Bridgeland’s newest bistro takes its name from the Pata Negra, or black Iberian Pig, that is typically found in Southern Spain and Portugal. This plump little beast is known for its savoury meat whose signature flavours are said to come from a free-range diet of olives and acorns. One bite of this sinfully delicious ham and you’ll be sold as it almost melts in your mouth.
Formerly the Deville coffee house, the Black Pig has been totally revamped with newly painted white walls and distressed furniture. You’ll love the how light and airy the space feels. If you sit at the bar top, which we suggest, you’ll notice the back shelf lined with a fun collection of books like April Bloomfield’s A Girl and Her Pig or the thick volume of Culinaria Spain. But the main thing that will catch your eye is the giant leg of ham and hoof fixed to the jamonera.
Owners Larry and Denise Scammell have been throwing dinner parties with friends for over eight years now, which they fondly call the Hollow Leg dinner club, and that same fun, laid-back atmosphere of good company, food and wine is exactly what they are trying to emanate in the restaurant. According to Larry, many of their friends from the dinner club have even become regulars.
Beyond the great atmosphere, the real star of the show is the food prepared by Head Chef and Co-Owner Alison Bieber, who’s credited with helping open up Cucina Restaurant to much acclaim. Each dish is something special and if you’re looking for recommendations, the chicken liver pate is fantastic to start, as is the tomato rubbed baguette with Jamon Iberico. One of the most interesting and recommended dishes on the menu is the pork and beans, something that probably conjures up horrible memories of campfire meals… but rest assured, this looks nothing like what you’d expect. A second trip is already being planned so the spicy cauliflower chitarra and cornmeal crusted red snapper can be tasted.
During a quick tour of the restaurant we got to pop our heads into kitchen where two things really stand out: 1. The motto “Boom, Let’s Do This” and 2. a framed picture of El Bulli Chef Ferran Adrià, both proudly displayed on the front wall as a source of inspiration and motivation to the team.
While the Black Pig is undoubtedly a fixture in the neighbourhood for lunch and dinner, the bistro also offers the neighbourhood an option for a nightcap – something that can be hard to find in Bridgeland. To offer something special, they’ve teamed up with Nathan Head of Milk Tiger and Jesse Willis of Vine Arts. The cocktail list has quite a few sherry-based concoctions if you want to try something out of the ordinary and the wine list is also worth a look. Each wine has a clever tasting note or anecdote that will make your wine selection just plain entertaining.
Whether you’re a resident of the area or you’re just looking for something new to try, we highly suggest stopping in ASAP.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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