Just adding another data point:

Stopped in today, and had their special pie. I forget its particular name, but it had chicken and root vegetables--lots of chicken, and mostly potatoes, as far as tubers went. Crust was robust as before, and I didn't have too much trouble forking it apart for dipping in the bright, beautiful cilantro chutney--my first encounter thereof, and a good one. A heap of peas satisfied immensely. I can't believe I just typed that sentence, as I loathed peas as a youth, but these were sweet, popping in the mouth, with just a touch of creaminess. I really adore that the chicken, though largely white meat it seems, actually tastes like said animal. We are so alienated from real chicken flavor in society as to make the usual utterance "Tastes like chicken!" not just cliche, but downright damning.

I love this place. Perhaps I'll get around to the steak and ale pie some day, but it's hard to say no to the specials. Can't wait to get back.

After having enjoyed Pleasant House Bakery's pies many times, I finally made a mid-day trip (25 minutes Deerfield to destination) down to the shop itself on Friday, where the wife and I had a lunch that went way beyond pleasant. As wonderful as their pies are carried out, they are exponentially better when eaten straight away in the shop. We grabbed a table in the bright, sunny space and split a couple of magnificently buttery and savory pies, and an order of taut, delectable peas . . .


Pleasant House Bakery - 934 West 31st St, Chicago



Captain Art Jackson (left) surveys the horizon while the crew gears up in the kitchen



Chicken Balti Pie
Not shown here is the delicious green chutney served with the Chicken Balti pie.



Chicken Balti Pie, interior
Delicious treasure revealed!



Mushroom & Kale Pie



Mushroom & Kale Pie, interior
This pie might be my favorite and I'm glad I tried it in the shop because the filling had a creaminess that I'd never experienced before with the carried out ones I've enjoyed.

I can't say enough about how delicious the fare at Pleasant House Bakery is and how damned . . . well, pleasant the staff is. As I mentioned above, they're offering some product here that is exceptional and truly unique in Chicago. I cannot recommend PHB highly enough.

=R=

What is the filling in the mushroom and kale like? Generally, I find kale to be too much like punishment, so I've shied away. But creaminess and/or cheesiness would make it more palatable.

We are moving to Bridgeport this month, and our new location, walking distance from the Pleasant House, wasn't a deciding factor, but didn't hurt, either. It's one place I can take the Nom and know that he will adore the food - I end up giving half of my pie to a one-year-old who snatches up bites as quickly as they are placed in front of him. He even ate the vegetables! Magic!

c8w wrote:I too found the quality of the pie to be good - the crust was flaky and pretty good IMHO. However, as you say, it was a little over 10 bucks - and it came nowhere close to filling *me* up, at any rate It felt sort of like a mini-pie to me, almost.. the size really isnt big at all. To me it was a snack, definitely not a meal.

Wow, really? I can just barely (when not assisted by a hungry toddler) finish one pie, and about halfway through I have to weigh the torment of an overfull stomach against the delicious buttery crust. Any bigger and the sight of the pies might make me ill.

As much as I like the taste of food, I get a lot of satisfaction from the stories behind food. Today, after eating a chicken pie, I had a pasty, and Art explained how, in industrial areas of Britain, miners would bring a pasty in their pockets for lunch. Because they were handling toxic chemicals, the miners would hold the pasty with their fingers along the seam. When they'd eaten the better part of the pastry, they'd chuck the contaminated seam.



I tried eating it this way, and I actually found that the pasty tasted better when eaten with the hands...though perhaps I was just enveloped in the romantic fog of pasty folklore.

mtgl wrote:The pork pies are supposed to be eaten cold, methinks.

I believe this was settled long ago but just to make the point yet again.





The real point is, this cold pork pie is mighty fine (as is everything I've tried at Pleasant House). I don't know which one I like more, PH's or Publican's. Who would have thought a year or two ago that Chicagoans would have two exemplary cold pork pies to choose from?

I'm reasonably sure that nobody reading this will care but Carlito's Way, the pizza and sandwich shop formerly in the space that's now Pleasant House, has relocated a few blocks north to Archer, on the same block as Bridgeport Bakery.

