Meat á la Mode

Ordering and consuming the delicious, meaty creations of Kristina Krough should be on every Portlander’s culinary bucket list.
Krough has a knack for taking ingredients one might otherwise consider odd coupling, and finding that sweet spot where savory and sweet meet. How to pull off duck and peas or Thanksgiving pie? Add a few gold flakes and a sumptuous pastry.

We ordered a dozen Chicken Noodle mini-​pies and a dozen Coconut Pulled Pork mini-​pies with Spicy Mango Bbq Sauce for a BCS Championship game viewing party at our house this week. Rather than having them cooked ahead of time, we baked them ourselves at home.
The pies were a HUGE hit with the group of about 20 people. The Chicken Noodle was spicy and flavorful, and the Coconut Pulled Pork was saucey and delicious.
Meat a la Mode is THE PERFECT party food, especially for informal sports event gatherings. Hey, the Super Bowl is coming up in a few weeks…

Last summer, during the sweltering heat wave, I went to the Farmers’ Market on Salmon Street seeking a Sol Pop for relief. As these things often will, I got sidetracked when I saw that the final contestants from Pieopolis were sampling their wares… oh my! I forgot how hot it was & immediately got down to business. My first bite was a sample of White Wine Rabbit Pie from Kristina Baesler — the story behind this flavor was filled with topsy-​turvy Alice In Wonderland imagery. I was smitten. I tried to locate her later, but to no avail! I dreamt of this pie — especially as it was burnished with real gold, mashed potato piping along the edges, and just filled with succulent meat & vegetables.
FINALLY thanks to another social networking site (you know who you are!), Kristina contacted me. This woman & I were just destined to meet! She makes pies and savory ice creams that are out of this world! We discussed whether or not Portland could really embrace her vision due to the large population of vegan & vegetarian diners. No need to worry! Portland also has a very large contingent of meat eaters… carnivore deluxe!
Last night Kristina delivered a White Wine Rabbit Pie to my door and I can tell you, the 3 Musk-​A-​Teers & I have been in a state of bliss ever since! In the very center of this amazing dish was the silhouette of a rabbit in gold — so very gorgeous! The filling is perfect in every bite, filled with meat, vegetables, and a sauce that compliments the meat in a velvety blanket. The crust is burnished to a golden glow and the piped mashed potatoes around the edges just make this bunny look like he/​she is sporting a very frilly collar — that just happens to be delicious to eat as well as to ogle! I cannot be more pleased.
If you are entertaining or if you would like to sample some savory pies for your family, please give Meat a la Mode a call — there are several sizes available & lots of flavors from which to choose. Her blog is wonderful to read, as well. This is one of those Portland businesses that you can feel very good about supporting. I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
Lest I be bombarded with PETA-​prone folks, please! I do love animals, and I was a fervent supporter of Peter Rabbit & all his kin. It’s just that these pies are so incredible, I am willing to forego imagery of Beatrix Potter nostalgia, and hunker down, like Farmer McGregor.