Forks up, Phoenix! Chow Bella and Roosevelt Row present the fifth annual Pie Social from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, November 15, at the "What Should Go Here" Pop Up Park at Second and Roosevelt streets. We've got an all-star lineup of bakers making pies for you to taste, and from now till Pie Social, we'll introduce them to you, one by one through a quick Pie.Q. quiz to test their baking prowess.
Today: Joshua Nelson of Jobot Coffee
This might be Joshua Nelson's first time throwing down at Pie Social, but as a two-time Chile Pepper Festival champion, he knows how to compete. His strategy this year is to go for something unusual, but familiar in his pie recipe. That way people will feel comfortable trying it, but will still experience something new.
Although Jobot is Nelson's first spot baking in Phoenix, he's worked in many kitchens in Portland, Oregon and has a degree in pastry. Having been with the coffee shop and restaurant for about three of the four years Jobot has been open, he's ready to represent the downtown Phoenix shop in the celebrity baking challenge. He says he has no expectations for the event right now, but you can expect something new and different from his pies, which he says have yet to have a bad review from anyone who has tried them.
See also: Chris Collins of Grassroots Kitchen and Tap: Pie Social Celebrity Bakers 2014
It's 15 minutes until Pie Social and you drop a pie: What do you do? Shrug my shoulders. I'd just keep going-- probably laugh.
What's the single most important tool in pie making? A cold table.
What's the most important ingredient in a pie crust? Butter.
What's the secret to the perfect fruit filling consistency? Proper cooking of whatever starch you're using.
Hand pie, pie in a jar, or no mini pies EVER? I like them all.
What's on your pie-making playlist? Childish Gambino, Black Keys.
What will be the next big pie trend? More portable pies.
You have to make 100 pies in 5 hours. Who you gonna call for help? Parris (Wallace of Jobot).
How do you spend your down time while your pies are in the oven? Cleaning.
In one word, what's your strategy for competing as a celebrity baker this year? Consistency.
