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"Best Key Lime Pie on the Planet", Charlottesville, Citizen Burger Bar Charlottesville, food, home renovation, key lime pie, one woman operation, restaurants, Virginia
I quit counting. Yes! At last annual count, two-thousand of the best key lime pies on the planet have left my inspected kitchen, made by moi, a one-woman operation since 2000— the pie was introduced in 2005!
Now mind you, I never planned this occupation. However a love of memorable food is what I exploited — in order to manage contractors during a long, and often painful 6.5 year home renovation — and delivered me to this point in life. Presently, a growing, discerning following quietly blooms in my hometown, while these pies have traveled as far north as Maine and as far south as Georgia, lovingly tucked into coolers by guardians of my KLPie.
It seems to be the crust that hooks them first, then customers order repeatedly, and then tell their friends. Then their friends become customers.
As a humble one-woman operation, I do not advertise, yet I am the first hit on Google when key lime pie Charlottesville — is searched. Ahem, awesome!
Last July one local restaurant (Citizen Burger Bar) began carrying these pies, and they continue to be the only dessert on their menu. As of last week, weekly orders increased, taunting me with the fantasy that perhaps I can stash enough pie money to 1) take a real vacation, or 2) replace my 13 YO MPV, or 3) really retire, or 4) hire garden help.
This same restaurateur plans to open a sister eatery in Clarendon (Arlington) in 2014, and already inquired if I could keep up with demand. YES! Until my final breath.
So folks, if you are reading this for the first time, and crave some of the best key lime pie on the planet, you are close. Stop by the restaurant in Charlottesville, or contact me (info on Facebook page) and order your very own. My inspected kitchen is open year round and folks come from all over the state with coolers to fill.
Those of you who follow my blog might like to see photos of the completed kitchen countertop renewal. Nice huh?

my reward for all my effort, grilled Irish cheddar cheese with Irish butter. Yum!
Where is the Guinness???
Life in the foothills of central Virginia is blissfully peaceful, allowing creativity to flow.
My mission is sustainable, my food goal memorable.
Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved
Have you started shipping pies yet? My friends and I are hungry for some in Chicago, IL!
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LOL John, just answered your email inquiry. If only…these beauties could ship commercially, I could retire a happy woman! Just now I am looking into ways to send my KLpies to Richmond…Consider this an invitation to visit Charlottesville, a first class city, albeit sleepy. To date, pie sales are over 4000 in 2015. Cheers!
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That’s very impressive Diane. Have you ever watched the “Shark Tank” TV show? Sounds like the “best key lime pie on the planet” could see a lot of doors open up to it… good luck in whichever path you take with it and thanks for visiting my site!
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Perhaps Kickstarter…although I cannot imagine going into large scale production…sometimes small is nicer. 😉
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Congrats Diane! Keep on!
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That is an amazing accomplishment. As they are truly the best, it makes sense they would sell so well. I know what you mean on ending a project, but cooking and baking are not like that at all. It is never ending which makes it a good occupation.
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So I just have to say WOW and congrats and no surprise to me! And I feel a bit sentimental that years ago Mom and I wrote that card for you saying that your pie was best on planet–I bet others have said it too! I wonder how many of those 2000 are in my tummy?! 🙂 I’d bet the highest percent of all your grateful and happy pie eaters!
Kendra
~sent via email
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I remember a poem too. 😉
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2000 pies, that’s amazing! the kitchen looks great too.
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I’ve heard about these pies for years and I REALLY would love to taste them!! That grilled cheese too!
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lovely & yummy – we’ll have to indulge in one of those – like your dreaming forward-
just remember-keep the passion, stay focused!
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I am rendered speechless and clawing desperately at the computer screen at the sight of the Best Key Lime Pie on the Planet…Diane, remember me when you become famous and super rich one day ok!!! 😀 Wow. You amaze me every single time!! Hugs, Sharon
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Sharon, how great to have a chuckle so early in the AM! Thanks for your great comments and go right ahead and send the money truck with fame driving…;-)
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I will never forget the day I received my pie… a gift of elegance, laced with
flavor beyond description. My taste buds have been spoiled for life! I now know
the meaning of the word “crave”.
If the dessert world had a president, her name would be Diane….
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Life is such an amazing journey. I have been making pies this winter as a crutch to make it to spring. I will be in Charlottesville this spring so I will search out your key lime pie…
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Congrats!!
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oh yum, I love pie. Congrats on the success!
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Looks DELICIOUS. I might have to go look in the refrigerator to see if one has magically appeared.
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Yumm! Sounds delicious, next time I’m in Charlottesville I’ll have to try it! Congrats and good work!
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Good for you, Diane! Just keep making those babies and who knows? one thing leads to another.
Love, Ann
~ some friends refuse to comment on the blog…
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I’m close by and have yet to sample the “best key lime pie on the planet.” I’ll head over the the restaurant!
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Have a slice at the Citizen Burger Bar, downtown mall, Charlottesville!
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Yum! My favorite! Wish I could get one out here in Colorado~
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Thanks for the thought… I have yet to figure shipping for the sake of those crispy crusts! 😉
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