When is a cream pie not a cream pie

When it's topped with meringue! Conversely, when is a Key Lime pie not a Key Lime Pie? When it is not topped with meringue.

I happen to hate meringue. But, Key Lime pie is traditionalyl made with meringue. But, if you are from up north, oru cream pies have legitimate whipped cream or mystery topping, but not meringue.

I've noticed too many places down South call their pies.."cream pies" and yet there is not a trace of whipped cream anywhere to be found. Where's the cream in their chocolate cream pie? Are they saying the milk they've added to make the pudding justifies calling it a cream pie?

Sorry, I don't get it. To me, a banana cream or chocolate cream pie has to have real whipped cream as the topping. But, serve it with a mystery topping, if you must.

The best banana cream pie I have ever had was at the Buckhead Diner in Atlanta. But, I hear Emerill's version at several of his dining spots is pretty darn good.