A That's series where we ask a Beijing-based somebody to tell us five things specific to his or her life.
Wilson Hailey is a man on a mission – a mission to raise “pie awareness” in Beijing. And to that end he’s been quite successful. His hutong bakery, Rager Pie, serves up some seriously outstanding (not to mention creative) pies and excellent coffee. Coupled with things like the infamous Pieday Friday, Rager Pie has caused quite the buzz in Beijing.
As Hailey puts it, “sometimes pies just…happen.” Rager Pie started out with a simple craving for some good old-fashioned pie. The Texas native was in his 20s and living in Beijing at the time, and he was just plain desperate. So he decided to hunker down and learn how to make his own pies. With the help of a good friend who taught him the art of crust making (Hailey insists that it’s all about the Vodka) he started honing his craft. And before too long he turned his passion for American-style pies into a budding business.
Hailey took the time out of his pie-filled day to chat with us here at That’s Beijing about all things pie (oh, and coffee too).
Why pie?
Well. Beijing needs pies, and I’ve been able to provide what I can thus far. I’ll stand and provide pies to the denizens of Beijing for as long as pies are needed and my body willing.
What is your dream pie and why?
My dream pie is equality for all pies. There’s such a strong preference for certain types of pies in today’s society, and I’m fighting to make sure more people learn to love varieties they’d never considered before.
How many cups of coffee do you drink a day, and what is it that makes pie and coffee the perfect match?
Two to four? We make our coffee strong though, so probably more like four to six cups? Coffee, contrary to popular belief, is not inherently bitter. Pie, contrary to popular belief, is not universally sweet. Bitter plus sweet is already a combination that people recognize as awesome. We compound that awesome by opening people’s eyes to the myriad flavors that both coffee and pie can have. Similarly, why do wine and cheese make the perfect match? Because it’s interesting to explore the different flavors of either and even more engrossing to explore the nuances of their combination. Thus, pie and coffee are the perfect match.
Why is “DON’T RAGE ALONE” your shop’s motto?
Honestly? I used to be pretty embarrassed that DON’T RAGE ALONE became our slogan. But I’ve gotten over that. Really though. Don’t do it. It’s generally a bad idea.
What is the wildest thing that’s happened at your shop?
Ha! That’s not easy to answer. Let’s go with the time this couple came into the shop at 7am after partying all night at 金鼎轩. They ended up laying on my floor. I took them in and kept them warm and rested and caffeinated.
See listing for details about Rager Pie or read our full review here.
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