I DIG pig... with this said it's pretty much impossible to go wrong at Black Pig.
Denise and Larry together with their executive chef Alison (formerly executive chef at Cucinna (downtown on 8th Avenue... a very fine location in its own right)) set about becoming Canada's best new restaurant for 2014 - although shortlisted, I understand that they lost out to 'Wolf in the Fog' in Tofino, BC. Personally I'm thrilled because otherwise it would have been even more impossible to try and find a table.
Black Pig bills itself as an 'Iberian Bistro'... think Iberico Ham - that is, PIG GOLD - if you've never tried it before, it's worth the trip to give it a go - and other Spanish inspired small plates. Price wise Black Pig is a bit expensive but there's NOTHING like it in the city and very well done.
The restaruant itself is fun, lively and cosmo.. a bit on the smaller side (which completely lends itself to having 50 seat private parties...) and has nowhere to go but up. Truth be told they're probably still feeling their wings but given the passion that all have for food and the biz I think they will soar as they develop their clientel, understand their space and kitchen, and continue to be inventive.
Things to have(!):
- The Iberian Ham (duh!)
- The 'Pork and Beans' - really it's a slab of prochetta (think Italian pig prime rib if you're not familiar with this cut) over a medley of sauteed beans
- The Mussels and Chorizo (wow!)
- The Steak Tartare - I'm usually very nervous about tartare because I have very high standards for this dish and I hate being disappointed... I'm glad I ordered it, easily one of the best versions I've ever had... it may have been the duck fat fried potatoe crisps that put it over the top
- Caesar Salad - the salad that clearly isn't what you're expecting - sort of a 'deconstructed' caesar - I'd eat it every day if I could
- An appetite - trust me, you'll want to just keep eating