Restaurant wins pie awards

A restaurant in Killcare has taken home four medals in this year's Great Aussie Pie Competition.

Local chef Mr Mike Stride of The Fat Goose said he was surprised to win some major accolades on his very first attempt at the national pie championships.

With more than 1500 entries, the Great Aussie Pie Competition had turned into one of the nation's greatest and most competitive culinary events, according to Mr Stride.

"It may lack the glitz of the high flying TV chiefs or glossy magazines but the competition strikes a chord into the hearts and bellies of most Australians," Mr Stride said.

"We took out one silver medal for our Beef and Massaman Curry Pie and three bronzes for our Chicken, Leek and Black Truffle Pie and another French inspired Toulouse Sausage and Cassoulet beans."

Mr Stride specialises in the gourmet section, all made fresh from his modest kitchen in Killcare.

"I just love making pies," Mr Stride said.

"To me it's one of life's great pleasures, next to eating them."

Mr Stride, who describes himself as a "two pie pommy", attributes much of his recent success to his wife Sarah.

Mr Stride said he is already being encouraged by locals to make a return to the competition next year with new and as yet unrevealed "secret recipes".

Press release, 15 Sep 2010 Mike Stride, The Fat Goose