IN Toronto magazine

The Pie Shack is the best-kept secret in the Beach. A go-to cottage in the city, chock a block full of Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys novels and childhood games like Snakes and Ladders, Battleship, and Twister (I dare you), this gay-owned gem has won a cult following. Regulars seat themselves at mismatched painted wood tables or on comfy striped couches by a plate glass window. The pies are to die for. Owner Tim McConvey’s vision, warm down-home personality and brilliant choice of the elusive Norma as his pie chef clinch the deal.

“Sometimes it’s just one conversation in here,” McConvey tells a customer.  And sure enough, one  rainy night recently the place is hopping and people who have never met are passing around a smartphone playing the wacky baby YouTube video of the moment, laughing at each others’ jokes, and calling out to McConvey who’s taking orders for pies over the phone and filling teapots with more hot water.

The first tough decision of your visit — chicken or beef pot pie.  Both are bursting with flavour inside perfect pastry. There’s a delicious salad on the side to make you feel virtuous. Get one of each and take home left-overs. McConvey will write your name and reheating instructions on the box.

Then comes dessert. You can order your favourite ahead of time or just take your chances. Cherry season’s just starting — a definite recommendation. But raspberry is a must-have — divine, with or without a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream.

The choice is not simple. How to turn down pecan pie that tastes like the best, gooiest butter tart, or Wimbledon-inspired strawberry cream pie or flaky bumbleberry?
McConvey did 20 years downtown in the grind. When it wasn’t fun anymore, he decided to reinvent.

“When it gets really busy,” he says, “I just pretend it’s my parent’s house — I’m helping them with a big party, and it’s a great day.” It usually is here, with McConvey doling out delectable homemade comfort just up from the beach.