August is for beaches, blue skies and blueberry pies! Chefs Nuit Regular and Anthony Rose sampled six standout creations — including a couple of Muskoka favourites — to find the very best.
First Place: Paulette’s Pantry & Country Market
“Oh, I love this one!” Anthony swooned, obsessed with the perfect crust-to-berry ratio. Nuit was so utterly charmed by the comforting, buttery Muskoka dough that she completely cleaned her plate. Paulette’s Pantry & Country Market, 2385 Hwy. ON-11, Gravenhurst, $12.99
Second Place: Dessert Lady Cafe & Bakery
Anthony was totally on board with the low sugar, cheering, “I like that it’s not crazy sweet, actually.” Nuit loved how clean it was, relieved that the slice didn’t immediately dissolve into a soggy puddle. Dessert Lady Cafe & Bakery, 1 Sultan St., $18
Berry Impressive
Nuit went wild for the tiny berries, loving the “really intense flavour” exploding in every bite. Anthony put on his detective hat, guessing the bakers used a nostalgic frozen blend to pack that serious fruity punch. Windmill Bakery, 99 Hanes Rd., Huntsville, $18
Crust Us
“It tastes like awesome junk food!” Anthony laughed, confessing he’d happily crush this delicious blueberry pie. Nuit was totally on board, loving the thick, glossy vibe of this plant-based crowd-pleaser. Sweetie Pie, 1639 Bayview Ave., $26.99
Blue Crush
Nuit loved the fresh, pretty look of this blueberry pie but was unimpressed by the filling, which she thought was “a little too thick.” Anthony agreed, calling out a heavy hand with the flour that left a sticky, “pasting” feel on the tongue. Phipps, 420 Eglinton Ave. W., $26.99
Humble Pie
Though the judges found this pie a bit more subtle and rustic than the others, Anthony said it was a great option for anyone who wants a pure, fruity bite without that overwhelming, sugary sweetness. Wanda’s Pie in the Sky, 287 Augusta Ave., $32