I did some research on the Internet before we began our vacation, looking for things to do if it rained. I saw a reference to Joe’s Pasty Shop, which claims the distinction of making pasties famous as “the” food of choice in the U.P.
When we found the place, it didn’t look very promising.
The inside didn’t look much better. There were six booths and a few stools along the counter.
The menu was as follows:
Traditional — beef, potatoes and onions (available without onions) — $3.75
Cornish — beef, potatoes, onions and rutabagas — $4.25
Finnish — beef, potatoes, onions, rutabagas and carrots — $4.50
Veggie & Cheese — green beans, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, celery, mushrooms, carrots and cheese — $5.00
Breakfast — eggs, ham, bacon, potatoes, onions and cheese — $5.00
That was the menu, but a woman walked out of the back and said, “We have traditionals available right away, but any of the others will take a half hour to fix.” We all ordered traditionals.
This was the first time I’ve ever ordered a pasty when I wasn’t offered gravy. It was also the first pasty I’ve ever had that didn’t need gravy. The crust was so good, I would have eaten and enjoyed it without the filling. Incidentally, if you haven’t been to the U.P., pasty rhymes with nasty.
