Year of the Pig

This is called a ‘preview’ because it won’t be a ‘review’ until PIGGIE himself goes there. In the meantime, I’m happy to report that the much discussed Fette Sau (right by Havemeyer & Metropolitan in Williamsburg) is a wonderful restaurant. For starters, the staff was friendly and helpful (but not fake); the atmosphere is pleasant and unpretentious; and the available meats are on display for easy decision making.

I was there with five others, celebrating my pop’s birthday. We ordered a rack of ribs, flank steak, pulled pork (pork shoulder), and three sides. All the meat was fantastic: full flavored, perfectly well done on the outside, tender inside. No sauce is put on for you; if you want some, they have several kinds on a self-service table. I didn’t feel the need, though some of my companions opted to dip. The ribs had a subtle, delicious rub, and were an excellent blend of ‘tender but not soggy’. The flank steak (not pork, I know) was to die for. The pork shoulder was, for my tastes, exactly the right texture (so important in pulled pork!). The sides were okay, but the only standout was the beans, which should not be missed. (For comparison, HT felt that the sides at Hill Country were superior.)

The meats are sold by the pound. Not including the drinks and desssert (which is also yummy), we ate our fill at quite a reasonable price for smoked goodies (about $11 a person). I will be going back there, no question about it.