The promise of pie can brighten even a dreary afternoon, and that’s what brought us in out of the rain and cold yesterday. Four & Twenty Blackbirds, a pie and coffee shop located in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn, makes old-fashioned pies, some in delightfully modern flavor combinations. With painted pressed tin walls and ceiling and comfortably-worn wooden tables crowding the space, Four & Twenty Blackbirds makes for a delicious spot to stop and rest for a moment. Their salted caramel apple pie is my absolute favorite, but yesterday I found myself almost tempted to try something new. Honey rosemary shoofly? Chocolate chess? Lavender honey custard pie?  In the end I couldn’t resist and went with my standby, garnished on the side with freshly-whipped cream (it’s so good!). Flavors change seasonally, and in late summer they make an outstanding plum streusel pie, the tartness imparted by plum skins balanced perfectly by the sweet and crunchy crumb topping. In addition to the cafe in Gowanus you can find slices of their pie in the cafe at the Brooklyn Public Library and I’ve even seen then at certain local markets. They’re worth looking out for!