** This restaurant is now closed. **
Touting themselves as Alberta's first plant-based pizzeria, the name 'Die Pie' seems a bit funny to me. (Isn't it ironic, don't you think?) From what I understand, it's a purposeful choice. For vegans and non-vegans alike, they're really just trying to make pizza that's to die for.
Over the last year or so, plant-based foods have been having a *moment* in Edmonton's dining scene. Instead of being forced to order the same old green salad or grilled veggie entree, restaurants are getting more creative, with some catering exclusively to vegans and vegetarians.
Making pizza more accessible to this dining demographic is Die Pie, who opened on Jasper Avenue back in the fall of 2017. They're also located a couple doors down from An Chay, another vegetarian (and vegan-friendly) establishment. I met up with MH at the restaurant in December when she was back in town for a catch-up lunch.
Seating felt a bit tight, but only because the restaurant was almost running at full capacity. Staff are really friendly though and quick to check up on you and refill water glasses.
MH started with the oyster mushroom chowder ($7.00/bowl) with dashi kombu, organic corn, and bacon parmesan. It had a thick, whipped texture but because they don't have the luxury of using milk or cream, I did find the chowder to taste a bit watery.
For her pizza, MH went for the feature, the Oktoberfest ($22.00). Savoury mornay sauce, Beyond Meat bratwurst sausage, sauerkraut, smoked "gouda", arugula, and dijon vinaigrette. (As this was back in December, it's no longer available but they do bring back popular features from time to time.)
The sauerkraut was actually a lot milder than I expected it to be, so everything was nicely balanced without any strong competing flavours. It wouldn't be fair to compare a meat substitute to the actual thing, so if you eat the Beyond Meat sausage without thinking it's supposed to be actual sausage, then it was more than fine.
I decided to go for their most basic pizza on offer, the margherita ($16.00) with cashew mozzarella and fresh basil. The crust is Neopolitan-style: thin, crispy, and a little chewy. They're generous with the sauce, which is thick and chunky, and well-seasoned. I was quite surprised by the "cheese" (made in-house and available for purchase) because the texture was really spot on. It had a little bit of stretch and that unmistakable melty feeling. Kudos for that.
It's funny that I walk into vegan restaurants with trepidation each time, as I'm more than satisfied walking out. Just eat your veggies kids. (Alas, it doesn't hurt when it's pizza.)
Die Pie
11215 Jasper Ave
Edmonton, AB
(780) 760-7272
- CT
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