This Little Piggie Went to Market…
Austin’s current fascination (some might say obsession) with all things pig-related probably had its genesis in Bryce Gillmore’s Odd Duck Trailer on South Lamar (which morphed into the brick and mortar Barley Swine), and prior to that with Will Packwood’s amazing pork bellies at the late and lamented Cibo on Congress. I for one am delighted at the current proliferation of pork-themed eateries in the River City.
The only thing we’re missing at the moment is something you might see in South Miami (little Havana) such as a roast suckling pig. But we’ve got all the other bases covered. Raymond Tatum’s Three Little Pigs trailer on the East side has some wonderful pork finger foods. The Pork Belly Slider with a soy maple glaze is an absolute delight. And there’s so much more. Bacon, a restaurant that doesn’t pull any punches in its nomenclature or its menu. The Double Grind Burger which features an all natural steak and bacon blend has to be tasted. Likewise the Bacon Fries are off the charts. Hard to believe this spot occupies the site of the formerly much-loved Italian eaterie Basil’s on 10th! The Noble Pig up north on RR620 has its namesake dish, the Noble Pig with spicy ham, pulled pork, provolone and bacon which may well be one of the best sandwiches in the city. I also love the Italian Sausage with roasted tomatoes, herbs and provolone.
The aforementioned Barley Swine is a delight for Beer and Pork lovers. The Pork Belly with curried eggplant is a show stopper as is the Pig Face with chili mustard, potato, and egg yolk. Way to go Bryce!
And lest we not forget the wildly popular Bánh Mì sandwich at places such as the Tam Deli, Lulu B’s, Elizabeth St. Cafe and others, the basis of these French-Vietnamese fused sandwiches is usually some kind of pork. It is my favorite sandwich in the city. And there’s another new trailer on Jessie St. called Bahn-Bahn. They too have their homage to the pig. And we must mention the Pulled Pork sandwich at Aaron Franklin’s much discussed BBQ joint. It is, quite simply, astonishing. And Frank on Colorado is an homage to the hot dog and sausage that we should all avail ourselves of. Former chef at Ray’s Steakhouse helms this place, and it’s one of my new favs. Likewise the recently reviewed (in this space) Contigo has an intriguing selection of porky pleasures that are creative and tasty. And Torchy’s Tacos, the flavor of the moment on the trailer scene has a variety of pig-themed tacos that are tasty as hell.
Are there more? You bet, and let’s not forget the latest innovation from Eddie V’s alums Larry and Guy, called Salty Sow on Manor. Aside from yet another pork-ish name, the Sow makes good on its promise with a cornucopia of pork-related goodies.
The much maligned pig, who’d a thought it, has become a certified star on the Austin food scene!
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