THE KEY INGREDIENT
BAKE DESSERT CO., 2700 DUFFERIN ST.
The Argos’ season starts up this month, but with his playing days over, Michael “Pinball” Clemons, CFL Hall of Famer and former Argos standout, has more time to reflect on the finer things in life, pie among them.
“When it comes to key lime pie, I’m more of a traditional guy. You don’t have to work hard for it,” says Clemons. “Growing up in Florida, we were used to fruit — the oranges, the limes — right off the tree.” The dessert works for its simplicity and authenticity: a crumble crust, a light tartness and not overwhelmed by whipped cream or extraneous toppings. Touchdown!
Price: $30 for full pie, Bake Dessert Co. (also available at 7 Numbers, 516 Eglinton Ave. W.)
Click here to watch Pinball picks T.O.'s best key lime pie
FIRST RUNNER-UP
Joe’s Stone Crab, 11 Washington Ave., Miami Beach
“Sweet and tart, that’s good, and not too creamy,” says Clemons. He applauds the crumble crust and simple filling, which makes the offering from the venerable Joe’s Stone Crab (available in Toronto at House of Chan, 876 Eglinton Ave. W.) a near winner. Price: $62
TEXTURED TREAT
Wanda’s Pie in the Sky 287 Augusta Ave.
“For a pie that is as tall as me, this is the one,” says Clemons with a smile. The texture is smooth but with tiny bits inside, “like OJ with pulp.” The moist pie crust gives it a delicious base, but it’s not enough to unseat the frontrunners. Price: $19.75
CHOCOLATE CHAMP
Phipps Desserts 1875 Leslie St., Unit 21
The chocolate crust is good, but maybe best left to a proper chocolate cake, as it overwhelms the key lime flavour here. The electric green colour is a cool touch, but a bit too far removed from the traditional key lime pie Clemons is used to. Price: $41.95
LEMON OR LIME?
La Rocca 10 Via Renzo Dr.
“When I think of key lime pie, I don’t think of lemon meringue,” which is what this fluffy confection reminds Clemons of. Plus, with its whipped cream topping, Clemons says it’s more of a candy than a pie. Price: $24.78
