As a purveyor of new adventures in comfort food, we'd have to do some heavy penance if we failed to offer pot pie on our menu.  I mean, how much more "comfort food" can you get than a meaty pot pie, right?  

We do find, however, that some confusion arises among all but the true pot pie connoisseurs when it comes to distinguishing between the "Hunter" and "Shepard" variations on the pot pie theme.  It is, therefore, in the interests of offering a public service that we take a moment to clarify the difference -- a difference that hinges the preference between beer and wine.

Let's start with hunters, why don't we?  Here in America, we take it for granted that hunters like them some beers.  Our Hunter's Pot Pie, however, has an Old World origin that owes its culinary pedigree more to the Burgundy region of France than to the mountains and woods of America.  Our Hunters' Pot Pie is therefore prepared much like a traditional beef bourguignon, and with a noticeable flavoring of mint accompanying the burgundy.

Now, with regards to Shepards, we have a much different take on pot pie.  Think of the plight of the lonely shepard, guarding against the depredations of wolf packs crossing the Canadian border to prey on his flocks and, no doubt, take advantage of our health care system. What better way to while away those tedious hours than with a brewski or two?  In tribute to these stalwarts, therefore, we add beer to a chicken-based roue.  Our Shepard's Pot Pie has less meat than its Hunter cousin, but with a few beers to accompany it, who the heck is keeping score?

In the case of both pot pie versions, we serve them with our very own fresh baked puff pastry.  And speaking of which, we've just added a new item to our menu that you pot pie lovers are going to find very intriguing: our Paradise Pork Stew.  Given our penchant for poring over cook books, we recently ran across a recipe that combines potatoes, apple cider, apricots...and ingredients that we can't divulge in the interests of intellectual property protection.  Of course, you're free to take a bite and guess all you want.

Sunday, November 22, 2009 10:19:59 PM (Mountain Standard Time, UTC-07:00)    Comments [0]