We have felt so comfortable at the GREEN PIG Bistro in Arlington, we returned last week for another indoor dining episode with one friend....we are trying to limit our contacts.
The indoors was a bit more crowded than it was when we went a month earlier, but everyone was well spaced and interactions were minimal. I am concerned what will happen with newer laws limiting indoor dining as we enter the winter months, but that would apply anywhere. I hope all these establishments can "hunger" through the winter.
Our server Jackie was a dream and when i ordered the Melon de Bourgogne from Eric Chevalier "Clos de la Butte" 2018 Muscadet, Cote de Grande Lieu I was warned it was the last bottle. The wine list is very reasonable here so we then headed to a 2018 Clos Pegase Chardonnay from Carneros in Napa Valley that we haven't tried in ages(maybe decades) and always love with good shellfish.
We started with a selection of starters including Chef Tracy O'Grady's Deviled Eggs which are to die for and have that wonderful crunch from bacon and flavor from a dash of mustard. Who doesn't like Biscuits with Honey & Butter. They were so good, mine was gone in, but Will and our friend, Holly, both decided to save them for breakfast the next day. Chef Tracy immediately nixed that idea and brought us all doggie bags for our next morning!! The dish created last month entitled Bacon & Parmesan Crackers with Marinade has earned the affectionate term "Bacon Crack" from Will and these little bacon-wrapped treats are simply super; not to be missed.
When Chef advised that the star dish on the menu was the Diver Scallops with Smoked Pork Ravioli, Cauliflower Puree, Chanterelles, Caramelized Pearl Onions, Heirloom Carrots and Truffle Broth we all immediately agreed on the same main course. It was divine and everything from the super caramelized small onions to the huge seared scallops and rich raviolis had us swooning at every bite. Small crunchy discs of sun-dried tomatoes added to the dish, which indeed has to be one of the most wonderful ones we have had in ages. We ordered the Mexican Street Corn for a side, but never got to it, instead enjoying it tremendously the next night at home with our roast chicken dinner(another ideal pairing!). The Cornbread comes in a cast iron pan with a gob of maple butter on top and is another dish that reheats so easily the next day--we loved it all. Stuffed we were, but dessert here is irresistible and and we all split the Hot Apple Crumble with Ice Cream. Lovisolo Barbera Brut Rose was a perfect pairing for the dessert as our chardonnay(which paired beyond brilliantly with the scallops) was all gone! I know that Green Pig Bistro has a name that sounds like a burger joint, and believe me, the burgers are great, but if you want a safe night out(inside or outside dining) and seek something a step above and want a menu that will impress, head to Clarendon's Green Pig Bistro!
