Houston Heights Association Pie Contest a Sweet Success Despite Hurricane Beryl | Community

The rescheduled Houston Heights Association Pie Contest brought the community together for an evening of delicious desserts and friendly competition at the historic Heights Fire Station. Originally scheduled for July 8, the July 15 event was postponed due to Hurricane Beryl, but the delay only added to the anticipation and excitement.

This year’s competition featured an impressive lineup of renowned culinary judges, including Levi Rollins of Salt & Sugar Nosherie, Delicatessen and Patisserie; Bobby Jucker of 3 Brothers Bakery; Mario-Sebastian Berry of Team Houston Food Finder; Mark Pirozzolo of A Finer Event; Sarah Johnston of Fat Cat Creamery; John Frels of Houston Heights Foodies; Buffy Scott of A La Carte Events; and Chef Vlado Kolenic of Blue Tuba.

The event kicked off at 6:30 p.m., inviting the audience to enjoy entertainment and refreshments. Broadway singer and actor David LaDuca provided the entertainment, adding a touch of Broadway magic to the evening. Guests mingled and enjoyed a variety of treats as they waited for the highlight of the evening: pie tasting.

At 7 p.m., Kayte Tipton of the Houston Heights Association welcomed everyone with a warm speech, setting the tone for an enjoyable and engaging evening. Attendees eagerly awaited door prizes and the announcement of the winning pies and bakers.

The judges then took on the difficult task of tasting and judging the entries. Each pie was evaluated based on flavor, texture, presentation and creativity. The competition was fierce, reflecting the incredible baking talent within the community. Pie categories included Sweet Pie, which included a “Berry Beryl” pie (a humorous nod to the hurricane), Fig, Apple and Germain Chocolate Pies; Savory Pie, represented by a Tourtière and a Crab Pie; and Fancy Pie, for the most beautiful pie.

After the judges deliberated, the winners were announced and the winning bakers were presented with embroidered aprons. All guests were then able to taste the creations and share in the joy of baking and appreciate the hard work and craftsmanship that went into each creation. The event was truly a community celebration.

Special thanks went to Heights contributors who made this fun and free event possible, including:

• Carol Welter and Danae Stephenson for Winning Bakers & Judges Signature Aprons
• JUBILEE’s Kristal Kirksey’s Culinary Gifts for Winning Bakers
• C&D Hardware, Boulevard Realty’s Anna Marmuscak and Bill Baldwin Win Awards
• Kevin Chenevert of Green Swallow Creations for Champion T-shirts
• Pop-up Lemonade by Smash & Squeeze, founded by François Pointeau

The historic Heights Fire Station at 107 West 12th Street, built in 1914 at a time when Houston still relied on horse-drawn fire wagons, provided the perfect venue for the fun gathering. Its historic charm added to the festive atmosphere, creating a memorable backdrop for the pie-eating contest.

The Houston Heights Association Pie Contest not only showcased the culinary talents of local bakers, but also reinforced the community spirit that defines the Heights. The event was a testament to the resilience and camaraderie of the neighborhood, which came together to celebrate despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Beryl.

For more information about upcoming events and activities hosted by the Houston Heights Association, visit houstonheights.org. Don’t miss out on upcoming festivities and opportunities to engage with your local community!