EL CERDO - PIGGING OUT

El Cerdo is Spanish for The Hog and understandably, their menu in one way or another is dominated by pork. The cuisine at El Cerdo is not exclusively Spanish though, a potpourri of other European favourites are on the menu including German, Italian, and Greek fare.

El Cerdo is located along Changkat Bukit Bintang, a street now littered with fine restaurants and bistros. Parking is limited on this street. But not to worry since for a mere ten ringgit, car jockeys will gladly pick up your vehicle and deliver it after your meal.

As we entered the restaurant, we were greeted at the door by Ham-ona Lisa before being whisked away to our table by the very attentive staff. We were the first diners to arrive but an hour later at 7.30pm this cosy little restaurant was practically filled up. Hence prior reservations are highly recommended especially during weekends.

Ham-ona Lisa - she is always at the door to greet visitors.

We made 6 picks from the main menu (excluding the 2 jugs of Sangria) and 2 picks from the kids menu. Our orders were delivered to the table, sandwiched between a complimentary cup of Cream of Asparagus Soup to start off the meal, and a complimentary shot of Vodka with Lemon to end our meal. Total bill came out to four figures!

The Hickory Smoked Ribs was by far the best dish, edging out even the star attraction. Marinaded in spices, fine herbs, chutneys and rum, the flavour infused all the way to the bones (I'm not kidding).

The Iberico Shoulder Loin Steak was not bad too. First time I ever laid my fingers on the meat of an Iberian Black pig, which did not disappoint. The meat was very tender and tasted more like beef than pork.

The main star, a little pig that came all the way from Segovia in Spain (Cochinillo Al Estilo Segoviano), received full points though for the accompanying entertainment. As opposed to the Chinese-style Roasted Suckling Pig, here the piglets receive very little marinade. So, expect to get the full flavour of the pork. I was a bit disappointed though that thick layers of fat accompanied the meat (probably baby fat since this little pig can't be more than a month old). We were told that the piglets were drenched in white wine prior to roasting to give it a crunchy and crispy texture. To prove that they were true to their word, they gave away plates to a few of us to help carve the pig. And in Greek tradition, we get to smash up these plates after the carving session for good luck. Opa!

El Cerdo may not be the place to visit every weekend but it'd get my vote should you be looking for a place to splurge on a special occassion, especially when pork-u-pine.

Rose Raspberry Sangria (RM95.00 a jug).

Cream of Asparagus Soup (RM0.00) - complimentary Soup of the Day.

Oyster Kilpatrick (RM96.00) - the bits of ham that decorated the oyster was delicious.

Hickory Smoked Pork Soft Ribs (RM68.00) - Full of flavour (best dish on the night).

Iberico Shoulder Loin Steak (RM88.00) - tender.

Roasted Suckling Pig (RM219.00 for whole piglet, RM118.00 for half piglet).

A staff member demonstrating how to carve the Pig, with a plate.

Some of us got to show off our carving skills.

The carving plate gets smashed up - Greek tradition for good luck.

Alio Olio with Seafood (RM28.00) - delicious.

Seafood Paella (RM95.00) - colourful.

Vodka with Lemon (RM0.00) - complimentary after-dinner washdown.

The cute little Iberian pig impostor was a take-home gift for the birthday celebrants.

Waste not - Piggy bag for the leftovers.

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Restoran El Cerdo at Werner's Place

Address: 43 & 45, Changkat Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact number: 03-2145 0511

Reservation: Highly recommended (especially on weekends)

Opening hours: Lunch & Dinner (Sun - Fri), Dinner only (Sat)

Cuisine: European (Non Halal)
Must order: Hickory Pork Soft Ribs, Iberico Shoulder Loin Steak, Roasted Suckling Pig (for the entertainment)

Must not order: N/A
Budget for 4 pax: RM500
My verdict: 3 stars