For many Australians, almost nothing beats the satisfying, flakey goodness of a traditional meat pie. Lucky for Aussies living in Alberta (and anyone else who appreciates a savoury pastry), Georgie’s Cafe in Nanton is baking up authentic pies from Down Under. Owner Georgie Neylon — an Aussie transplant — surrounds her savoury fillings, including beef and cheese, and pork and apple, with a buttery pie crust and tops them with crispy puff pastry. Plan to visit on a Friday: it’s when Georgie typically offers special pie flavours, and it’s the only day of the week her picture-perfect pavlovas piled high with whipped cream and fresh fruit are available.
Driving distance from Calgary: 1 hour southeast
Bring home: Pick up a few extra pies (pre-ordering via email is recommended), or sausage rolls, to stock your freezer, so the next time you have a craving, you won’t have to make the drive.
Take a detour: Work up an appetite — or walk off the meat pies you just ate — in Vulcan, a.k.a the Star Trek Capital of Canada, located 30 minutes northeast of Nanton. See the starship Enterprise replica, take a selfie in front of the mural of the Star Trek doctors or go a step further and plan your trip around Vul-Con, the town’s annual Star Trek convention, taking place this year from June 10 to 12 (vulcantourism.com).
2109 20 St., Nanton, georgiescafe.ca