I have so much to tell you. I couldn’t wait to write this post. But I had to think of the perfect recipe first. And then I got it. Key lime pie with silky meringue topping. Hands down my favorite pie. When something good happens and I want to celebrate with pie, this is the pie for me.
And something good did happened! We found our spot. The little corner of the world where our restaurant, Little Mac, will soon be a reality. I was losing hope for a while there, thinking we’d never find the right fit. But we did, and it feels like the glass slipper. The best part? We bought it. We’re going to own commercial real estate. And a restaurant. Can you believe it? Good, because I’m still waiting for someone to pinch me.
Little Mac: 400 40th Street Oakland, CA 94609
Here I am, stupidly attempting to photograph the inside of the building through the window. Obviously this didn’t work.
Our doors. Can’t wait till they open for the first time. Also can’t wait to take down the “for sale” signs.
A small glimpse of the inside, again through the window. As you can see, we’re starting with a blank canvas. Nothing but concrete and windows.
We are closing escrow in 30 days, and then it’ll be ours (cross your fingers nothing goes wrong). Maybe by then we’ll have plans in place, and begin construction shortly after. If we’re super lucky, we’ll open in October, but most likely November.
The lunacy we encountered before finding this space was astounding. Tell me, why do the craziest, greediest people own buildings in the most desirable locations? We almost signed on a spot in uptown Oakland. Right there on the hottest block in town (hey Oaklanders, you know where I mean). But we didn’t, because the landlord is insane. She lied about square footage, the price per month, wouldn’t guarantee us an extension, and put no ceiling on how much rent she could charge us. Pretty much wanted us to put our life savings into her building, and then kick us out. She warned us, saying “We’ll never win with logic,” and that “She always wins.” Apparently we also acted like first grade teachers. That’s right, teachers. I’m assuming she meant it as an insult.
Good riddance crazy lady.
Enough bitterness. Let’s talk pie. This is the Cook’s Illustrated key lime pie, made with the Italian Meringue they suggest for the Lemon Pie. I love any key lime pie recipe that doesn’t have heavy cream. Nothing against cream, but it doesn’t need it. No key limes though, so I guess that means this is just lime pie.
Since I was celebrating, this had to be over-the-top indulgent. That meant mounds of thick, fluffy, super silky meringue. Spin it in your stand mixer for 12 whole minutes, and try not to eat it all before piling it onto your pie. If you don’t have a torch, a quick stint in the oven gently browns and crisps the peaks while keeping the inside softer than a homemade marshmallow.
Anyway, soon Little Mac will have its own home on the web, along with a sleek logo, facebook and twitter pages and maybe even its own blog. I’ll keep you posted. But for now, celebrate with me, and eat some pie.
Key Lime Pie with Meringue Topping
Cook time: 1 hour Adapted from Cook’s Illustrated
Lime Filling
4 teaspoona grated lime zest
1/2 cup lime juice from fresh limes (About 4 limes)
4 egg yolks
14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
Crust
11 graham crackers, processed to fine crumbs
3 tablespoons organic cane sugar
5 tablespoons melted butter
Topping
½ cup water
1 cup organic cane sugar
4 large egg whites
Pinch of salt
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Whisk zest and yolks in medium bowl until tinted light green (about 2 minutes). Beat in milk, then juice. Set aside at room temperature to thicken.
Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat whites at medium-low speed until frothy, about 1 minute. Add salt and cream of tartar and beat, gradually increasing speed to medium-high, until whites hold soft peaks, about 2 minutes. With mixer running, slowly pour hot syrup into whites (avoid pouring syrup onto whisk or it will splash). Add vanilla and beat until meringue has cooled and becomes very thick and shiny, 10-12 minutes.
Using rubber spatula, mound meringue over pie, making sure meringue touches edges of crust. Use spatula or your fingers to create peaks all over meringue. Bake until peaks turn golden brown, about 6 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and cool to room temperature.
Where I shopped:
Limes, cream of tartar, organic graham crackers, condensed milk: Whole Foods, Berkeley
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Congratulations! How wonderful. Crazy lady isn’t worth a second thought. You have a wonderful and exciting future ahead and we can’t wait to follow you on this journey. Such a beautiful pie for a memorable occasion. Cheers!
‘Never tell me the sky’s the limit, when there’s foot prints on the moon’ (Anon)
YAY – for Little Mac!
Jumping up and down and doing a little dance for you all xx
Congratulations! I can’t wait to follow you in this exciting new adventure!
Your post literally gave me chills… the very, very, very good kind! So many congratulations to you and your husband!
And you know what? Crazy landlord lady has NO idea that you have a country full of already loyal customers just waiting for you to open Little Mac… your gain.
Very exciting news!! Best of luck and keep us posted!
Wheee!! How exciting!
How wonderful. I’m seeting on the edge of my seat waiting to see you next step. Good luck with everything.
That’s really great news. It’s great to see people staying on the beam and following their dream. I’v no doubt that you will be adding a very cool space to Oaktown. I’m looking forward to the mac.
When is your target opening date? Maybe Peter and I can fly across country opening day! Congrats. So exciting!!
Yay, yay, yay! Love the photo of you outside trying to get a peek inside. I’m so, so happy for you, Allison. It always makes me smile when good things happen to good people and I had a feeling this would work out. The space looks super bright and airy and how awesome that you’re not dependent on anyone else’s terms. Big huge congratulations. Drinks are in order (soon!)
Allison, I (we) are so happy for you. This is fantastic news and I cannot wait to see the transformation of Little Mac. If you need any help let us know – we are handy that way!
