The Spotted Pig - Find What You've Been Looking For

The Spotted Pig
http://thespottedpig.com/
314 W. 11th Street
New York, NY 10014

THE STORY
Our good friend Mark was coming into town from the Midwest and was begging to be taken on a Burger Conquest. Being a former resident and massive fan of Australia, we combined Mark's request and the celebration of Australia Day (their version of July 4th) with a visit to The Spotted Pig. Even though the restaurant claims it's cuisine as "Seasonal British & Italian," it's rumored to have one of the best burgers this side of the Atlantic. It's also rumored to be owned, in part, by U2's Bono which is perpetuated by their info page under the moniker of "pals." Need more proof? Check the last link on the lower right column.

It's a tiny little place in the West Village with 2 floors and decor that can simply be summed up with the word; pigs. Being quite the popular destination, expect a long wait but as you are about to find out, it's totally worth it.

THE BURGER
The "Chargrilled Burger with Roquefort Cheese & Shoestrings" comes one way and one way only, on a bun with cheese and fries. There is no lettuce, onions, tomatoes, pickles or as far as this occasion was concerned, fried eggs, beet root or pineapples and as our friend JJ found out, they won't cut it in half either. (They did allow a very spicy and delicious mustard however.) I call that dedication to a craft and after I took my first bite, I understood why....IT WAS AMAZING. I immediately wanted to order a 2nd just to take home and whisper sweet nothings too. Cooked to a perfect medium rare, the meat was juicy, tender and filled with flavor. Roquefort was interesting choice, having a pungent smell and over powering taste but it really complimented the burger, much like peanut butter does to chocolate.

Side note, if they are serving their mulled wine when you visit The Spotted Pig, stop, do not pass go and order a glass. I have never had anything similar taste so good and on a cold night, it was exactly what doctor ordered.


8 out of 10 ounces
-Rev