Jesters - The Jaffle Pie Co. product reviews

Location: Rototuna, Hamilton

First things first, I have to admit that I have a bit of a pie phobia, mostly caused by a lot of bad pie experiences in the past. When I first saw that Jesters Pies existed and claimed to be a gourmet, healthy pie company I decided to put my pie fears aside and give their pies ago and I have to say I'm really glad I did as there pies really are tasty.

The pies have the most yummy crisp ultra-thin light puff pastry which isn't heavy and doesn't take up most of the pie like on most traditional pies, the fillings are always so hot and tasty and you can always taste the delicious flavours which are mouthwatering and actually taste like high quality ingredients. Not only do they do meat pies, they also do vegetarian pies and dessert pies, some which are available in mini size perfect for the little people in your life. They have an array of other yummy treats on offer not just pies, they have very tasty sausage rolls and yummy hot dogs wrapped in pastry as well as chips and wedges which are also oven baked.

As well as having hot pies which are ready to eat they also have frozen pies available in packs of 2 or 4 these are perfect to have in the freezer for when you need a quick snack, and if you have a pie maker as I do these fit in perfectly so you can have a hot, crisp pie that tastes just as fresh from a store brought one in no time... perfect! When it comes to Jesters I have my favourite as most of us probably do. My pie of choice is the Spud Deluxe, a yummy mince filling, topped with lashings of creamy mashed potato, and heaps of yummy melted cheese and bacon, all enclosed in a crisp golden shell. I also quite like the sausage rolls and the chips!

The pies have fun names such as the Popeye, and the Little Miss Muffet. Jesters brings in some seasonal pies to suit the season which provide a change for regular pie customers. The pies are slightly more expensive than those of a bakery pie but when your looking at the quality you really can't compare and Jesters are totally worth it!

Location: Whangarai
Jesters pies have been around some many years now and although I have visited the store quite a few times over the years its often somewhere that I forget about when out and about in Whangarei. Possibly due to location, which although is in the middle of town, its sort of off to one side and not where I generally tend to be doing my shopping. However the great thing is now I can have these yummy morsels of goodness every week as our shop as a "pie van" which comes around local businesses delivering their pies! Genius idea, and of course come every Monday when the van turns up I can't help but buy one for lunch.

I've always been a fan of pies, not to the extreme level but I do enjoy a good pie. One thing I really love about Jesters is that is seems like such a healthier option as far as pies go. The light, thin an crispy pastry certainly seems like it is a healthier option but still tastes great. I also find that the pies are full of whichever meat or seafood they are meant to be - whether it is mince, steak, chicken, bacon or salmon - the pies are always fairly packed and you always get more than just a gravy filled pie (there is nothing more disappointing than that!)

I also love that the fillings of Jesters pies are so different - perhaps a little gourmet - while still having traditional favourites like mince and cheese. I have tried many of the different flavours available, from butter chicken, mince and cheese, bacon egg and cheese through to apple and custard. Each and every pie I have tried has been delicious and while I prefer some flavours over the others - that is simply down to individual tastes not the quality of the pie.

The only down side for me is that these pies are definitely more expensive than any other pie I've ever brought. But I like to justify this fact (to myself) that this is because they are better for me and have quality ingredients. As with everything else in this society, healthier is always more expensive. If you haven't yet tried Jesters Pies I totally recommend that you get to your nearest store to try them out!

Branch: Fraser Cove Tauranga

When Jesters first opened I was so keen to give it a try. I don't often eat pies but when I do I really enjoy them. Despite the fact that they are just meat and sauce wrapped in pastry I feel like I am having a real treat when I have a pie. The restaurant in Tauranga is located in the busy fraser cove shopping centre so it is really convenient when you are there shopping. As Fraser Cove has a huge parking area it means you can always get a park.

Fraser Cove has a few takeaway places but for fast type food the only two really are Burger King, Jesters, and the BB cafe. I find that Jesters is the more healthy option compared to Burger King and less expensive option compared to the cafe. It is right outside the warehouse too and has tables both inside and outside to sit on while you eat.

