Community & Pie: A Beautiful Combination

By Susan Martin

Alright, Delmarva…Have you ever visited Vienna, Md.? 

It’s a tucked-away town located on our gorgeous Eastern Shore that many may not know about. You’ve probably seen the sign on Rt. 50, but maybe have never taken the exit. Well… you’re missing out folks (there, I said it!). 

Known as the “Gateway to the Nanticoke,” you’ll certainly find an abundance of water. But, you’ll also find a quaint yet blossoming community and… pie. (Queue the drooling)

This weekend is supposed to be a gorgeous one, so make sure you plan out your activities to include the One Year Anniversary Celebration at Mandala Pies in Vienna, Md. If you’ve been before, make sure you go to support your favorite, locally-owned pie shop. If you’ve never had the opportunity to swing by or try some of their delightful desserts, then you, friend, have an adventure to take this weekend.

On Sunday, October 3, Mandala Pies will be celebrating their one-year post-grand opening from 11am-4pm at their shop. They wanted to gather to thank their community for supporting their business and family. There will be live music from 1-4pm, so bring a chair or blanket, find a space on the lawn and relax for the afternoon. There will also be yard games, food trucks, pumpkin painting and coloring activities for the kiddos, and … PIE! The event is free and there is no obligation … you don’t have to buy pie, just “come and hang out.” (But, trust me … you’ll want to snag a slice of pie!)

You can expect a wide array of pie flavors available, so there is certain to be something for everyone in your entourage. Here are a few flavors you might find at their One Year Celebration: Key Lime, Strawberry Lemon (it tastes just like strawberry lemonade - the kids love it), Salted Caramel Crumb Apple Pie (hello fall!), Honey Custard Pie, Banana Cream, Chocolate, and so many more. 

When owner Caitlin LaComb was going through the flavors with me, my reaction was always “yummm.” But when she said the words “Pumpkin Latte Pie”… this is where I began salivating. All my pumpkin fanatics, listen up. It’s a pudding-style pumpkin pie, thick and creamy, with… wait for it… coffee whipped cream. Wow…YUM!

The pies at Mandala Pies aren’t all sweet though (say what?). They have savory pies too such as a veggie quiche and a bacon and cheddar quiche. I also asked Caitlin if there were any new seasonal flavors she might be unveiling, but she kept hush-hush (She wouldn’t reveal any flavor secrets. I tried ya'll!) In addition to their delicious pies, they offer freshly brewed Rise Up coffee to accompany your slice.

So pack the car, grab your shades and head over to Vienna, Md. this Sunday for a chill, family-friendly community party at Mandala Pies. In honor of the upcoming baking season, they are even giving away a really nice KitchenAid mixer.

And you’ll want to come back in November.

There will be a community 5K run/walk happening in Vienna, Md. on November 6, 2021. Entitled “Race Through Historic Vienna 5K,” this laid-back event is open to everyone. Bring your friends and family, and even your dog, to stroll (or sprint) through the 3.1 miles around beautiful, historic Vienna. “We hope this race encourages folks to see that Vienna, Md. exists, and encourages them to come back on their own in the future,” said Caitlin. 

The registration fee is $30 and you can sign up on the Mandala Pies website or directly with the race. The entry fee gets you race day activities, a race tee shirt, coupons to local businesses, and of course… pie. There will also be a bounce house for the kids, a DJ, and food. There has never before been a 5K in the town of Vienna, Md, so this will be an exciting first!

So, where did Mandala Pies come from?

It all started with a Key Lime Pie in Virginia.

Caitlin was fresh out of the Army and, expecting her first child, decided to be a stay-at-home mother. Annually, she and her husband would take an anniversary trip (usually somewhere tropical). In 2017, they weren’t able to make the trip. So Caitlin decided to make a special, tropical pie for her husband Mikey to celebrate instead. She did, and… it was terrible. Determined to get it right, she made somewhere around 24 versions of that pie in about 24 hours. (That’s dedication!) After many trials and a messy kitchen in their small apartment, she had a final product. The verdict was … Mikey loved it, and encouraged her to sell it. 

She called around to the Farmer’s Markets in her local area… and sadly, literally, all of them said “no.” She branched out a little further about 30 minutes into the next town, and she got a “yes.” At that point, there were around 15 weeks left in the market season. Every week until the end of the season, Caitlin sold out of pie… And that’s where their adventure began.

After winning business competitions and being invited to bake in a brewery’s commercial kitchen, they decided to become dedicated to searching for a place of their own.

They were still living in Virginia, just outside of D.C. during this time. Caitlin’s dad, living in Salisbury, Md., was the one that came across the listing for the sweet shop they have now. This building just seemed to be “the one,” as it kept becoming available and showing up in their searches. One day, she drove to the Shore to lay eyes on the building in person. It was like a love story. “It was truly love at first sight,” Caitlin recalls. She added, “Something about the building, the area and the community just 'felt right'.” They settled in January 2020, and began work at revitalizing the shop.

“Baking has totally changed our lives, and we are excited to share it with others,” said Caitlin. 

Mandala Pies opened their doors on March 7, 2020. A few days later, the pandemic struck. While they remained open, the idea they had of the community gathering in and around their pie shop had to be adjusted. Mikey built a pie window where guests could walk up to grab a slice of pie. (Imagination check… Are you imagining the cartoons where characters are admiring the pie cooling on the window sill?) This pie window has been a staple and culture-builder for their business.

The culture they’ve built as a team is one that encompasses togetherness and community… something at the heart of owner Caitlin LaComb. They have an awesome small, hardworking team that loves to bake delectable pies and serve its community. “Having a killer team in place has allowed me to work more on community building and togetherness, and I’m loving it,” said Caitlin.

Be on the lookup for more upcoming events at Mandala Pies… Christmas, Easter and many more community events are sure to be on the calendar.

Visit www.beautifulpiesforbeautifulpeople.com/ for flavors, business hours and more information. You’ll find the sweet little pie shop at 115 Old Ocean Gateway, Vienna, Md. 21869.