If you’re ever looking for a way directly to my heart, just bring an adventurous spirit. It’s one of the things I appreciate most about the people I’m lucky enough to call friend (or family). I’m always coming up with some new or crazy-looking opportunity to check out or restaurant to try, and they go along willingly…almost always, anyway. I’m particularly fond of taking adventures with my awesome boyfriend Roy. We’re constantly finding new and different things to check out…even those things that fall into the “I haven’t done that in YEARS!” category. I’m sure I’ll write more about our adventures as my blog challenge goes on.
Yesterday, we visited Hoosier Mama Pie Company‘s Evanston location for a little snack. It is close enough to Roy’s place to walk, which is awesome and devastating at the same time. They are also associated with an awesome coffee concept, Dollop Coffee & Tea Co. When we walked in on a Saturday evening, the restaurant was full without being crowded. The note about ordering your holiday pies now seemed to indicate, though, that you might find a crowd on given days. (Insert flashbacks to Novembers past when I’d be the person responsible for picking up the birthday cakes from Weber’s. They’re always worth it, though). The decor reminded me of an awesome 50’s style kitchen…minus the overly kitschy poodle skirts, shiny chrome and glittery-red vinyl seats. It even had the same chairs that my elementary school had, just adult-sized! The menu is a huge chalkboard, with the majority of the day’s offerings being hand written, which is a nice touch on the diner style. I could have spent so much time perusing their sweets, savories and beverages. Sadly, though, that list paled in comparison with the actual pies tempting you from the counter! There are a few sizes to choose from: a slice, a small pie or a whole pie. I was drawn in and damn near pressed my nose to the glass. (I didn’t, don’t worry. I probably would’ve embarrassed Roy, lol).
I ordered a slice of the Cranberry Sour Cream and a Honey Cinnamon Latte .
Cranberry Sour Cream…up close and personal
The pie was just as delicious as it looks. Cranberry, as a flavor, is one of my favorites because of its tart but sweet nature. It paired so well with the almost-cheesecake texture of the sour cream filling. The crumbled topping was just sweet enough to balance the cranberry, having a bit of a brown sugared taste.
And the crust–my goodness the crust! I’m a weirdo who likes her desserts to be a bit on the cold side. It makes them firmer in my opinion…I said it was weird. This pie was served just a bit below room temperature, so the crust was crisp and buttery without melting.
I could not have enjoyed this pie without the awesomeness that was my Honey Cinnamon Latte. Now, having worked for Starbucks for a large portion of my young adult life, I’ve become a coffee lover. I make it a point, though, to try coffees that are NOT Starbucks simply because being a barista requires some level of artistry, and I appreciate the craftsmanship. And, Dollop’s barista did not disappoint!
My first piece of latte art! Loved/Hated drinking it!
Dollop brews a coffee with full, robust flavor profile. Honey as a coffee flavoring might seem like an odd choice, but honey mellows out some of the harsher coffee tastes. The cinnamon was a beautiful topping to the light and pillowy foam. I added a tad more honey to the latte as I got into the beverage more, and that made it perfect for my palate. I hated sipping away the art, though.
The clientele ranged from students working on their computers to families sitting down and eating savory chicken pot pies, so there is definitely room for everyone at this venue. The joint has a very come as you are vibe. There was a couch toward the back where you could check out a local paper, too. All in all, if you get the chance to visit Hoosier Mama, it’s worth the trip.
PS– Sorry about the lack of pictures of Roy or his pie, which was a chocolate brownie baked into a pie…neither one of them was still long enough for me to get a good one! I’ll have to get better at catching them.
The Hovanec Hotel 