Derek Kaplan leaves the firehouse around 7:30 a.m. Instead of sleeping or maybe going fishing like his brethren, the burly firefighter goes home, takes a shower, and then heads to his bakery to make pies.
Kaplan has been baking pies since 2008, and he's good at it. In fact, his key lime took a New Times Best of Miami 2011 award. Only catch was until now, you would either have to call ahead to order a pie from his bakery in Wynwood or find a restaurant where his pies are distributed -- sometimes disguised as the eatery's own home-baked product.
Kaplan, wanting to expand his brand, bought a food truck and debuted it this past Saturday at Foodstock. His idea is to have a place where customers can come directly to him for his pies.
On Saturday, Kaplan offered his famous key lime and coconut cream pies
in individual serving size ($3 each), topped with whipped cream. Also available were pecan ($5) and apple pies ($4) by the slice
and chocolate-covered coconut cream and key lime pies on a stick ($5
each).
Between customers, Kaplan told Short Order that he began baking pies
to offset the stress of his job as firefighter and paramedic. "You see
people in car accidents, fires. You can really take that home with you."
His pie-making hobby turned into a second career as word got around. All of his pies are homemade, from the crust to the fillings. Take, for
example, his pumpkin pie. "I roast the pumpkins. I do
everything from scratch. I want to be known for my quality."
For the holidays, Fireman Derek will also sell whole pies from his truck
and takes orders for pick-up.
Pumpkin pies and sweet potato pies ($15
each), apple pies ($15), and pecan pies ($18) can be pre-ordered by
calling Derek at 786-449-2517. Follow Fireman Derek on Facebook to catch his truck.
BTTR tonight from 5:30 to 10. Free parking at this family and pet-friendly roundup. Trucks include Arepa Box,
Catered Bliss,
Che Grill,
The Cheese Steak Gourmet,
CheeseMe Mobile,
The Chill Stop,
Clarabelle's Cupcakes,
Coolhaus,
Crepe Outdoors,
Daddy's Grill,
Dog Eat Dog,
Gypsy Kitchen,
Happy Greek Chef on 4 Wheels,
Jefe's Original Fish Taco & Burgers,
Kona Ice,
Latin Burger & Taco, The MexZican Gourmet, Miso Hungry,
Moty's Grill,
Nacho Bizness,
Papa's Tapas,
The Red Koi,The Rolling Stove,
Sugar Rush, and
Sugar Yummy Mama. BTTR, NE 127th Street and Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami
There is no Tropical Park roundup tonight.
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