Contest seeks best apple pie in Lisle

Bakers pick your apples, dust off your recipes and get your rolling pins ready.

Register by Wednesday, Aug. 1, for the “Best Apple Pie in Lisle Contest” for a chance to have your winning recipe featured for the entire month of August at a leading restaurant in town.

The apple pie contest is a new addition to the second annual Great American BBQ from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at Wheatstack — A Midwestern Eatery & Tap, 5900 Route 53, Lisle, at the same address as the River Bend Golf Club.

“It’s just something local we thought people would enjoy,” said Wheatstack’s general manager Todd Shamberg. “We don’t normally have apple pie but apple pie is an American pie. For the Great American BBQ, we thought it would be a good choice.”

Bakers have until Aug. 1 to submit their registration form along with $5 to Lisa Leone at the Lisle Park District, 1925 Ohio St., Lisle. Only 20 registrations will be accepted, but bakers may enter as many different apple pies as they want.

Contest rules are at the www.WheatstackLisle.com/events and the rules are strict. Only two-crust pies made from scratch accepted. No canned fillings, frozen pie crusts or mixes allowed. The pies must be dropped off by 2 p.m. Saturday at Wheatstack for a 3 p.m. judging.

The pies will be evaluated on the basis of appearance, crust, flavor, filling and creativity by a panel of judges that includes Wheatstack executive chef Tim Dowling, Lisle Park District Commissioner Debra Morse and two surprise judges. The winning pie recipe will be featured on Wheatstack’s menu during August.

Wheatstack also will show off some of its other menu items during the Great American BBQ. The event was dampened by rain last year, but Shamberg said he’s hoping for a better turnout this year.

“We’re looking to get more exposure for the restaurant,” he said.

Admission is free and entertainment includes pie in the face for park district staff, a raffle and silent auction. Tomorrow’s Alliance, winners of the Lisle Park District Battle of the Bands contest, perform from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday Band, whose members include Lisle village trustee Ken Modaff, play from 7 to 10 p.m.

“They’re a local band that has a local following,” Shamberg said.

And come away knowing who makes the best apple pie in town.