RJ and I can’t stop obsessing over these pies. Last week, I went to Mercato Centrale and I was given the opportunity to sample two of Tina Raines’ pies: Frozen Lemon and Herb Meringue Pie and Beef and San Miguel Light Savoury Pie and since then RJ and I can’t stop thinking about these pies.
Right after I introduced myself to Tina, we bonded immediately since she shared to me that she also used to be in advertising. Advertising can get pretty crazy so it was nice to see another survivor from the industry. Haha. 
She later revealed that her love for pies began when she and her husband lived in Australia. Unlike in the Philippines, it’s so normal to eat pies any time of the day there. So when they came back to the country, she felt frustrated when she couldn’t find any meat pies with a good crust. Thus she decided to make and sell her own savoury pies and frozen meringue pies.
Tina was obviously very cautious about serving her pies at the right temperature as she instructed me to eat the Frozen Lemon and Herb Meringue Pie right away. Of course I couldn’t say no to a good pie so I was more than willing to eat it right away. I think I was too obedient that I finished it in under 5 minutes. 
Of course I shared a few bites with my sister and with RJ. Right after my sister tasted it, she rushed off to Tina’s Pie Outlet to try their other pies. She’s an instant Tina’s Pie convert.
I loved how strong the citrus and herby taste of this cold pie that finishes off with a creamy frothy meringue. I fell in love with it even more when I found out that she uses homemade ice cream for this pie. After enjoying it so much, I thought that I wouldn’t be able to find a better pie than this.
But just an hour later when I got home, I found myself happily mistaken as I unraveled the other pie that Tina handed to me, her Beef and San Miguel Light Savoury Pie. Yes, Beef and SAN MIGUEL LIGHT pie! I know!
It smelled so delicious that while we were on the way home, RJ and I cannot stop sniffing this pie. Yuuum! The moment we reached the dining table, we quickly unwrapped the pie from its paper packaging. We were simply stunned at how glorious it looked in its bright, sunny puff pastry crust.
RJ was ready to dive the knife into it before I exclaimed, “Wait, let’s take a picture of it first!” A glowing pie like this deserves some photo op! As soon as I was done taking its picture, we happily sat back and exchanged satisfied smiles with each other as we savoured this savoury pie.
Like my sister, we’re Tina’s Pie converts now and we simply can’t stop dreaming about these pies, most especially that Beef & San Miguel Light Savoury Pie. Our only problem now is bringing this pie to Mindanao with RJ for Christmas. We’re still wrapping our heads around that happy problem.
