Peaked Pies (Denman)

Peaked Pies is basically two components: A hand-holdable pie + topping. The topping is the "Peaked" gimmick and I'd treat it as such for your money's worth.

Peak-ing a pie (up to +$3.50)

• You basically get mashed potato, mushy green peas, and gravy if you go for the full "Peak" treatment, but you can also get these components separately.
• The peas are just green peas mashed. Nothing special, nothing seasoned.
• The mashed potato is also just mashed potato. Nothing special, nothing seasoned, and as a result also terribly bland. Plus what I got was slightly gummy, which is not a fresh-feeling mashed potato texture.
• Overall, I'd say this is not really worth it EXCEPT if you don't want to splurge fully for two pies and want a more filling meal portion, because potato and peas can do that for you. You do get a good scoop of peas, like one generous ice cream scoop. A bit more potato. And definitely not quite enough gravy even though it looks like a lot.
• If you are feeling spendy, I'd go for two pies instead of Peaking one.

Pies

• They don't look quite like the picture-perfect-proportioned oven-fresh golden brown pies on the website, and depending on which one you choose they might be flatter and browner (but not burnt).
• Also, the crust is chewy and not flaky, which probably makes it easier to pick up and eat in your hand like a burger. However the chewy crust made cutting it more like smushing it, so that actually didn't pair well with peaking at all.
• Overall, price for taste and portion is actually really decent! -- If you compare it with, say, a burger since the pies weigh in at well under $10 without peas or potatoes. Each pie should be pretty filling for the meat content which probably weighs in at slightly more than a burger patty.
• For a dine-in, the pie wasn't hot or not heated up enough (?)  And I feel this made a big difference.

The Hopper ($7.95 + $3.50 optional peaking) ground kangaroo in a cabernet merlot balsamic reduction

• If you're hoping for a novel taste for exotic meat, don't buy this. You'll get a bit of gamey flavour over the flavour of the balsamic reduction. IF you can experience the meat at all it seems pretty close to ground beef in taste and texture. Otherwise pretty tasty.

Lemon Meringue ($3.95)

• Tastes like lemon meringue!
• Crust on top was strangely sticky and chewy like a toasted marshmallow.

ANZAC Biscuit ($1.75)

• Pretty pricey for a cultural novelty that tastes like an oatmeal cookie with coconut and with the clear sweet flavour of syrup.

Bright clean space, communal table, and even the novelty of a self-serve counter.