Overview: International Pi Day
Nahin’s words aren’t lost on those with a penchant for number crunching, who, along with many of us possessing an aversion to algebra, will collectively revel in a slice or two of pie in honor of the “math holiday.”
It comes around every March 14: the day that mathematical-minded smarties celebrate the constant number you get when dividing a circle’s perimeter (or circumference) by its diameter. It turns out that no matter how small or big the circle, the formula equates to roughly 3.14, thus represented by the π symbol, celebrated every 3/14.
Which brings us to a titillating quote by American engineer and author Paul J. Nahin: “If π weren’t around, there would be no round pies.”
Nahin’s words aren’t lost on those with a penchant for number crunching, who, along with those of us who possess an aversion to algebra, will collectively revel in a slice or two of pie in honor of the “math holiday.”
Whether sweet or savory, here are our top five pie picks:
Pop Pie Co.
4404 Park Blvd.
Also in South Park, Pacific Beach, Point Loma, and other locations.
Pop Pie Co.’s co-founder, Steven Torres, said of National Pi Day: “It’s the biggest day of the year for us,” while adding that his company is working in collaboration with three local restaurants to introduce three different five-inch specialty pies. They will be available on March 14 at all locations in limited quantities.
The trio features a Filipino-inspired pie by chef Tara Monsod of Animae + Le Coq, fashioned after tinola soup. The pie’s ingredients include chicken, ginger, green papaya and veggies.
Rob Striker of The Friendly will crank out “Dirty Flattop Cheeseburger” pies inspired by the eatery’s cult-classic cheeseburger.
And Matt Lyons of Tribute Pizza brings to the lineup “You Knew This Was Coming Pizza Pie,” using mozzarella, smoked cheddar, crushed tomatoes, red onions, and pickled jalapenos spread across an Everything Bagel crust.
In addition, the company’s regular menu of butter-crust pies will remain in place. Standouts include the pork-filled green hog; roasted veggies with yellow curry; steak and ale; and blueberry-apple yuzu to rein in your sweet tooth.
Note: The first 20 guests in line on March 14 at any of Pop Pie’s six locations will receive a free slice of sweet pie.
San Diego Chicken Pie Shop
2633 El Cajon Blvd.
Revered for its pot pies filled with chicken, turkey, and homey gravy, as well as a large selection of classic dessert pies, the Chicken Pie Shop lures customers every Pi Day with irresistible deals. This year, customers can score the shop’s famed poultry pie (to-go only) for $3.14. The pie normally sells for $7.49, and the deal is limited to one pie per customer.
Also, the shop’s dine-in special will afford visitors a $3.14 discount off its full chicken pie dinner, which includes a slice of sweet pie. The regular cost is $17.99.
“We sell thousands of the pies on Pi Day,” said general manager Lisa Towsend while pointing out that the business turns 88 years old in May.
Great Maple
1451 Washington St.
Amid crafty cocktails and French-inspired meals, and mid-Century trappings, Great Maple slings some noteworthy pies year-round. It’s a place where you can commiserate about the virtues of pi while forking into caramel-crowned spiced apple pie or soothing key lime. For the month of March, its seasonal high-demand banana cream pie takes center stage.
The pies are sold by the slice, or they can be purchased whole with 72 hours’ notice.
Peace Pies
4230 Voltaire St.
Chef-owner JP Alfred said his vegan eatery makes custom pies for colleges and festivals that commemorate pi day. Otherwise, it’s business as usual at his two locations, which sell pies by the slice or in whole nine-inch form.
Peace Pies opened in Ocean Beach in 2008 before expanding to Leucadia (133 Daphne St.) several years later. It first became known at local farmers’ markets for its raw, vegan fare, which includes pizzas. Alfred notes that his top-sellers are the key lime and strawberry pies.
Extraordinary Desserts
2870 Fourth Ave., and 1430 Union St.
Often upstaged by a plethora of European-style pastries, this ultimate gourmet dessert company makes assorted individual pies that put the dainty into pie.
Extraordinary Desserts‘ pies measure between three and four inches in diameter and range from $12.95 to $15 each. The pies don’t normally appear on display except for a few times a month. But they can be ordered by the half-dozen or more three days in advance.
Crafted by owner and executive pastry chef Karen Krasne, who trained at reputable culinary schools in Europe, her little masterpieces include flavors such as passion fruit, lemon meringue, coconut cream, and French apple-blueberry.
