Holiday Pies at Bon Appetit in Wilmington

Don’t ask Louisette Amblard about the secret ingredient in the popular pumpkin pies she sells at her Bon Appetit Gourmet Food in North Wilmington. It’s not that she’s unwilling to tell—she doesn’t know what it is. There are touches of ginger and clove, of course, but beyond that, the only thing she can say—which she does with a laugh—is that “they are very good.” Amblard buys the pies from someone she has only ever called “Chef Robert,” so he is a bit of a mystery man—“and a good one.” (There’s that laugh again.) Other favorite holiday desserts include Chef Robert’s créme brûlée, pecan pie and apple-walnut pie, which are always in ready supply. For the famous pumpkin pie, order three to four days in advance. Feeling non-traditional? Try his pumpkin cheesecake. Need a smile? Call just to hear Amblard’s sing-song French accent and that delightful laugh. They are food for the soul. (478-4344)     —Mark Nardone