Award-winning Tauranga pie-maker Bunchoeun "Bun" Keo closed his shop yesterday to prepare for the onslaught of customers he is expecting today.
The owner of Mount Maunganui's One Tree Bakery won a gold award for his steak (diced) and gravy pie at this week's Bakels New Zealand Supreme Pie Awards. He was highly commended for his bacon and egg pie.
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"Last year I didn't prepare so there were not enough pies for the customers," he said.
"A lot of people will come today, I think. My neighbour told me a lot of people were knocking on the door yesterday."
Mr Keo, who won a gold award for his chicken and vege pie last year, said he had enjoyed the awards night in Auckland.
He decided this year to take the day off to rest and prepare to make sure there were enough pies for all his customers today.
Success at the awards was largely about the appearance.
Making sure the pastry looked good was essential to get the judges' attention and make them look more closely at the filling, he said.
Mr Keo was disappointed his secret recipe pie was not a winner, but said his customers would be able to try it.
My neighbour told me a lot of people were knocking on the door yesterday.
"It looks like a sausage roll but it has mashed potato, bacon and cheese," he said.
Bunthy Te, from Angkor Wat Bakery and Cafe in Katikati, won a gold award with their bok choy, carrot, parsnip and kumara vegetarian pie.
Pat Lam from Patrick's Pie Group took home two awards. He won bronze for both his gourmet fruit pie, filled with Cointreau, pear and apple cherry; and mince and cheese.