Having not ventured to Cadillac too often, I didn’t realize how big of a staple Mr. Foisie’s Pasties was. Founded back in 1987, it’s easily one of the older shops south of the Mackinac Bridge and it’s evident by its appearance. While it looks like a nice and updated wooden cabin from the outside, it’s pure pasty shop on the inside. Unlike most other pasty places, you can also see them making pasties in the shop (three times per week), just a few feet behind the main counter.

Foisie’s was purchased by new owners in the late 2000s, but not much has changed from the original, including the recipe. The shop doesn’t have anything out of the ordinary with the three main pasties (beef, chicken, veggie) and varied baked goods for sale. The recipe is pulled straight from the Upper Peninsula and the only difference is the handle formed on the top, a nice touch to make their pasties stand out among others.

The selling point is easily the crust, which can be considered one of the best in the Lower Peninsula. Everything you want is there from the crisp to the flake to the desired moistness. It’s as good as it gets and something that can’t be found nearby.

Unfortunately, it didn’t have the needed goods on the inside to receive a perfect score. The recipe has a bit too many potatoes for my liking, even if it adheres to the pasty ratio. At times, I felt like I was eating potatoes (and rutabaga) wrapped in a crust, which is a problem. Then again, it’s not like the meat is scarce. Taste wise, a bit more salt and pepper could add the final touch, but again, that’s not a deal breaker when the crust can be enjoyed by itself.

While waiting in line (on an extremely busy Memorial Day), plenty others were grabbing their pasties with gravy because that’s “what you do,” but I’m telling you gravy isn’t needed with these pasties. Please enjoy Mr. Foisie’s without any additives. Sure, the gravy would add the needed salt, but let’s stay alive another day or two longer, right?

Update Summer 2019: I had the same issues as my first experience. There’s a noticeable lack of meat and lack of flavor. The top handle also fell apart rather easily. Dropped rating from 18 to 17.

Taste: 4 (out of 5)
Crust: 4.5 (out of 5)
Pasty Presentation: 3.5 (out of 5)
The Shop: 3 (out of 3)
Would I come back for Pasties?: 2 (out of 2)

Total Pasty Rating: 17 (of 20 points)

(Reviewed Summer 2017, Summer 2019)