The Ravenous Pig is still serving up creative seasonal fare.
The Ravenous Pig has been a Winter Park gem since 2007. Headed by James Beard Foundation award nominees Julie and James Petrakis, the gastropub is a major proponent of sustainable, seasonal cuisine.
After a recent move to the old Cask & Larder spot (another Petrakis restaurant now at Orlando International Airport), it was time for another taste.
What I’d try a second time
Shrimp and grits is a last meal dish for me, and I think I would like to be served The Ravenous Pig’s version ($15). Chunky grits get a little smoke from a generous drizzle of chorizo oil and a little sweetness from a green tomato chutney. Four shrimp from Cape Canaveral finished the dish.
What I didn’t like
The restaurant was out of a few items I would have liked to try (a dessert and a beer). Our server saved me from total disappointment, however.
What I would put on Instagram
All of our dishes were as attractive as they were tasty. The renovations done to the space result in an elegant but cozy dining room.
Other eats
Delicate lamb ribs received a douse of dark plum glaze for an appetizer ($16). Dunking the meat into a spicy harissa yogurt was the perfect antidote to the almost-too-sweet taste.
Duck confit ($27) tasted gloriously rich and fatty — a nice contrast to the mix of cream peas, breakfast radish and rhubarb paired with it.
A sharp green garlic chutney and lush curry butter boosted the mild golden tilefish ($30) entree, which came with potatoes and morel mushrooms.
The Pig’s famous pig tails ($8), curly, crispy-fried fritters tossed in cinnamon sugar and paired with chocolate espresso sauce, helped finish our meal.
I say “helped” because my sweet tooth couldn’t resist the sweets board ($8) lined with mouth-puckering passion fruit sour chews, dark and slightly bitter peanut butter cups, and almond caramel coconut truffles.
How I was treated
Our server handled the bumps we encountered while ordering well and took care to make us feel special.
My next visit
Brunch at The Ravenous Pig sounds like it could be a delectable affair — and I can get more shrimp and grits.
For bar-hoppers
The gastropub serves beer made by Cask and Larder, along with a few other craft brews. It also offers a sizable wine and beer list. Creative cocktails include some spins on the classics — including an OldFashioned that incorporates bacon-infused bourbon.
For those with special diets
The Ravenous Pig offers some meatless dishes, although they will need to be adjusted for vegans.