It’s no secret there are plenty of good pies in Australia, but Shhmoakesys Gourmet Pies at Kincumber has come out on top in Wotif’s Uniquely Aussie Awards.
Shhmoakesys took out the top gong thanks to the smoked meat filling that’s prepared over eight hours by pie-maker and business owner, Chris Oakes.
Delicate melt-in-your-mouth pastry and a generous size also made his pies a crowd favourite in the Uniquely Aussie awards, which are voted on by the general public.
“It’s great to get the award, the business is going really good and it’s turned my life upside down trying to keep up with demand, but it’s a great problem to have,” Oakes said.
He said it all started as a hobby, making pies on a Sunday trying to raise some money to help a sick friend by joining the Bouddi House Trails where people across the Peninsula sold their goodies from front yards on an honesty system.
“That’s how my name initially got out there, a friend let me use his front yard at Killcare and from there my pies got a bit of traction – and then COVID-19 hit.”
Work at his usual job folded so in the first Covid lockdown Oakes went into pie-making full-time with five local pick-up spots for customers and when things opened up again he branched out to home delivery.
“It’s just blown up – from 30 on a Sunday, to 100 at the markets and now we’re doing 1,500 to 2,000 a week,” he said.
“I’m the only full-time worker in the business but my partner helps me after her work and friends help out on weekends.
“It’s all happened a lot earlier than I expected which is good, it kind of forced my hand, and I’ve got parents and friends trying to help out to get a few things in place for me because I’m on the tools all day.”
Business is booming with more and more cafes coming on board with orders and now Oakes is looking for bigger premises and more staff.
The Wotif Uniquely Aussie Awards are based on public nominations throughout the first two weeks of September covering some favourite things to eat, see and do in Australia, including Best Hotel View, Best Island, Best Festival, Best Ice Creamery and Best Neenish Tart.
Wotif Managing Director Daniel Finch said the Awards prove that locals know best and their recommendations are often the best.
“There’s plenty to love about Australia, whether it’s quirky baked goods or breathtaking hotel views, and every year the Wotif Uniquely Aussie Awards prove just how much Aussies love sharing their local knowledge,” he said.
Sue Murray