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Pig Tales on Pigs-In-A-Blanket Day
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Pig Tales on Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day
By Bob Ecker
Hey folks, happy Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day! Yes, another in the long list of seemingly pointless exercises by our politicians assuaging one trade group or another. Not that I don’t like pigs-in-a-blanket, I do - particularly during the Super Bowl - but come on.
Still this piece of April 24th trivia reminded me of my favorite pig related experiences. Not being a farmer, most of these involve eating.
When I think of pigs I think of pork and succulent, barbecued pork ribs. By far, my favorite rib experience was at Arthur Bryant’s in Kansas City. The business, around since the 1920’s is legendary and has served presidents, movie stars and millions of people who make the pilgrimage to dine on the best ribs on earth. Part of the lore is their original secret sauce, vinegar based plus various secret ingredients. The interior of Arthur Bryant’s is nothing special, but the food is a revelation. If you’re ever in Kansas City, don’t miss it. http://www.arthurbryantsbbq.com
Portugal is an enchanting country, full of mystery, many wines and gorgeous vineyards, the home of cork and also, the famous Black Pig. Known as “Pata Negra,” the type of swine is raised primarily in the Alentejo region of Central Portugal, not far from Lisbon. The animals are raised on acorns which gives the meat its hearty dark color. I dined on this moist pork dish, served with local white potatoes and paired with delicious wines at the historic Amorim "Founders House," in Santa Maria de Lamas. Amorim www.amorimcork.com is the largest cork producer in the world, and the Founders House is adjacent to their original factory. Pata Negra is special, brooding, and juicy and makes some American pig meals seem quite bland by comparison. www.visitportugal.com
Locally, a couple of fine piggy dishes come to mind.
If you’re around San Francisco in the morning, or midday, try The Pork Store Café on Haight Street, between Masonic and Ashbury. Go for the Piggy special or Pork Chop breakfast, an offering of two pork chops, hash browns, spinach and biscuits. This huge meal will provide enough caloric input to keep you going for days. It’s also the number one hangover cure in the city. Go with a friend or eat alone at the counter – many do. Yes, you’ll feel like a piggy but it’s a bonafide locals, city experience.
Mustards has been an institution in Napa Valley for over 25 years now, and though they closed due to a recent fire, are re-opening any day. Open all day and into the night, Chef Cindy Pawlcyn’s Mustards draws fans from around the world with its stellar, moderately priced cuisine and impressive wine list. One of my favorite dishes on their menu – consistently a winner is the delectable, Slow Roasted BBQ Pork Sandwich. Everything is perfect – the fresh bun, the slow pulled pork, the sauce, the trimmings. Ah, it’s a slice of piggy heaven; just don’t forget to ask for extra napkins. www.mustardsgrill.com
Off the beaten track Babs Delta Diner serves up a marvelous Pork Tenderloin sandwich, worth the trip. Only open for breakfast and lunch, Babs is a little spot on the Old Town Suisun Waterfront, overlooking Suisun Bay. It’s actually a charming All-American diner and on Sundays can get pretty busy. Their Pork Tenderloin Sandwich is breaded and lightly friend (like a Jaeger Schnitzel) and served with fries, salad or fruit. This tasty porky dish has been the main reason I’ve revisited Old Town Suisun many times. Lovely and cool on a hot day. www.suisunwaterfront.com
Last but not least, see my Virgin Islands - Beer Drinking Pig article. That's right, this pig guzzels beer. http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-4791-SF-International-Travel-Examiner~y2009m3d13-St-Croix-Virgin-Island-gem It’s my memorable pig story that cannot be ommitted from this pithy porcine portion of publishing.
And as “Porky,” the most celebrated pig of them all once said, “Th-th-th-th-that’s all folks!
c. Bob Ecker
Arthur Bryant’s – The Original
1727 Brooklyn Avenue
Kansas City, MO
(816) 231-1123
(816) 231-1123
Pork Store Café
1451 Haight Street
(between Ashbury St & Masonic Ave)
San Francisco, CA
(between Ashbury St & Masonic Ave)
San Francisco, CA
(415) 864-6981
Mustards
7399 St. Helena Highway
Napa, CA
(707) 944-2424
Babs Delta Diner (Old town Suisun – off Highway 12)
770 Kellogg Street
Suisun City, CA
(707) 421-1926
Montpellier Domino Club
East off Route 76
St. Croix, USVI
(340) 772-9914
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