You don’t have to be from Florida to know that key lime pie ranks among the most refreshing and delectable American desserts found anywhere. What you may not realize, however, is that first-rate key lime pie is accessible right here in Cary. Fortunately, this tasty treat is a staple on the menu at Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits, the popular Caribbean-flared eatery located in Tryon Village.
“People often tell us ours is the best key lime pie they’ve ever tasted,” said Ryan Pilz, the restaurant’s managing partner and chief good times engineer. “It’s our biggest selling dessert — and for good reason. It’s absolutely delicious.”
Pilz explained that when Chris Tucker joined the Ruckus staff as chef, Tucker casually mentioned that he made a “pretty decent” key lime pie. “At first, I didn’t have high expectations,” Pilz said, “but after I took the first bite, I knew it was going to be a showcase dessert for us.”
What makes this scrumptious concoction stand apart?
“We always use fresh lime juice, homemade whipped cream and a Nilla wafer and butter crust,” said Tucker, a Virginia native who has lived in North Carolina for more than 20 years and has worked his way through the Triangle-area culinary circuit.
Tucker, who presides over the Ruckus kitchen with meticulous focus, respectfully declined to reveal the secret recipe for his namesake pie. Even so, he managed to wax eloquently about the essence of his creation. “It has a nice balance between sweetness and tartness, and it’s made with love all the time,” he said with a smile.
Each slice costs $4.50 and is served with a flavorsome raspberry puree and then topped with a lime wedge for a picture-perfect presentation.
Whole pies are available for $30. Just call in your order 24 hours ahead of when you need it. “Chef Tucker makes pies all the time, so they are always fresh,” Pilz said. “We also have a key lime martini if you really want to go all out.”
Looks like summer just got a whole lot better.
Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits
8111-208 Tryon Woods Drive (Tryon Village), Cary
(919) 851-3999
www.ruckuspizza.com
Have a particular Exclusive Dish you’d like to see? Let us know! Comment or email editor@carymagazine.com.
