P.I.E. sweet on charm

By Rob Young | Thursday, October 4, 2012

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photos by Rob Young: The avocado and smoked Gouda sandwich from P.I.E. Bake Shoppe.
  • The avocado and smoked Gouda sandwich from P.I.E. Bake Shoppe.
    ( photos by Rob Young ) The avocado and smoked Gouda sandwich from P.I.E. Bake Shoppe.

If you go

What: P.I.E. Bake Shoppe

Where: 5 Warren St.

Hours: 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

For more info: 720-7467 or piecharleston.com

Sure, you can go for the fruit pops, the brownies or biscotti. But please, stay for the flatbread pizzas, the ham and chutney or even the grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches.

Though known for its desserts, P.I.E. Bake Shoppe serves up a collection of tasty lunchtime fare.

To me, it might just be the perfect Saturday respite following a Charleston Farmers Market stroll.

Paige Young (no relation, at least that I’m aware) owns the small walk-up on Warren Street; its initials stand for Paige’s Incredible Edibles.

It’s almost like she was born to bake, and as a graduate of the Notter School of Pastry Arts, she can back the claim with credentials.

The shop overflows with dessert bars, cookies, almond croissants, monster muffins, eclairs and scones — perfect for chocolate or pastry junkies.

Even P.I.E’s mascot — a blackbird clad in an apron, sneakers and chef’s hat — conjures up nursery rhyme recollections of “four and twenty blackbirds, baked in a pie.”

In keeping with its sweet approach, P.I.E. dishes a trio of ham sandwiches made with fruit chutneys like cherry, blueberry and pineapple.

The ham-blueberry seems particularly appealing, as it benefits from a spicy wasabi mustard and warm figs with goat cheese.

The veggie sandwiches ($6.50) are impressive, too, like the avocado and smoked Gouda on focaccia, served with lettuce and a big slice of tomato.

Plus, with freshly baked breads and additional treats like milkshakes and soda floats, P.I.E’s charm abounds.