GARLO’S AUSSIE PIE SHOP
AUSTRALIA’S FAVORITE FOOD HITS WESTWOOD

While you may think that Australians love beer, shrimp on the barbie, and vegemite (all stereotypes with some validity I’m sure), one thing is certain, Aussies do love them some meat pies. And now, Garlo’s Aussie Pie Shop has opened shop and is serving all kinds of meat pie goodness in Westwood Village.

Australians just can’t get enough of these hand-sized meat pies, often made out of diced or minced meat and gravy, occasionally with onion, mushrooms, or cheese. While you may want to eat a hot pie with a fork and knife, Aussies consider this walking around or on-the-go food.

I first discovered meat pies when Bronzed Aussie opened in Downtown LA, so I was really happy to learn that another meat pie shop opened on the Westside. Considered by some as the “national dish” of Australia, it is said that the Australian meat pie was invented in 1947 by L.T. McClure in a small bakery in Bendigo. Considering I’m a big pot pie fan, it was a no-brainer for me to get onboard with the meat pie craze.

During our recent visit to the Westwood pie shop, we ran the gamut tasting all kinds of savory and sensational meat pies—come on, they’re handheld sized so there’s always room for one more. While you can order your pie a la carte, the premium combo is the way to go as it comes with mashed potatoes and gravy and peas or a green salad or chips. Definitely get the mashed potatoes and gravy and peas—it’s absolutely delicious and really compliments the savory pies.

Choose from the Classic Steak Pie, which Aussies love with sauce, which is what they call ketchup, or the Fajita Chicken Pie (think killer chimichanga) or the Curry Lean Beef Pie, which has a terrific curry taste. The Spinach & Cheese Pastie is a favorite, as are the Sausage Roll, and Chicken Pie mini. And definitely save room for dessert as the Custard Tart hit the spot, but the real star is the Blueberry White Chocolate Scone (scones include jam, cream and butter). It’s unreal!

Brothers Nathan (the chef) and Sean (the former professional rugby star) Garlick have taken their little hometown pie shop into a national and iconic brand since opening in 1991. Their company bakes 35,000 pies a day in a single facility in Sydney for distribution throughout Australia where their pies are served in hundreds of hotels, cafés, schools, and sports facilities.

A big, bold bite for a small price, pies are under $4; their minis, which they call sliders (but they’re not sliders) are under $3. Considering how good these meat pies are and how affordable they are, you’ll want to get an assortment. And why not? Thank goodness these down under favorites have made their way up to us.

Garlo’s Aussie Pie Shop is located at 1010 Glendon Avenue in Westwood. Open Monday to Friday 6am to 9pm; Saturday from 8am to 9pm; Sunday 9am to 9pm. Call 310-208-3777.

Story by Jose Martinez