Pleasant House Bakery
(was Carlito's Way)
964 W 31st St
Chicago
773-523-7437

Carlito's Way
(new location)
2923 S Archer Av
Chicago
773-890-0001

ronnie_suburban wrote:
Chicken Balti Pie

Really happy you posted this pic! Those black seed on top are my absolute favorite spice (Nigella Seeds). Great bitter onion flavor.......I gotta try this

Rene G wrote:I'm reasonably sure that nobody reading this will care but Carlito's Way, the pizza and sandwich shop formerly in the space that's now Pleasant House, has relocated a few blocks north to Archer, on the same block as Bridgeport Bakery.

Is it that so-crappy-it's-good pizza by the slice, the kind that benefits from the grease-carmelizing quality of heat lamps? If so, I care. I will miss Villa Palermo very much.

Just want to add my rave for the mushroom and kale pie. If the thick, buttery crust were not enough, now you add a sinfully creamy interior.

Jonah

Not much to add to what's already been written, but Pleasant House makes what is to me the platonic ideal of a pie crust. They make it difficult to eat pie from anywhere else.

Kennyz wrote:Not much to add to what's already been written, but Pleasant House makes what is to me the platonic ideal of a pie crust. They make it difficult to eat pie from anywhere else.

I bet you say that to all the girls, Pie Crust Whore.

Matt wrote:

Kennyz wrote:Not much to add to what's already been written, but Pleasant House makes what is to me the platonic ideal of a pie crust. They make it difficult to eat pie from anywhere else.

I bet you say that to all the girls, Pie Crust Whore.

well, Ivy left town so I've been on the prowl

Ii had a slice last week of a walnut tart from Pleasant House and it was outstanding. It flavored with orange (I think, it was some kind of citrus), which was an unusual and great combination with walnuts. The crust was much thinner than the savory pies, but excellent, as well.

Jonah

Had the "Special Pie" today which was a smoked gamehen, leek and apple pasty. Just wonderful. Had the housemade ginger soda as well. It was good as well. I'm thinking of going back tomorrow so I can get a steak and ale pie.

I just want to reiterate how completely effing delicious these pies are. Last night was the third time we have eaten at Pleasant House, and it was as solid as ever. The Chicken Balti pie was piping hot and perfect, the accompanying chutney was extremely fresh and bright-tasting. The mushroom/leek is a hot, buttery delight, you really can't go wrong at this place. I wish it would get cold so I could enjoy the pies even more.

We were there last Saturday and tried just about everything...all delicious. We went next door to Marge's and ate at the bar. They brought the food over for us! Mighty fine "New Fashioned" cocktail made by the friendly bartender.

Stopped in for the first time this morning. Just as almost everyone has said these are extremly good pie's. I had the Chicken Balti Royal Pie, the Pasty, Cold Pork Pie and an order of chips.

Only complaint is I would have enjoyed more aspic in the Cold Pork Pie but am not sure if it would traditionally reach the top crust or not.

I will return right away.

Regards,

Bourbon

Bourbon wrote:Only complaint is I would have enjoyed more aspic in the Cold Pork Pie but am not sure if it would traditionally reach the top crust or not.

Is the Cold Pork Pie served with any accompaniment when dining in? I had one to go last night, and it struck me as a bit bland. Thankfully I had some good mustard and cornichon on hand, which turned things around nicely. It wasn't quite the equal of The Publican's, but it was extremely filling.

I also tried the sweet pie they had available, a sort-of boozy banoffee, which had awesome flavor, but the crust wasn't up to the level of their savories. It was rather dense and quite resistant to cutting with a fork.

Nonetheless, I'm a frequent visitor these days, because it turns out my wife likes the place as much as I do, even taking the unheard of step of making solo visits while I'm out of town. As we tend to have pretty disparate tastes, it's nice to have a place we can both agree on so easily. There really seems to be something for everyone on the menu, unless you dislike butter.

Went back again today for a steak and ale pie. Very tasty. Got a scotch egg. They need to serve it with a decent stone ground mustard. I recommend Boetje's, made right here in Illinois.
Went next door to grab a beer to go with the pie. The guy at Maria's was great. He poured me a glass of Founder's stout because they have it on tap. Awesome.

