Savoring the Pie-fection: How One Man's Passion for Pies is Transforming the American Palate

Derek Blaquiere, the visionary behind Tucker's Pie Co., is on a mission to introduce Americans to the rich and diverse world of pies, drawing inspiration from the culinary traditions of England and Australia. With his handcrafted, gourmet pies, Blaquiere is elevating the humble pie to new heights, one delectable bite at a time.

Bringing the Best of British and Aussie Pie Culture to the States

Embracing the Pie-neer Spirit

Blaquiere's journey into the world of pies began with a deep-rooted love for the savory pastries he grew up with in England. As a child, he fondly remembers the ubiquity of pies at sporting events and the vibrant pie culture that thrived in his homeland. When he later moved to Australia, Blaquiere's appreciation for pies only grew, as he witnessed the country's even more robust pie tradition, with pies available at gas stations, bakeries, and even sporting venues.Determined to share this passion with the American public, Blaquiere embarked on a quest to perfect the art of pie-making. Despite having a successful career as a headhunter, he was driven by a desire to bring the flavors of his childhood and his travels to the masses. "I never thought I'd become a baker," Blaquiere admits, "but I started on this journey, and it's been incredibly rewarding."

Perfecting the Pie Crust

Blaquiere's journey to pie perfection was not without its challenges. As a self-proclaimed "lover of all pies," he had sampled countless versions, both good and bad, before deciding to take matters into his own hands. Determined to create a crust that would do justice to the fillings, Blaquiere embarked on a meticulous process of experimentation, testing over 100 puff pastry recipes until he found the perfect balance of flakiness, buttery richness, and structural integrity."Finally, I got the right crust I wanted," Blaquiere proudly declares. "Ours has a more flakier texture and is buttery yet firm enough to hold up to the meat and chicken fillings." This dedication to perfecting the foundation of his pies has become the hallmark of Tucker's Pie Co., setting it apart from the competition and ensuring that each bite is a true delight.

Honoring Family Traditions

Blaquiere's passion for pies is not just a personal pursuit; it's a legacy he's proud to carry on. The business is named in honor of his mother, Bernadette Tucker, who was a "phenomenal cook" and ran a successful cake baking and catering business in the UK. Blaquiere fondly remembers his childhood, when he would come home from school and "roll up [his] sleeves" to help his mother in the kitchen, an experience that has undoubtedly shaped his approach to the culinary arts.Today, Blaquiere maintains that same hands-on, family-oriented mentality at Tucker's Pie Co. His wife, Courtney, serves as the chief tasting officer, and his two daughters lend their support in packaging and marketing. It's a true family affair, with Blaquiere at the helm, carrying on the traditions and values instilled in him from a young age.

Elevating the Humble Pie

At the heart of Tucker's Pie Co. is Blaquiere's mission to elevate the humble pie to new heights. Drawing inspiration from the savory pies of England and Australia, he has crafted a menu that showcases the versatility and gourmet potential of this beloved comfort food."Here in the states you have chicken pot pies and we elevated it to a greater experience," Blaquiere explains. Each 14-ounce personal-size pie is made-to-order, featuring unique gourmet flavors and fresh, high-quality ingredients. From the classic chicken pot pie to the hearty steak and Guinness, and the tantalizing steak and red wine with caramelized onions, Blaquiere's pies offer a delightful fusion of traditional and innovative flavors.But Blaquiere's culinary creativity doesn't stop there. He also offers a vegetarian pie with rotating monthly ingredients, as well as a custom, build-your-own quiche option, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences and cravings. And to complete the pie-fect experience, Tucker's Pie Co. offers traditional sides like mushy peas, onion gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes, as well as indulgent desserts like espresso cheesecake with chocolate ganache.

Spreading the Pie-Loving Gospel

As word of Blaquiere's exceptional pies spreads, he is quickly becoming known as the "Pie Man" in his local community and beyond. The feedback he's received from customers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their delight in discovering a new and exciting take on a familiar comfort food."The most rewarding part is the feedback," Blaquiere says, noting that he's hearing the buzz about his pies in his hometown of Weston and the surrounding areas. This enthusiasm has only fueled his ambition to expand his reach, with plans to explore shipping options, secure partnerships with sporting venues, and potentially open a brick-and-mortar storefront.Blaquiere's ultimate goal is to introduce Americans to the savory world of pies, much like he experienced in England and Australia. "We're introducing something new to people who love chicken pot pies and we're hoping they will try something different," he says. With his unwavering passion, culinary expertise, and commitment to quality, Blaquiere is poised to transform the way Americans perceive and enjoy the humble pie.