My Pasty

Grandma's Beef Pasty. 10/8/24 dwm

The first thing you should know is what to call it. 

It's a past - tee, not a pay-stee (that's something else entirely).

When we arrived in Sault Ste. Marie (Soo Saint Marie), we saw the Yoopers Pasty Company. We stopped to check it out and learned they were only selling frozen pasties, not ones fresh from the oven.

I returned the next day on my bike ready and willing to try one. By the way, a yooper is what people living in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P.) call themselves.

 I told the man behind the counter this would be my first pasty. He suggested their traditional Grandma's Beef Pasty. They didn't have any ready, but a pan was in the oven that would be ready to eat in 26 minutes.

 The pasty is baked inside a flaky, buttery pocket of bread that would be delicious no matter what was inside. Here's what was inside mine: beef, potatoes, onions, carrots, and rutabaga.

 As far as I know, October 8, 2024 was the first time I ate rutabaga. Just in case, they suggested using ketchup for dipping, after I sliced it in half.

 Steam poured out of the pocket bread when I cut into it and bits of potato, carrot, onion, rutabaga, and beef spilled into the small tray (photo below right). 

 The first bite was positive. It was warm and tasty. the rutabaga was distinct because I didn't recognize the flavor. I'd describe it as  'off.'

Before the first bite... Yoopers Pasty Co. 10/8/24 dwm

If I could custom-order a pasty, I'd leave out the rutabaga, but that's not an option when ordering. 

It was filling. I really liked the bread. I couldn't figure out how to add ketchup like I would a hamburger, so I ate most of it without. 

After I finished, the man encouraged me to come again.  It is unlikely we'll get back to Sault Ste. Marie any time soon, so I probably can't return. I am willing to eat another patsy again someday.

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