In celebration of National Pie Day yesterday, some popular Toronto chefs are coming together to bring a pie-forward meal box at the end of January.
The teams behind Il Covo, Gertie’s and Pies by Squires are coming together to offer a pop-up pie feast that will feature three specially made pies. The initiative is being run out of Il Covo in Toronto.
The featured pies include a pasta pie made in collaboration with Samantha Lamanna, the recently appointed Chef de Cuisine of Il Covo. Chef Adam Squires joins the cause with his incredible savoury pies as well as Chef Ryan Campbell, serving up his decadent peanut butter pies from Gertie’s.
The pasta pie was inspired, according to Campbell, by Derek Dammann of Maison Publique in Montreal. He says the pie is a tribute to one of Dammann’s innovative dishes and became a collaborative effort from the three Toronto chefs.
The pasta pie uses an agnolotti di zucca made by chef Lamanna, garlic braised winter greens and fresh fior di latte from Chef Campbell and wrapped in, what Campbell describes as, “magical pie crust” from Chef Squires.
Squires, who recently launched his Pies by Squires business, is offering a new savoury pie for the feast––a chicken and leek pie––that was also teased alongside some of his soon-to-come offerings.
The Gertie’s peanut butter pie has grown in popularity in Toronto since launching in December 2020. Run by the acclaimed Campbell and his girlfriend Sara, the pie is decked out in delicious ingredients and is suitable for either a sweet breakfast treat or as a delicious dessert.
The “Feast of Pies” is available for pre-order and can be delivered anywhere across the GTA for a flat fee. Pies come frozen [except Gertie’s], meaning you can heat up your feast at your preferred time. The set of pies will cost just $35 with the option to add on a can of beer from Farinella in Ottawa or a bottle of wine.
This initiative will be the first of a 'date night' series from Il Covo and friends––which will take place on the last Friday of each month. The operation is currently running out of the restaurant, located at 585 College Street. They are also open for takeout.
