Pigging out at The Spotted Pig – New York (CLOSED)

I love pigs. These wonderful four hoofed creatures gift us with pork, bacon, ham, crackling and ribs. So, you can imagine my excitement when I was entering The Spotted Pig in New York for the first time. For the uninitiated, The Spotted Pig is a Michelin starred gastro pub run by British celebrity chef, April Bloomfield.

Food

There’s a mix of British and Italian dishes on the compact seasonal menu. For first timers, the signature Chargrilled Burger with Roquefort Cheese is a must. It’s served with a mountain of thin shoestring fries that will have you in awe (and then reaching for your phone, so you can Instagram it).

Make sure you get the devilled eggs and chicken liver toast, two quintessentially British classic snacks that will whet your appetite.

 

 

If you’re in the mood for Italian, then the Sheep’s Milk Ricotta Gnudi is the way to go. The pillowy, cheesy balls are drizzled with brown butter and garnished with crispy sage. Although the gnudi look small, they certainly pack a punch and had me so full that I couldn’t eat dessert. Which is a total shame because the Creme Caramel and Banoffee Pie sounded divine.

Drinks

Being a gastropub, there’s plenty of beers on offer. If you enjoy a cask ale, try the Spotted Pig Bitter, brewed just for The Spotted Pig by the local Brooklyn Brewery. If beer isn’t your drink of choice, there’s also cocktails and wines available at a decent price.

Service

The servers were friendly and attentive without being overbearing, allowing diners to relax and enjoy the food.

Atmosphere

The best word to describe the atmosphere at The Spotted Pig would be porcine. It’s plastered with pigs of all shapes and sizes. There’s a life size chart showing the different cuts of pork above the stairs, plastic piggy banks lining the window edges and ornate plates painted with pigs adorning the wall.

Pigs aside, there’s a warm and homely feel to the gastropub. It’s an ideal place for catching up with friends or even a second date, provided your date doesn’t have swinophobia.

Verdict

The Spotted Pig will have a special place in my heart as it was my first Michelin starred restaurant ever. This gastro pub serves up great seasonal items paired with a solid beer/wine selection in an unpretentious environment filled with pig themed knick knacks, what more could you ask for.

PS. There’s no reservations so you’ll have to walk in.

The Spotted Pig
314 W. 11th Street
New York, NY
USA