A tip of the cap (January 13, 2006)
So I stopped at the Pearl River Shell station to fill up last night. There was a welcome sight on one of their shelves that has been empty for several months: Hubig’s Pies. They've been talked about from as far away as Pensacola. These are a New Orleans institution and I’ve been missing them since Hurricane Katrina damaged their bakery. They’re back in production now although the first place I tried earlier this week was sold out. I grew up on these. They’re sold everywhere in the Greater New Orleans area. I’ve even seen them at hardware stores. They’re delicious and they really knock the edge off if you’re hungry. I started on their apple pies as a kid but in my search for one at some store, I came across the last pie on their shelf. It was a pineapple pie just like the ones you see pictured above. The buying public really did save the best for last. That pie converted me to pineapple and that is all I buy now. I was so astounded to find five of them on that shelf at the Shell station last night that I bought all of them. I’ve never seen five pineapple pies on the shelves. They’re usually loaded down with apples and lemons. Some might note there are only three pies in that picture. I’m not sure what happened to the other two. They disappeared somewhere between Pearl River and CrabAppleLane.
For all my wailing yesterday on those who don’t get it about post Katrina New Orleans, I stumble across this article in the Wall Street Journal via it comes in pints by someone who does. That’s about as adequate a summary as you might see in one page. To understand our situation, you have to know more than just how New Orleans looked before the hurricane and how it looks now. You have to know how it was before the hurricane and how it is now. Seeing Hubig’s Pies back on the shelf was a small victory in my mind.
Quote of the Day
When I was 24, I came to New Orleans to start a business and a family. I stayed for eight happy years. If I were 24 again, I would be packing my bags for New Orleans to be on the ground floor of a modern renaissance. Katrina was a tragedy, but its aftermath presents the most exciting urban opportunity since San Francisco in 1906. Pioneers, please apply.
James K. Glassman, American Enterprise Institute
Blog of the day here.
Quote from said blog: "Or to put another way, the story of how I met Richelle. And it's not romantic. It's crazy and makes me sound like a punk. But it *is* our story."
Other related links between CrabAppleLane Blog and paradoxix. -Rob
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You FINALLY got your pies. I'm so happy for you, Rob! Every little step back to normal should taste so good, eh?
I didn't know they were back up and running. I've only had the lemon, but after having one, I didn't want any others. I've never tried the pineapple, but will have to do that.
I feel the same way about Tastykakes. I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't get Butterscotch Krimpets or Chocolate Juniors. Glad you found some. And what makes a pie "New Orleans Style"?
K-
Amen, ths.
My brother-in-law, who happens to be in your profession, complained when the only two pies left on the tray recently at his office building were lemons. He prefers coconut. I have never acquired the taste for coconut.
Don't have a clue what makes it "New Orleans Style", Kem. Dolly Madison, Little Debbie, Smith, and a few others make similar pies. They're not nearly as good but they're similar. Water quality, high humidity, and altitiude (Below sea level) gives all New Orleans bakeries an advantage. It's particularly noticeable with french bread. You can't get french bread outside of New Orleans that's as good as ours.
I love the peach pies, although I rarely see any peach ones. I haven't had a hubigs pie in years!! Only because I NEVER can find the peach ones!
Hey Donna,
Good to see you. Every time I experiment with these things, I'm disappointed. I've tried the strawberry and blueberry but didn't think much of them. Can't bring myself to try the chocolate or lemon. You're right about their peach pies. I think they're even more rare than my pineapples. I should probably try one because I love peach cobbler.
Mmmm Pineapple. Send some of those north!
Aw, ditto on the French bread. We were at the Redfish grill and has them bring us two loaves (they got the local ambrosia). Once you you have a taste of that New Orleans bread, NOTHING comes close.
OK, Andrea.
Actually, ths, I can't even get good french bread here on the NorthShore. It just doesn't weather the trip across Lake Pontchartrain that well and the bread over here is only so so.