Cornish Pasty Co.: Main Course Pastry

by Mike Hunter

Cornish Pasty Co.

Growing up in Saltash, Cornwall, the westernmost county in England, Dean Thomas, founder of Cornish Pasty Company, was introduced to this famed food — the pasty. Thomas’ first restaurant in Tempe was a local favorite, and he has expanded now to other parts of the Valley, including a bungalow-style location in Old Town Scottsdale.

The scrumptious dish is a virtual “pastry package” that can be filled with just about anything that sounds appealing to the palate. Thomas’ menu includes some incredible traditional choices and some outlandishly delicious variations. The Oggie, the original pasty, is made with steak, potatoes, onion and rutabaga with a side of red wine gravy or ketchup. The Lamb and Mint includes fresh mint, lamb, potatoes, rutabaga and onion and also comes with the red wine gravy. A certain favorite is the Chicken Pot Pie made with chicken, carrots, red potatoes, green beans and celery, baked in a thyme chicken gravy. A fan favorite is the Rosemary Steak or Chicken that is savory with marinated meat, roasted red potatoes, brie, roasted red peppers and fresh rosemary with a side of mustard cream sauce.

On the lighter side is the Greek or Chicken Greek made with spinach, fresh mozzarella, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, artichokes and roasted garlic that comes with a side of tahini or tzatziki sauce. Homemade soups are made fresh daily and are heartier soups perfect for this time of year. Also enjoy a salad made with the freshest of vegetables and ingredients, like the Greek Salad or the Chicken Tikka Salad made with marinated chicken breast that has been baked in Indian spices, diced and sprinkled over romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and red onions, served in a mint-yogurt dressing.

Each location is unique in look and style. The Tempe location is rustic and unpolished while the Scottsdale location is newly-built in a shaker-style bungalow-look that is bright and very comfortable. The service is casual and all about getting patrons what they want. Substitutions are near impossible as all of the pasties are pre-made and baked to order. The bar is open at each location, with very good beer and wine lists and other libations that will entice an evening visit for sure.