With Hogs for the Cause just behind us, it's difficult not to think about all that tasty pork still on our tongues. In fact, it might be so difficult that you need to satisfy your craving for swine now...right now. Thankfully, our city (and the whole darn state for that matter) is one that constantly appreciates the salty, scrumptious goodness of all things pig. Let's take pulled pork, for example. How many different dishes in New Orleans can you find that include that delectable ingredient? Here's a little push start...
Over on Oak Street, there's an obvious start to our pulled pork escapade at popular BBQ restaurant Squeal. Although they offer a menu filled with dishes "high on the hog" like St. Louis Ribs, boudin balls and grillades, possibly one of Squeal's most-loved dishes is the Pulled Pork Tacos. House-smoked pulled pork is lovingly piled atop soft grilled corn tortillas and topped with horseradish coleslaw and a spicy chipotle sauce.
One of the most recent newcomers to the New Orleans BBQ scene is on the corner of Magazine and Milan Streets in the building that once housed Ignatius (which is now located further down the street). Saucy's BBQ opened early in October 2012, and offers all kinds of delights from the 'cue, like chaurice, alligator and crawfi sh sausage, beef brisket, and ribs. One item you won't want to miss is their Portobello Quesadilla, with pulled pork, grilled portobello mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, sweet chipotle BBQ sauce, and their own Creole chipotle mayonnaise.
Chef David Gotter is always offering unique and unusual dishes at his restaurant on the corner of 3100 Magazine. Gott Gourmet has been rebranded as GG's Dine-O-Rama, and consistently has delicious items on the menu. One dish, though, has remained, much to the pleasure of devoted locals: the Cochon Cubano, once known as the Cochon de Lait Cuban. Slowbraised pulled pork and Dr. Pepperand honey-baked ham are topped with Swiss, Ancho-Honey Slaw, honey mustard and chili mayo, and pressed between two slices of fresh Roman bread from La Louisiane Bakery.
Cruise further Uptown to the corner of Magazine and Amelia Streets and step inside Baru Bistro & Tapas for a taste of the Caribbean. Chef Edgar Caro is sure to tease and tantalize your taste buds with delicious, Latin inspired dishes like Chuzos and Mazorca, but be sure to order the Arepas con Lechon. White cornmeal cakes are topped with melt-in-yourmouth pulled pork, a spicy black bean spread and creamy queso fresco. You'll think you've died and gone to the tropics!
Finally, over on Jeannette Street, just off S. Carrollton Avenue, stop in at the light purple house-turned-restaurant Boucherie. Anything you order is going to be a party in your mouth, but since we are talking about all things pig, you should definitely try the mouth-watering Pulled Pork Cake with a Pecan Wild Rice Calas, Glazed Carrots, Candied Shallots and Pork Jus.
Baru Bistro & Tapas 3700 Magazine St.
Boucherie 8115 Jeanette St.
GG's Dine-O-Rama 3100 Magazine St.
Saucy's BBQ 3100 Magazine St.
Squeal ~ 8400 Oak St.