They had banoffee pie? I live a ten-minute walk away and am very glad I didn't know this.

Posted on their facebook page tonight:

Pleasant House Bakery
Good night everyone. Thanks. Shop is closed Monday but we'll be making mini pies, thinking about the Food Film Fest and a loco goat pie with some folks that know their birria. We launched our high tea this Sunday and it will be available Sunday afternoons between 2-5 pm. Look out for Rish's special quiches throughout the week as well. They're chock full of Pleasant Farms goodies. See you Tuesday...

goods news, green grocer carries pleasant house's pies now. unfortunately, they are poorly wrapped in a single piece of plastic wrap so i refused to buy a frozen one, and i pointed out the inadequate wrapping to one of the staff. but i did buy a fresh mushroom and kale pie, took it home, reheated in a 325degree oven for 30 minutes and it was outstanding. i feared the crust would dry out, but it was as fantastic as i remember it being when eaten in pleasant house. justjoan

Green Grocer Chicago / Local, Organic, Delicious
Join Our Email List Email: Green Grocer Chicago. store. Share. 1402 W Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60642. Ph: (312) 624-9508 M-F 10am-9pm Sat & Sun 9am-9pm ...

Eating my special Pork and Apple pie from the food truck, in the equally pro, newly moved/renovated Ex Libris at UChicago's Regenstein Library.



Like Mid-America in a flaky crust: pork is moist, the apple is present but not dominant and not too sweet, and the seasoning just right.

The food truck format works well for Pleasant House. 8 bucks for a pie just as large as the ones in the shop, just as rich, sturdy, and I am just as showered by shattered, golden flakes. They'd apparently done pretty well at 57th and Ellis, because most things were close to selling out when I walked up. I'd have chatted more, but snow did a good job of cutting that short.

I had the pork and apple pie last night at Pleasant House, and it immediately made my "Best of 2012" list. So much so in fact that I begged Art to put it on the regular menu.

Kennyz wrote:Not much to add to what's already been written, but Pleasant House makes what is to me the platonic ideal of a pie crust. They make it difficult to eat pie from anywhere else.

Funny you should say that, because after I went down there in November for the first time (all the way from Rogers Park), that is exactly what I posted to my Facebook status: "The platonic ideal of a pot pie."

I'm hoping their food truck makes it to downtown once in a while.

Kid Charlemagne wrote:

Kennyz wrote:Not much to add to what's already been written, but Pleasant House makes what is to me the platonic ideal of a pie crust. They make it difficult to eat pie from anywhere else.

Funny you should say that, because after I went down there in November for the first time (all the way from Rogers Park), that is exactly what I posted to my Facebook status: "The platonic ideal of a pot pie."

I'm hoping their food truck makes it to downtown once in a while.

And of course, right after posting that, I checked their twitter feed, and they had just posted they were coming to the corner of Franklin and Randolp (three blocks away). An hour later and I am devouring a tasty steak and ale pot pie back in the office. They are planning right now to be at that spot on Fridays, which means it will probably be my regular Friday lunch...

Has anyone had the pork/apple/sage pie at Hoosier Mama's? How does it compare?

Kid Charlemagne wrote:
And of course, right after posting that, I checked their twitter feed, and they had just posted they were coming to the corner of Franklin and Randolp (three blocks away). An hour later and I am devouring a tasty steak and ale pot pie back in the office. They are planning right now to be at that spot on Fridays, which means it will probably be my regular Friday lunch...

Thank you for the heads up - that's my lunch planned for next Friday.

Pleasant House is my favorite recent addition to the Chicago dining scene. Together with Maria's, the bar right next door, it has made the corner of 31st & Morgan a real destination for food and drink.



But don't forget Bridgeport Coffee across the street, as well as Zaytune a block south.

Pies get most of the attention at Pleasant House but there's so much more. I'm a fan of the cold pork pie as well as all the hot ones. Honestly it's tough to pick a favorite. Don't ignore any special pie of the day.



