Enjoy a slice of Ballarat this August. From flaky crusts to mouth-watering fillings, there is bound to be a pie to satisfy your tastebuds.
This August sees the return of the beloved Ballarat's Best Pie competition.
The competition this year will focus on producers, sustainability and the connection between chefs and consumers with the city's local produce.
A trail map is available at the Ballarat Information Centre for those who would like to try all the pies!
City of Ballarat Councillor, Daniel Moloney said a delicious locally made pie was the perfect nourishing food for Ballarat in Winter.
"So why not invite some friends and family to the city, rug up and head out to one of Ballarat's great venues and try a unique Ballarat pie," he said.
Tourism is a vital part of Ballarat's economy, and Ballarat locals are an important part of this story, with the visiting friends and relatives market making up almost 50 per cent of the region's visitation numbers.
Ballarat's Best Pie judge, Tim Bone said what better way to warm up on a cold Ballarat Winter's day than with a hot, hearty pie?
"I am stoked to be one of the judges of this Ballarat's Best Pie Competition. They can be so versatile with endless filling options, and I can't wait to taste the best of what our amazing cafes and restaurants have to offer," he said.
"From Flying Chilies and Black Cat Truffles to Sovereign Hill, Beechworth Bakery and many more, be sure to get out there and try as many pies as you can this Winter."
"Ballarat, show us your pies!"
Order a pie from any participating venue, post a picture to Instagram using the tags #ballaratsbestpie and #visitballarat and you will go into the draw to win a weekend away in Ballarat valued at over $1,000. For competition terms and conditions head to visitballarat.com.au
Ballarat's Best Pie will be announced 2pm Saturday 5 August 2023 at Hop Temple, hosted by culinary journalist Sofia Levin and supported by pie connoisseurs Cr Daniel Moloney, Tim Bone, Jack Vanderheyden, Kate Davis and Richard Cornish.
So come along and enjoy a fun afternoon filled with all things pie!
The full list of participating pies:
- Ultimate egg and bacon pie by Eclectic Tastes Café & Pantry
- Mexican breakfast pie by The Turret Café & Catering
- Beef cheek ragu pie, by Forge Pizzeria
- Beef brisket and mushroom melt pie, by Mitchell Harris Wines
- Teriyaki Duck Pie by Grainery Lane
- Beef and beer pie by Aunty Jacks
- Miso sweet potato pie by Roy Hammond
- Chicken truffle pie by Black Cat Truffles
- Mrs Marshall's mushroom pie by Sovereign Hill
- Lamb roast pie by Flying Horse Entertainment Venue
- Lamb and rosemary pie by the Western Hotel
- Barbacoa and cheese pie by Hop Temple
- Babi pongteh pie by Flying Chillies (available at Red Duck Brewery)
- Mapo tofu pie by Flying Chillies (available at Red Duck Brewery)
- Paddock to pie by Wayward Winery
- Smoked Brisket and American Cheddar Pie, by 1816 Bakehouse
- Sri Lankan Beef Curry Pie by Beechworth Bakery
- The BLC by the Ballarat Leagues Club
- Raspberry Drop curd pie by Sovereign Hill
- Grandma Harriet's bramble and apple pie by Kilderkin Distillery.
Pies will be available for the entire month of August.