I’m so happy for you! Congratulations on this Little Mac milestone! And I’m so glad you didn’t give your life savings away to the crazy landlady.
Now, for Little Mac, I can already see people sitting by the window and enjoying some good food and conversation. At 400 40th. I love that I already have the address memorized. One more reason for me to finally head to Oakland.
Hope the good news just continue to arrive!
beautiful news and beautiful pie, the place you’ve found looks as flooded with light and delight as your pictures and food.
Tanti auguri a voi
How terrific, congratulations! And I love that you celebrate with pie, it’s perfect. How great to have something to look forward to this fall.
Oh my goodness… so wonderful… I am so looking forward to eating at Little Mac on your opening. I <3 mac and cheese, and love your blog… so the best combo ever.
Awesome. Good things are worth waiting for. And, I’m excited too to try this pie. My husband just started a business and it took him quite a while to find that perfect space. Cheers to both you and he.
Yay! I just started reading this blog last week- after a friend recommended it to me- and the best part is that I work about 5 blocks from your Little Mac location! I see those for sale signs almost every day. Congrats, and good luck with the next steps!
Good things will happen once that restaurant is up and running! I see it now…
Great post, allison!
Congratulations, Allison. So exciting! And let’s hear it for first-grade teachers, too.
I am so glad you found the right spot. I am SO excited for you!! The pie looks amazing. Key lime is Josh’s favorite. His birthday is in a few weeks, I will have to make him this pie!
I just found your blog and it looks like huge congratulations are in order. Wow! What an exciting time for you and your partner.
If you have not yet found a contractor for your tenant improvements, I can help direct you. Will have to invite my friends when your restaurant opens. Congrats again!
Congrats! Can’t wait to see it all come together when I go to CA. BTW, love the picture of you taking picture on the building window.
very exciting
oh such great news! congrats to you guys! What fun it will be to start from nothing, and make it everything youve wanted. You are going to be a great success, cant wait to watch the process. cheers to you.
Ooh, can’t wait for the grand opening. Mac is MY FAVORITE!!!!!!!
its amazing how ignorant some people can be….and believe they are right…you have to wonder how they have lived as long as they have……take comfort in the fact that most of these people hate their lives and are truly miserable and the only joy they ever feel is by trying to make other people cower to them…..what a joke..
but on the positive note….your pie looks incredible!!!
its amazing how much a good pie can change your whole outlook on life…
keep pluggin away and everything good will come to you….
All The Best
Dennis
Exciting, crazy, and beautiful pie.
OMG. That’s only three blocks from my house. MY DAY IS TOTALLY MADE.
What a crazy #$%&*! Anyway, congratulations! This pie looks great!
Yay, yay, and yay again! I am so excited for you guys. Good for you for not falling into the crazy landlord trap – that will give you nothing but a big giant headache. Opening a business is hard enough without dealing with that. Can’t wait to hear more about the progress and the menu!
Congratulations, how exciting! Wish I lived in the area so I could visit your restaurant when it opens. Also, this pie looks stunning and perfect for a sunny spring day! Thanks for the recipe.
hurrah! That’s walking distance from my apartment (and for several of my friends, as well)! If you need reader sweat equity, be sure to post it!
that is amazing congrats! and what a delicious looking pie!
That looks like the perfect pie for celebrations! Congratulations on Little Mac!
Yipeeeeeee! Congrats on finding the perfect space and a landlord you don’t want to kill! I cannot wait to dine at Little Mac.
Love lime desserts!!! Congratulations and good luck, Allison!
That’s an awesome location. Looking forward to it!
Mac and cheese with a cappuccino chaser. 
Woo hoo!! Loved hearing about your project at the Canvas Underground dinner last month and now enjoy your blog so much. I can’t wait for Little Mac!!
Samantha
Congratulations! I know the first place I am going to go next time I am in the Oakland area… What a beautiful pie!
Congratulations! I am so happy for you. Can’t wait to come and visit the restaurant!
Sending you the very best wishes from Kentucky in following your dream.
Stumbled upon Local Lemons while looking for recipes and I’ve been following you for the past few months. I’m so happy for you and your new endeavor. LOVE the name you chose, and if Little Mac is as beautiful as your recipes, photos and writing … it will be a hit. Seattle is not that far from Oakland, so who knows? Maybe I’ll get to sample your menu sometime. Best of luck to Little Mac!
Congrats! Wish you could have joined us but best of luck in your new locale. Let me know when you have the grand opening party.
I live right around the corner from your new spot and we are excited to have you in the neighborhood! I can’t wait to walk over for dinner.
Deliciously light. I lik e pies, and nothing beats simple pies for a good celebration.
Congrats, and can’t wait to see how your outlet works out in the future.
Made this pie with my 10 year old daughter. We had the time of our lives and my wife and son enjoyed this fabulous pie with us. We shopped for a new beautiful pie plate and all the ingredients and had a great day in the kitchen together. Thanks for the inspiration!
i’m looking forward to your opening. (btw, a polarizing filter will help with “seeing through” reflections for photos.)
I google searched looking for a simple key lime recipe and ended up with your fun blog! How exciting!! I love your passion about your new place as I hope to open a bakery sometime in my life and know I’ll have equal excitement! Thanks for showing everyone how good it feels to go after and accomplish your goals…and for sharing your recipes (I’m baking it later:])
I can’t wait for MW3 to come out for DS!!
Thank you for imparting those important, trustworthy, explanatory and as well as easy thoughts on the topic.