Anyone who knows me knows that I am bonkers obsessed with Petee’s Pie Company, a sweet, sunny café in Manhattan that specializes in a different sort of New York slice: the fruit- and custard-filled varieties. I plan my whole life around these pies. When I was looking for a salon to frequent for my monthly haircut, I decided on a location that was a five-minute walk from Petee’s because I could get a slice of apple crumb or banana cream after my appointment. I take the J Train to the airport even though it’s not the most direct route because it picks me up close to Petee’s—and I can get my fill before I leave for Petee’s Pie–less destinations. In the fall, I bring pumpkin pie to Friendsgiving, and in the summer, key lime pie to the first picnic of the season. I’m the designated Pie Person within my circle of friends and I consider this the highest honor.
I’ve visited Petee’s enough that I know all the flavors backward and forward. You could say I’m a matchmaker of sorts: I feel comfortable recommending a slice to a friend, knowing full well they won’t be disappointed—it’s an easy job because, really, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. They’re out of sour cherry crumb? That’s okay, get the blueberry crumb! You had a bad day and need a pound of chocolate? A slice of black bottom almond chess or salty chocolate chess is just the thing.
I think pie making is a ribbon-worthy feat…especially for owner and head baker Petra Paredez and her talented team of bakers. That said, I do have a favorite: the ever-so-luxurious chocolate cream pie. I don’t close my eyes often when I eat something, but the first time I had this particular pie—with its tender, buttery crust; silky, rich chocolate pudding; and sky-high whipped cream—I closed my eyes, threw my head back, and screamed, “Yum!” I was in love.
I’m not saying Petee’s chocolate cream pie is the best pie in New York. I won’t be able to make that call until I’ve sampled every single slice in this great city (I plan to), but it holds a special place in my heart. It was the first dessert my partner and I shared after we became a couple: We moved in together as roommates, and two years later, after a very horny Carly Rae Jepsen concert, we decided to “give us a try.” It was the best decision I’d made in a long time. Some time after that, I brought home two slices of chocolate cream pie. We sat down on the couch, took a bite each, and sank into the cushions.
I feel a ridiculous amount of joy when I’m able to share the magic of Petee’s Pie with my loved ones. It’s fulfilling, stepping inside the bright café that always smells of butter and picking up a slice or two. And it’s even more wonderful to be able to experience that with my partner. Now whenever I find myself on Delancey Street, I text my boyfriend to ask if he’d like a slice of chocolate cream pie. I already know the answer, but I still wait for that enthusiastic, “Yes!”