michelle got the Nectarine-​Blackberry pie and I got the Jumbleberry pie (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and cherries). Let me just tell you these were some of the most amazing pies I have ever had in my life! They were out of control and you could taste how fresh the ingredients were.
I had also read online how fabulous their chicken pot pies were… but apparently they are pretty impossible to get as they sell out so quick. We got there at 10am (when they open) and they did not have any. I asked if I could put in an order for tomorrow and I was quickly told that they are sold out for a week! Thats how many orders they had!!! SO… of course I now have an order for 2 chicken pot pies for the next week… I am counting the days.
I will make sure to update once I have tasted my pies!

I used to be a cake girl. The Real Pie Company affirmed something: now I choose pie. Three times out of five. Make that four times out of five in the summer time. Sacramento summer time, not bay area summer time which doesn’t really exist.
Were this my neighborhood pie shop the ratio of pie to cake slices eaten would increase even further. And if Crixa Cakes were not in my neighboring city I might stray from the cake for good. (With exception of the tres leches cake from Delessio and, of course, any serious chocolate cake topped with a layer of ganache.)
The owner of Real Pie greeted us upon entry and immediately offered up samples of the Upside Down cake which was made with a summer fruit I admittedly can’t recall. I was already gazing at the pies in the case — lattice-​top, galette, pot pie. Most of them contained fruit although there was a fantastic looking chocolate walnut which caught my eye.
My hope was to try both a savory and a sweet pie but the vegetarian quiche had sold out and only the chicken pot pie was left.
We decided on the nectarine blackberry lattice pie and the owner, impressed with our process of selection — dismissing rhubarb because Christine doesn’t like (a spin-​off conversation about rhubarb and celerey ensued); mango because Michelle doesn’t love (a spin-​off conversation about mango and South America ensued); apple because it’s not in season; chocolate walnut because it’s too heavy for a summer afternoon and, finally, dismissing none of them since poor G. is vegan, graciously threw in a small (two-​serving) orange meringue pie studded with dark chocolate bits — this one from the separate refrigerated case. I’m not a meringue fan. Or I wasn’t. Now it seems I might be.
(Pie, by the way, is a social food. It gets people, strangers, talking, like dogs get strangers talking at the dog park. I figured that out here, at The Real Pie Company, not at the dog park because I have a cat, not a dog. I also eat cake but I don’t discuss cake with strangers. Whereas I – all of us – apparently have an innate ability to talk about pie. Curious, isn’t it?)
We chose well with the nectarine blackberry pie. Nectarine is my favorite fruit and it’s perfectly showcased here; the expertly-​picked fruit bursting with ripe, true flavor in a top notch flakey, butter-​made crust.
Here’s another thing I loved. We asked the owner where they buy their fruit and he kindly indicated a sign mounted on the wall which lists and thanks all of the growers who supply the shop with every gorgeous seasonal fruit used in their pies. In a region like Sacramento where so much good food is grown, this should be a standard practice among area businesses, not a rare one.
All future visits to Sacramento now require a stop here for pie!

Chicken pot, chicken pot, chicken pot pie-​e-​e-​e-​e!
As promised, Alan S. came home armed with chicken pot pies and graciously is allowing me to report back here. You may recall his review last week of an apple galette (scrumptious!) and all sorts of good intel about this fine establishment.
We special-​ordered our pot pies sans mushrooms. If you are leery of a particular ingredient, just call in your order a day in advance and they will customize your pie. Please note that if you special-​order a pie, you must pick it up within the hour you specified or your pie is up for grabs.
Our chicken pot pies were loaded with perfectly diced/​cubed chunks of unpeeled red potatoes, red bell peppers, carrots, peas, onions, chicken, and fresh herbs encased in a heavenly crispy/​flaky buttery crust. The sauce was light — not the thick roux which seems so standard. This was a very sophisticated pot pie, right down to the perfect little star belly cutout for venting (see pictures). Delicious!
These babies were 6−7″ diameter and quite filling. Because Kira, the owner, uses fresh, seasonally available and local produce, your pot pie ingredients and mileage may vary.
We can’t wait to try the many other varieties of sweet pies, savory pies, quiches, cobblers, etc. Today, they had samples of their toasted almond, date and ginger tart for customers to taste. Needless to say, in addition to his many other tasks, it is now Alan’s duty to acquire and bring home fresh pies :)
****** Update 8.3.07 — Alan S. has fulfilled his promise to bring home more pies. He hasn’t brought one home that we haven’t thoroughly liked. Remy aka «Little Chef» in Ratatouille would approve!