Proper Pie Company is a must-stop on Richmond's Broad Street.

I feel the need to confess: I love watching baking competition shows. I love to bake as well, but it takes time, energy, patience, and a level of precision I do not always possess.  But there is a way to get the satisfaction of a “good bake” without being judged by the piercing blue eyes of Paul Hollywood: a trip to the Proper Pie Company in Richmond’s Church Hill neighborhood.  Starting at noon Thursday through Sunday, you will notice a line of calm but determined folks forming one block east of the famous St. John’s Church. Their masked faces bent to watch their phones as the line marches forward towards Proper Pie’s “piehole” (aka front door).

Cleverly reconfigured to withstand the economic blow of the pandemic, Proper Pie Company’s simple business model of serving extraordinary pie is a success. Pies are ordered online starting at 10:00 am to be picked up at the piehole between 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Plan ahead and order a Sausage Roll, Spinach, Feta, and Chickpea Roll, a slice of Sour Cream and Black Currant, and a slice of Campfire Pie for you and a couple of little buddies, then walk four blocks east and one block south to the Chimborazo Playground for a Pie Picnic Playground Party! I recommend walking over and back to work off the incredible pie … but if you need to drive, save a slice for later!