Many dishes we enjoy today have roots in necessity. California’s Steamer beer was created to quench miners’ thirst with an affordable brew. The Caesar Salad was invented in Tijuana when the chef ran out of ingredients. Another dish born out of need is the Grass Valley Pasty.
The Birth of Grass Valley Pasties#
As the copper and tin mines in Cornwall, England began to close, California’s Gold Rush was just getting started. Many Cornish miners, skilled in hard rock mining, fled the economic depression in Britain and headed to Gold Rush towns, bringing their beloved Cornish Pasties with them.
While other mining towns experienced boom-and-bust cycles, the mines of Grass Valley and Nevada City continued to produce for decades, allowing Cornish miners to put down roots. By 1890, 85% of Grass Valley’s population was of Cornish descent!
Though the mines have closed, one thing remains: the iconic Grass Valley Pasty. In fact, there’s even an annual festival to honor St. Piran, the Cornish patron saint, complete with a Pasty toss!
What is a Pasty?#
In its simplest form, a pasty is a savory pastry filled with meat and vegetables, all enclosed in a folded and crimped shortcrust pastry. Its unique shape made it the perfect food for miners, as it could stay warm for hours. And, if it cooled, could easily be reheated over a candle. Since miners’ hands were often covered in arsenic, the crimped edge served as a convenient handle, which could be discarded after eating.
Marshall’s Pasties#
When the last major mines in the area closed in the 1960s, Marshall’s opened in 1968 to satisfy the locals’ craving for pasties. For over 50 years, this unassuming store has been serving thousands of Cornish pies to its customers. They offer a variety of options, including beef, chicken, turkey, ham and cheese, and even vegetable pasties.
BriarPatch#
BriarPatch Pasties carry on the tradition of pasties being a to go food with daily offerings in the cold case near the deli. Chicken and veggie pasties are always available and remain fan favorites, while a rotating lineup includes shepherd’s pie, broccoli cheddar, and a seasonal corned beef pasty for St. Patrick’s Day. Every pasty is made from scratch by the bakery team using high-quality ingredients, the vast majority of which are organic. And coming soon, BriarPatch will debut a new coq au vin option, adding another delicious twist to this historic Gold Rush comfort food. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or bringing a batch home, BriarPatch makes it easy to enjoy a piece of Cornish heritage any day of the week.
Grass Valley Methodist Church#
To honor the community’s Cornish heritage, more than 35 volunteers come together each month to bake over 1,000 pasties on the last Thursday. These delicious pasties are available from noon to 1 p.m., sold in batches of 4 to 6.
Corvus Bakery – Gluten Free Pasties!#
Traditional pasties are made with flour, making them off-limits for those who are gluten intolerant. Luckily, Corvus Bakery offers gluten-free versions of this Cornish classic.
But don’t stop at pasties! Nevada County is home to a variety of unique food experiences, including award-winning chocolates, scenic wine trail, and more!