Now I am a fan of traditional pies with their flaky puff pastry, so these pies with the crispy pastry are not as nice to me. The pastry style has that buttery pastry taste but it doesn't have all the flaky layers because of the way it has been cooked. I do enjoy the Popeye pie and although I am missing the flaky pastry I do really enjoy it and know that it is less fat than other pies and the filling is really great quality with the meat being nice and tender and fat free.

Although they are predominantly pies they do have other options too liek the wedges which suits my daughter who doesn't eat pies but loves their wedges and they also have sausage rolls which is generally what she will get. My favourite thing from there is their savoury spinach and feta roll. Which is like a sausage roll but with spinach and feta as a filling instead. It is so good and again isn't greasy or fatty so I will treat myself to one of those most times.

Branch: The Base, Te Rapa, Hamilton

Jesters has always had a special place in our hearts since it originally came to Hamilton. The location at The Base is a little hidden away. As a Hamilton local, I remember when Jesters was one of the only places to eat while out at the Base so I know where they are. Parking is a bit nightmarish especially during the busy sale season, but otherwise you can usually find a park somewhere and the walk is not too bad (if you have to walk) as there is plenty of window shopping to do as well.

My husband and I are fans of pies in general. But what we love about the Jesters Jaffle Pies is that is seems a healthier pie alternative. The pastry is thin, light and crunchy. It has the right taste of delicious buttery pastry, but there is a lot less of it than the pies at your average bakery. On the downside, as there is less pastry I do find I'm more likely to burn my fingers. However, if you keep it in the baggie and bite open the top edge, then you can let it cool down a bit before really getting stuck in.

The fillings of Jesters pies are great. They feel special, gourmet even. Which is their aim. My favourite pies have to be Mother Hubbard with its delicious dill and smoked salmon taste, and Popeye with its mushrooms and spinach. I guess I avoid the more beefy pies because they don't feel as special, but when they have a lamb pie on offer I get that one instead.

You can get savoury and sweet pies and in different sizes which means you can take your kids for a nice little pie, wedges and drink combo if you so wish. The wedges are a bit hit or miss, but let's face it, you are there for the pies! The price of the pies is quite a bit more than your average bakery pie, but again you are paying for good quality ingredients and the taste. I don't mind paying a bit more to get the Jester's taste.

BRANCH: Westgate, Auckland
I am a kiwi and we love our pies so when Jesters opened up a store next door to our local supermarket, we tried them out and have been a regular ever since. The pies are freshly made with a light thin flakey pastry and filled with quality lean meats and vegetables and gravy, no preservatives or any thing artificial just wholesome goodness just like if they were homemade. A Healthier version of a standard pie.
My favorites are:
- Marharaja :Butter chicken
- Chick-a-Licious:Chicken vegetables gravy
- Stockmans: Steak and gravy
Jesters have 16 pies on their menu including fruit and custard, and a range of mini party pies, sausage rolls and potato skin chips. Priced from $3.90 to $4.60 they get a Thumbs Up from me.

BRANCH: SkyCity Complex, Queen Street, Auckland STORE NOW CLOSED DOWN
For sure this is a high-brow area of Auckland and the prices in the city arent the cheapest but the prices here were scary for what was placed in front of me. Imagine 2 small pie bottoms pressed edge to edge in the manner of a paper plate flying saucer, half full of chewy steak, sweet gravy, and something that I suppose was something waved past a strong cheese for flavouring. Cooked in some sort of modified toasted sandwich maker, the pie was a bit greasy and not very satisfying. I ordered a combo of a pie and one of their pre-made boxed salads, which was actually the highlight of the meal, which is kinda sad when you consider they are bought in ready-made from a third-party supplier, and so have nothing much to do with the pie shop at all. The staff member spoke good-but-broken English and didn't seem to know much about the pies, placing 2 of them in front of me when I order just one, and tried 3 times to convince me I had to go along with his order before finally backing off in the face of my smiling blunt refusal to go along with his attempt at selling off an extra pie before they were due to be cycled out to the bin. I really wasnt all that impressed with either the food or the store but I guess if you like the 'snob' value of spending a lot of money on nothing you will fit right in sitting outside this place.