The Little Pie Company (not cupcakes) Rules in New York City

[ NEW YORK, NY - NYC - 6/20/2011 - www.Littleviews.com ]

>>  Cupcakes in New York City? Fuhgeddaboudit. If you really want an unusual, made in New York, personal treat, explore West 43rd Street between 9th and 10th Avenues. Besides being home to The Little Pie Company, it's a beautiful, tree-lined block that features wonderful food and outside seating where you can eat it.

You'll never believe that this pretty neighborhood is only one block from The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey's gritty back. It is here where you can buy a personal-sized fruit pie (equal to about two cupcakes), plus find shade, park benches, cafe tables, pleasant restaurants, and the Westside Theater.

Little, big, or heaving, The Little Pie Company bakes fresh fruit and cream pies in traditional rusts. Little pies (5 inches in diameter) cost $7.50 and are the equivalent of two pie slices (or two large cupcakes). Hungry for more? They also sell 8- and 10-inch diameter pies.

Pictured below are the two little pies that honored my husband on Father's Day; peach and apple crisp. They came securely packed in a bakery box (its graphic could be framed), with each pie tightly covered in plastic wrap. I accidentally tipped my box when transporting it and didn't mess up a single crumb of crust. When I unwrapped the pies, they were fresh and oven-ready (not that reheating is required).

Next to The Little Pie Company is Good & Plenty To Go, a small deli that primarily sells dinner salads and sandwiches. Buy dinner there and finish it off with a slice from The Little Pie Shop.

Closer to 9th Avenue is the beautiful ESCA, an Italian restaurant with a truly lovely outdoor patio.

The photo below is an over-the-fence peak at ESCA's patio. It abuts a Starbucks on the other side of the fence. Starbucks also provides outdoor seating, although without all of the foliage. If you crave strong coffee along with your little pie, Starbucks is the right place to consume it.

Across the street from ESCA is a former church that now houses the Westside Theater, and next to it, Elsewhere Restaurant.

Although I have eaten in Elsewhere's building, I have not eaten there under Elsewhere's ownership. What I love about this spot is its rustic garden room, which you can see through the door and window below. If you book a table in advance, make sure to request the garden.

The pies from The Little Pie Company beat cupcakes, hands down! Frosting lovers, of course, might complain about my choice, but for my taste, professionally rolled crusts taste better than fluffy sugar, especially when filled with fruit, warmed up, and served with whipped or ice cream. (And, of course, strong coffee.)

Suggested Sightseeing Adventure: This portion of 43rd Street is within easy reach of the theater district as well as New York City's famous 42nd Street.

Begin your sightseeing tour at Grand Central Terminal, then work your way west, passing famous buildings that include The New York Public Library, Bryant Park, numerous theaters, interesting shops, Believe It or Not, movie theaters, and The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (consider stopping in there to bowl in luxury). When you reach 9th Avenue, turn right (north), then left (west) on 43rd Street. At that point, you will wonder how NYC magically transformed itself into a bucolic small town street.

If you visit on a weekend, go to 42nd Street and 9th Avenue, head south to the famous and well-run Hells Kitchen Flea Market, then when done, head north to 43rd and 9th for your pie. These destinations are just a few blocks apart.

Questions or comments?
Karen Little

Article and photographs by Karen Little. First published on 6/20/2011. All rights reserved by www.Littleviews.com.