The Pig, in a word, is ah-mazing. Maybe that's two words, but you get the idea. Part of the Eat Well food group (Logan Tavern, Commissary, The Heights, etc.), The Pig is hand's down the best of the bunch.
After living in Logan Circle for more than seven years (I moved a few years ago), I'm in constant awe of how much 14th Street NW has changed; The Pig is a welcomed addition. Featuring, as you may have guessed, a menu focused on all things pig, the descriptions really don't do the options justice. As J describes below we opted to select many options from the "boxed" part of the menu -- small plates to share. Here's a round-up of a few:
- Wild Boar Ragu -- granted, wild boar sounded a bit strange to me, but the boar was braised to perfection, tender, and full of flavor. It's served very simply with pappardelle and pecorino.
- Pig Ears -- now, I've always shunned away from pigs' ears, but I figured when in Rome. Sadly, this dish didn't live up to my low expectations. The ears were a bit tough and the texture was, well, ear-like. I'd recommend passing on these and trying the charred belly or pork chop -- two items we didn't try.
- Smoked Carolina BBQ -- I mean just stop. This dish was ridiculous...ridiculously good. There's just something so quintessentially American about pulled pork, and this didn't disappoint. Served with Mac & Cheese (we ordered an additional side), it was just perfect.
- Sundae Bloody Sundae -- Now, I may not be that much of a fan of dessert, but I've been a fan of U2 since I was 13, so clearly the name of this dessert intrigued me; as did the description: blood chocolate ice cream, peanut butter bacon brittle, and a ginger whipped cream. After so many delicious dinner options, I had no room for dessert, but the other J and I were too intrigued by blood chocolate ice cream. Thankfully we were able to get a few scoops. As you may have surmised, the ice cream does in fact have pig's blood as an ingredient. Apparently blood has been used in Europe as a binder in dairy for centuries. Yes, it sounds gross, but it tastes unbelievably amazing. I'm not sure I could order this again -- there is a queasy factor -- but this ice cream was more mousse-like and completely unexpected.
This meal at The Pig was one of the best I've had in a very long time. If you love any and all things pork, you really must give it a try.
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J Says...
When C told me...with great excitement...that her choice for this month's dinner was The Pig, two thoughts immediately came to mind: 1) I have to bring the Other J, since his middle name might as well be "bacon"; and 2) this is exactly the opposite of what my doctor told me to eat. So doctor be damned, off to hog heaven we went. Advised by the very friendly waitress that we should plan on 2-3 dishes per person, we opted for 9 total (3x3 = math ain't hard). I will focus on my favorites...and least. First to the faves:
- Braised Cheeks served with Spanish sofrito and stone grits was hands-down one of the best courses of my entire WEEK (sorry work cafeteria). Full of flavor, heat and heart, I certainly would not turn my other cheek to this amazing dish.
- Meatballs of a pork/lamb combo served in stewed tomato sauce and charred arugula (something green was a refreshing scene!). With 3 balls served for 3 people, we each got one...though I seriously considered distracting the Other J with more mac and cheese so I could snatch his.
- Fried Smashed Potatoes were, unequivocally, the most unexpected dish to arrive to the table. Both in terms of presentation (think tatter tots) and taste (think spicy mashed french fries), it was the first plate to arrive and started the night off right.
The Pig, 1320 14th St. NW, Washington DC, 20005, (202) 290-2821
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