A slice of pie and a smile

Right after the first of the year, Robyn asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday. We usually do dinner at a nice restaurant but she suggested a mini-road trip and told me to think about it.

I racked my brain but couldn't come up with anything. Atlanta? Huntsville? Montgomery?

And then it hit me. PieLab. I've been wanting to go to PieLab ever since I first read about it in the Birmingham News and then even more recently in Southern Living. It's an hour and a half from Birmingham in Greensboro, AL. Fully worth the drive.

The Food

The pie was fantastic. I mean, really, how bad can it be? The menu is determined by the chef and whatever is available. Today, there was spinach and feta quiche and ham and cheddar quiche with a small side salad. We drank from Mason jars and served ourselves from our farm-style tables.

For dessert, I had my favorite - Lemon Ice Box Pie. It was fantastic. Robyn had a slice of fresh apple pie straight out of the oven. The crust was divine.

We stayed for three hours just visiting with DeAnna and Shay - the piemakers. Their counter is out in the front of the shop and we just pulled up two chairs and talked. We talked about their backgrounds, the PieLab and how to make a crust (quote of the day from Shay, "I don't measure nothin' no more.)

I put together a slideshow of pictures from the day. There is music so I've warned you.

About PieLab

PieLab is a bakery in the middle of Alabama's Black Belt. It was founded by an interior designer and an urban architect. Their idea was to build a place that celebrated creativity in cooking - specifically pies.

And it's not about making money. Because when you charge $2 for a slice of pie, you can't expect it to make money. It's a non-profit and it's about building community and building something that the area can brag about.

Driving through town, it's desolate. The Main Street is quiet and very few people are seen. PieLab sits right at the end of Main and by far sees the most foot traffic of anything along the sidewalk. PieLab is a part of HERO - Hale Empowerment and Revitalization Organization. If you're reading this from Danville or any other part of Southside Virginia, please visit their site. I see something here that could benefit our area.

It's people helping people. It's providing opportunities to those that otherwise wouldn't have any. Like Shay. Shay works at the PieLab and previously worked at a job for $8 a day (A DAY) to support herself and her two children. She was sent to PieLab through HERO and now has a trade and a profession. She's a baker. At a place featured in the New York Times. How about that for a resume item?

PieLab isn't just about the pie. It's about building something somewhere that needs a shot in the arm. It's about providing opportunities. It's about being proud of your hometown. And I admire that.

Robyn blogged about the day too. Check out her blog here.