But this is 2011, and people's mindset has changed.
Now, the same food experts agree, people are looking for comfort food.
At dessert, that means pie, and there's a variety to please almost anybody.
We visited Ponzio's Diner Bar and Bakery on Route 70 in Cherry Hill, one of New Jersey's most popular diners.
Their menu offers about 200 choices on a typical day.
It also lists a regular selection of pies year-round, plus some seasonal favorites.
All are made in the bakery on the premises, where a staff of six full-time bakers makes almost everything from scratch.
Dough is made fresh and hand-rolled daily. Lemon filling is cooked right in the kitchen.
Meringue is made from an old family recipe and piled high atop each pie.
Blueberries come from a grower in Hammonton, Atlantic County, and the diner buys enough in-season to put up for an entire year.
Every summer, blueberry cream and peach cream pies are available during the growing season.
Come fall, Cherry Hill's Springdale Farms raises pumpkins to Ponzio's specifications, and they go in everything from pies to soup.
Owner John Fifis says pie is just about the biggest selling dessert on his menu, challenged only by the cheesecakes which are also made in the bakery.
Ponzio's is located on the eastbound side of Route 70 in Cherry Hill, at Kings Highway, their only location.
They're open daily from 6:30am. Sunday through Thursday, they close at 11:00pm. Friday and Saturday, dining is available until 1:00am.
For information, you may phone 856-428-4808, or visit their website: http://ponzios.com