Now That's a Good Grape Pie!

The owner of Monica’s Pies in Naples, New York indulges in serious understatement when she observes in her brochure that wineries in the Finger Lakes Region of Western New York lost interest in Concord grapes as their businesses sought to compete with other areas such as California.

Understandably! Concord grapes are the stuff of grape jelly not award winning wines. I first talked with Monica in 2004 when the Pfaltzgraff Pottery Company selected her famous grape pie to promote their new Perfect Pie Pan. At that time Monica shipped the pies all over the country including one to Dining Around. It was delicious and we invited Monica to join us on a Saturday broadcast; an interview I ended with a promise to visit if my travels took me to or near Naples, New York.

Visit I did during my recent Fiftieth Anniversary of High School Graduation trip to Western New York. Monica has a roadside shop in Naples and her entire family beginning with husband Greg contributes to the lively operation turning out the famous grape pies (alas no longer shipped although grape pie kits are), take-away baked goods, jams and jellies.

The jams, jellies, grape pie filling and pie crust mix are shipped. I ordered a supply of jams and jellies shipped while visiting and I’m now working my way through them starting with the Concord grape jam, Niagra grape jelly and a sensational strawberry rhubarb. You can order on line at monicaspies.com or call 1-585-374-2139. Monica’s Roadside Shop is on Route 21 in Naples, New York.