LEWISTON — Head chef John Pulsifer has returned to the Franco Center just in time to bring back the holiday pie sale.
The menu lists 37 different pies, all made from scratch by Pulsifer, including the standard crust made with vegetable shortening, butter, flour and salt. The holiday pie sale has started, and orders are being taken by Franco Center staff.
The fillings are made from scratch, too, according to Chef John. “It’s fresh frozen fruit in the fruit-pie fillings. The Forest Fruit pie is a blend of apple, rhubarb, raspberry, and blueberry, all fresh frozen,” he said, according to a news release from the center.
Chef John is local, having grown up in Mechanic Falls and graduated from both Edward Little High School and Central Maine Vocational Technical Institute. He’s taught culinary arts at Central Maine Community College, his alma mater.
He has been well known as a chef and baker among Lewiston and Auburn restaurants over the last 55 years. Some of those restaurants include Eddie’s Diner, the Village Inn, and Eith’s Bakery. Restaurants he has owned and operated include Red’s Pizza in Mechanic Falls and Eggs-cetera in Poland.
He has been a baker and head chef at Camp Fernwood Summer Camp for Girls on Lake Thompson in Poland since 1972.
Pies can be purchased by calling 207-689-2000 or in person during box office hours between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. View the pie menu order form at francocenter.org.
The 10-inch pies are all made to order and $20 each. Orders must be received by Thursday, Nov. 16. Extra pies may not be available. Pies can be picked up between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21 or Wednesday, Nov. 22.
The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar St. Parking is in the mill lot across the street. For those who want to use the elevator, park on the Lincoln St. Alley side of the building and take the elevator to the Lower Lobby.