Unique pie gets taste buds buzzing

Birdwoods Gallery's 2-in-1 pie is a beautiful warming winter dish that is a joy to eat.

June heralds the beginning of winter but that's no reason to stay indoors, because Winter F.A.W.C! Is back and, with it, F.A.W.C! by 5.

Until July 9 you can dine your way around Hawke's Bay with spectacular deals from some of the region's top restaurants, cafes and bars.

F.A.W.C! by 5 is all about food, wine and excellent value for money with menu selections in $5 offerings.

So grab some friends and make a date to enjoy some delicious food, wine and beer at one of the participating venues.

I will be previewing some of the meals so you know what you have to look forward to.

Birdwoods Gallery
298 Middle Rd, Havelock North
2-in-1 Pie - Slow Cooked Braised Beef and Cauliflower Cheese, a glass of wine or cider $25

This is like no pie I have ever seen or tasted before.

I didn't know what to expect when I read the Birdwoods Gallery's F.A.W.C! by 5 menu - I knew it would be good - I've eaten head chef Wendy Barnett's food many times and never been disappointed.

She certainly exceeded my expectations with this delicious "pie" with layers of flavours.
It was presented in a steaming hot dish. One side of the dish had a layer of pastry on top and the other was cauliflower and cheese sauce.

What a fantastic idea. Anyone who orders a pie would expect pastry and you get pastry. What you don't get is the soggy pastry under and around a "normal pie". This pastry is light and crunchy and just the right amount.

The braised beef just feel apart and was really tasty and tender.

My favourite part of the dish was the cauliflower cheese - something so simple but Wendy has added herbs and dry fried seeds to produces a beautiful warming winter dish that is a joy to eat.

I had a lovely glass of pinot gris to accompany it.

Birdwoods Gallery owner Louise Stobart came up the idea of the 2-in-1 Pie after hearing about the dish made at The Weighbridge Inn in the Cotswald.

"It's their signature dish and they have been doing it for 40 years," Wendy said.

"It's been a hit there and they have never given the recipe out so we thought it would be fun to create our own."

I've never been lucky enough to try the one at The Weighbridge Inn but I think Wendy has nailed a Kiwi version that hopefully makes a comeback on Birdwoods' winter menu for many years to come.

The menu at Birdwoods Gallery changes with the season and Wendy said the beef cheek burgers and home made pasta where popular, as was soup

"We change our soup daily and also always have a vegetarian and gluten free option."
Open 7 days a week. Bookings advisable, phone 877 1395