It's worth stopping by on a Wednesday for bangers and mash. The housemade sausage, with its strong nutmeg spicing, is terrific and the potatoes and gravy could hardly be better. It's difficult to imagine a finer version of this humble classic.



Salads are taken very seriously here. The greens, grown in their own gardens and often served within a few hours of harvest, are expertly dressed. No pools of oil in the bottom of the bowl.



Friday is fish and chips day. Lake Superior whitefish (or sometimes an alternate like halibut) gets battered and fried to a dark brown. I usually dislike tartar sauce but theirs, made with preserved Meyer lemons, is outstanding. The thick, stubby chips are some of the best around.





Speaking of chips, be sure to try the deluxe gravy chips with chunks of skirt steak, excellent gravy and real Cheddar. Small but mighty, the bowl is probably best shared.



Carvery Sundays offer a different roast meat every week. Not long ago I stopped by for a plate of smoked duck breast. Four generous slices, sauced with reduced cream (I think), were served atop lentils and chickpeas spiked with chorizo and fresh endive. This plate would be right at home in any upscale restaurant (except the portion would be much smaller and the price considerably higher).



The regular menu is enough to keep me coming back again and again but there's almost always a special or two on offer (it's always worth asking). Some reappear periodically but others might never be seen again

You won't find devils on horseback on too many Chicago menus. These bacon-wrapped, almond-stuffed dates are probably the only thing I wouldn't order again (too sweet for my taste) but I think it's great they offer such oddities.



I'm a fan of pickled eggs (why are they so scarce in Chicago?) so I was excited to try Pleasant House's version. I was a little surprised at the presentation until Art and Chelsea explained it isn't uncommon for English pubs to toss a pickled egg into a bag of crisps as an accompaniment to a pint.



Usually available are Scotch eggs, one of the better versions around. This particular example has been cooked a little longer than their usual; often Pleasant House serves them with a slightly runny yolk.



This is some top-notch drinking food that you'll almost feel virtuous eating. Appropriately you can have your food next door at the bar or else grab a bottle from Maria's excellent beer selection and enjoy it in the restaurant. Note that Maria's opens at 4pm.

I'm not a big dessert person but I've enjoyed tastes of their fruit pasties. I do have a certain fondness for bread pudding and this is among my favorite versions. Very buttery, not too sweet and filled with plenty of currants. I've been tempted by the trifles but so far haven't given in.



On Sunday from 2 to 5, tea is served (reservations required). The sandwiches, scones and sweets look great. Has anyone here gone for tea yet?

It seems Pleasant House and Maria's have quickly become the heart of the New Bridgeport. Every neighborhood should be so lucky to have such a pair.

Pleasant House Bakery
964 W 31st St
Chicago
773-523-7437 (PIES)
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Rene G wrote:Speaking of chips, be sure to try the deluxe gravy chips with chunks of skirt steak, excellent gravy and real Cheddar. Small but mighty, the bowl is probably best shared.

Seems poutine-ish (adding meat is something they're doing with poutine at The Gage, but not sure how traditional that is).

That pickled egg looks so good, as do pretty much all the pix.

Good thing Maria's is so close. Most of this seems like drinking food to me.

Rene, thanks for the great write-up. I feel remiss for not posting about PHB more often as I literally eat there 3-5 times a week, but you are absolutely right when you say that it's truly a neighborhood asset. Also of note are their burgers, served every Tuesday on a homemade english muffin bun and cooked to order ~ it's rapidly become my favorite burger in the city. Another special, sausage rolls, are not to be missed, with their terrific homemade sausage encased in buttery, flaky pastry. I actually keep them in the freezer now, I'm so hooked on them. In any case, I've honestly never had anything here that I didn't love.

Like many people, I order at PHB and have it delivered over to Maria's. We really are incredibly lucky to have such a vibrant and growing food scene here in Bridgeport, with more to come (including an adjacent brewery from Maria's). BTW, tonight's Sunday Carvery is hangar steak if anyone is in the area, and Maria's still has a large amount of rare beers on tap from the Craft Brew festival yesterday, this would be a great time to give PHB and Maria's a try if you haven't been down yet.