Pork Belly and Bourbon-Pork Taco Call for Action on National Pig Day

We all know it’s “the other white meat” but honestly, I didn’t know pigs had their own day!

And while most folks that recognize the swinely significance of March 1st are looking to exalt Wilbur, Miss Piggy, and their kind, we’re looking for recipes and entrees. No offense, Miss Piggy!

Here are a few things you might try as you eat up this “holiday” that’s been observed since 1972.

Bourbon Pork Taco from the Vizi Truck

The goal of the Vizzi Truck – short for Visionary – is to stimulate all of your senses. They hit the streets to tantalize your taste buds with fresh, seasonal ingredients while delighting your ears and eyes with the sights and sounds of undiscovered talent on their specially equipped truck.

Vizzi Truck courtesy of ConsumingLA.com.
Vizzi Truck courtesy of ConsumingLA.com.

For National Pig Day they’re serving a special entrée made with Makers Mark Bourbon: The Honey Glazed Bourbon Pork Taco with roasted corn, diced jalapeños, drunken 2-way apples, and melted brie.

Dinner is served from 6-11 PM on Abbot Kinney in Venice. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook for updates.

Fleming’s New Pan Crisped Pork Belly and Goat Cheese Grits

Long known for their steaks and seafood, Fleming’s is taking a shot at a dish featuring the other white meat. Pork chops are already on the menu but they’ve recently added a Pork Belly dish that includes Goat Cheese Grits and a Sweet Onion and Cherry Chutney.

Pan Crisped Pork Belly with Goat Cheese Grits and Onion-Cherry Cutney at Flemings, El Segundo
Pan Crisped Pork Belly with Goat Cheese Grits and Onion-Cherry Cutney at Flemings, El Segundo

The pork belly I tried there was moist and flavorful and not overly salty. The subtly cheesey grits provided a nice tang when matched with the pork while the onion-cherry reduction added a sharp play on the sweet-and-savory quality of the dish.

Best point of this dish is that its available as an appetizer during Fleming’s “Five for Six Til Seven” happy hour for just $6!

Big Mista’s Barbecue at Torrance Farmers Market

Recognized as some of the best barbecued meat in Southern California and beyond, Big Mista has been serving “Real. Good. Meat.” in LA farmer’s markets for years. Big Mista’s has even been recognized by famed food critic Jonathan Gold, earning a spot on his list of 99 Essential LA Restaurants in 2010.

A sample of some of the smoked and grilled meats from Big Mista's Barbecue. Photo courtesy djjewelz on Flickr.
A sample of some of the smoked and grilled meats from Big Mista’s Barbecue. Photo courtesy djjewelz on Flickr.

But you won’t find Big Mista’s smoked brisket, ribs, or pig candy in a sit down, brick and mortar establishment.

Instead you’ll find him in farmers markets starting on Thursday in Century City and going into the weekend with visits to Downtown, Torrance, and Atwater Village.

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate National Pig Day!

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