Review: THE PANDERING PIG in Hudson Heights for Exquisite Fare and Charming Ambiance

Dine at The Pandering Pig just once and you'll vow to return again and again. This cozy gourmet restaurant is conveniently located in the Hudson Heights neighborhood of New York City. Getting there from midtown is easy on the A Train. Our readers may be wondering where the clever name "The Pandering Pig" comes from. Their symbol is a cheerful cartoon mascot pig dressed to impress. He embodies the welcoming spirit that you will enjoy at the restaurant.

We visited for an early Sunday dinner. Chef/Owner Nicole O'Brien has created a distinctive menu that combines cuisine inspired by the Northern California's Sonoma region and French influences. Her original, tantalizing dishes feature customer favorites and seasonal choices that use locally sourced ingredients. O'Brien brings her creativity and passion for cooking to every dish that is comes to your table.

We started our dining adventure by chatting with Nicole's husband, Senator O'Brien who is the restaurant's Wine Director. His knowledge is very impressive and he was able to guide us to select food and wine that paired perfectly. Senator also has a selection of rare single-malt whiskeys that spirits aficionados will appreciate along with a nice choice of beers.

Appetizers, soups and salads are ideal for starting your meal. Don't miss the Roasted Brussels Sprouts that are garnished with California Point Reyes Original blue cheese and Warm Spiced Apples & Triple Cream Brie over garlic-butter toast. The Roasted Cauliflower is a one of a kind dish with Gruyere cheese and toasted walnuts served over organic greens an tossed in a sherry vinaigrette.

There are entrée choices at The Pandering Pig that you won't find anywhere else. A signature dish is the Poulet de Sonoma. The organic chicken breast is marinated in herbs de Provence, peaches, blueberries, olive and capers. This wonderful combination of savory ingredients and fresh fruit is served over braised rice with roasted asparagus. Meat lovers will love the Grass Fed Short Rib Bourguignon. Marinated and slow cooked to perfection, the tender ribs are served over parmesan garlic mashed potatoes. We were delighted that all of our dishes were absolutely delicious and artistically presented, a feast for the eye and the palate. We will be returning soon for Chef O'Brien's Orzo with cremini mushrooms, sautéed buttery sage, parmesan and cream and the Grass Fed Lamb Shank that is braised in white wine and fresh rosemary served over creamy polenta and seasonal vegetables. It's nice to know that there are always tempting specials in addition to the regular menu.

Every evening, Chef O'Brien prepares several special desserts for her customers. We indulged in her luscious Molton Lava Cake, a rich chocolatey delight. Be sure to bring the family. The Pandering Pig offers specially priced items for "Les Enfants" that include Penne Pasta, Happy Face Chicken Apple Sausage Plate, and Fruit and Mild Cheese Plate.

Visit the Pandering Pig. Whether it is an intimate meal or a group gathering, you will be delighted by the charming ambiance and excellent fare. We are certain that your dining experience will be pure pleasure.

The Pandering Pig is located at 209 Pinehurst Avenue, New York, NY 10033. Take the A Train to the 181st Street Stop and take a pleasant, short walk to the restaurant. They are closed Mondays & Tuesdays and open Sunday to Thursday from 5pm to 10pm. They are open on Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 11pm. Call them at 212.781.3124 and visit https://www.thepanderingpig.com/.

Read our "Chef Spotlight" for Nicole O'Brien: /bwwfood-wine/article/Chef-Spotlight-Nicole-OBrien-of-THE-PANDERING-PIG-in-NYC-20181209.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Pandering Pig

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