Noble Pig Charcuterie

I don't think I've ever been to a charcuterie before. I certainly didn't know what exactly it meant until I looked it up on Wikipedia. Basically a charcuterie is a specialty shop that sells preserved meats, especially pork based ones.

I had also never been to Noble Pig, although it's been on our list of places to visit for a while. When Noble Pig invited us to come sample some of the new items they will be serving from their about-to-open charcuterie, we found it hard to refuse.

Like I said, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I think I was expecting something more like a very fine deli. I was pleasantly surprised to find quite an assortment of imaginatively prepared and preserved meats. Of course sausages and pastramis were available, but also on the list was prosciutto, terrine (both linguisa and pork), duck pate, and finally spiced pork rillettes.

All of the meats were delicious, but the toppings and garnishes were also a large part of the flavors. On the menu were compotes, 2 different kinds of pickles (each equally attractive), and apricot mustarda. All the different flavors were light and crisp enough that both Lindsay and I went back for seconds!

I'll certainly be back to Noble Pig for some sandwiches next time I get a craving (although check their website, currently they are mostly open for breakfast and lunch), and I'll also be keeping TNP Charcuterie in mind for party plates of pate or terrine.