Registration is now open for the 9th Annual KCRW ‘Good Food’ Pie Contest on Sunday, May 6, 2018 at UCLA’s Royce Quad. To enter your pies in any of the nine categories, please register here.
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the event but feel free to comment below if you don’t see yours posted.
KCRW’s ‘Good Food’ Pie Contest 2018—FAQ
What are this year’s pie categories?
- Apple
- Fruit
- Cooked Custard
- Savory
- Cream/chiffon/mousse
- Nut
- Oaxacan (inspired by photographs of Oaxacan ball games on view at the Fowler Museum)
- Vegan
- Kids (10 and under)
What should I bring the day of the pie contest?
- TWO pies: one for judging; one for public serving. Pies should be roughly 9 inches. Pie pans must be labeled with your name on the bottom.
- ONE pie utensil for public serving. We will not be providing them for contestants.
- Cooler for cream or savory pies. Cooler size cannot exceed 18” deep x 26” long.
- Sun protection: sunscreen, large sun hat or umbrella
- Water or whatever keeps you hydrated!
Are there refunds?
There are no refunds so please be sure you can participate before registering.
What can I expect after I register?
We will email all contestants on Tuesday, May 1, with your drop-off time and instructions for the day of the contest. Drop-off times will be determined by your pie category.
Contestants must check-in and deliver their pie(s) for judging at the designated time(s). There will be an artisan marketplace, baking demos, lectures and fun activities to enjoy throughout the day before the public pie tasting begins at 3:45 PM. Judges will announce the winners at 5 PM.
What size should my pie be?
We suggest using 9- to 10-inch pie pans. You will need to provide two pies: one for judging; and one for the public tasting.
If I’m making hand pies, how many should I bring?
The number of hand pies you submit should be the equivalent of two 9-inch pies. Depending on their size, that might be anywhere from four to nine individual hand pies. Please submit at least FOUR hand pies for judging.
Can I enter multiple pies?
Of course, the more the merrier! There will be separate entry fees for each category you enter a pie into.
I’m submitting a cream pie. Can I bring a cooler?
Yes, please do. We suggest using a cooler for cream or savory pies. Your cooler must be no larger than 40 quarts and should measure no more than 18 inches deep by 26 inches in length. You can store your cooler under your assigned table once you have checked in.
If you bring a cooler, you MUST label it with your name and cell phone number.
I’m making a lemon meringue pie. What category should I enter?
Lemon meringue is considered a cooked custard pie, not fruit. Pumpkin pie also falls within the cooked custard category.
Can I make a tart?
A tart is not a pie! The judging is based on pie.
I entered my pie but won’t be there to serve it. What should I do?
You will need to send someone to check in and serve your pie for you. We will not have extra staff on hand to do so for contestants.
My friend and I entered together. Can we both serve our pie?
We love collaborations, however, there is very limited room at each table for serving pies. Each pie entry will receive only one wristband for serving.* If you wish to serve together, we suggest entering more than one pie under both of your names.
*Exceptions are young children or those who may need assistance serving. Please note this when registering.
I can’t make my designated drop-off time. Can I drop my pie off later?
Due to the huge number of entries, we can only accept pies during their appropriate check-in times. If you cannot make the scheduled time, we suggest having someone check in your pie on your behalf.
Do we need to submit a recipe with our pie?
Nope…but we may ask to interview you if you win!
How do I get my pie pan back after the contest?
Disposable pie tins will be discarded. If you wish to use a non-disposable pie pan, please be sure to label the bottom with your name. You may pick up your pie pan at the check-in table after we announce the contest winners at 5:00 PM. Any pie pans not claimed by 5:45 PM will be discarded.
I missed the deadline. Can I still enter my pie?
The official deadline to enter your pie(s) is April 29 at 11:55 PM, so don’t delay! We will not accept any pies after the deadline.
Can you tell me more about the Kid’s Category?
This year, we are excited to have a Kid’s Category for all children 10 and under. Young bakers can choose from any of the 8 pie types and will be judged separately from the rest of the event.
Note: We only expect the children to bake 1 pie for this category!
We can’t wait to see and taste their masterpieces and will be judging them in both a sweet and savory category.
Can you tell me more about the Oaxacan Category?
This year we are pleased to have a Oaxacan category, based on Leopoldo Pena’s photographs of Oaxacan ball games currently on display at the Fowler Museum. Bakers who enter this category should be inspired by the tastes and designs of the Oaxacan culture.
Still have more questions?
Email events@kcrw.org and we will do our best to answer them for you.
Thank you and good luck!