Rocket Pig

Let’s say that you just spent years perfecting a single sandwich. You might open a little shop with the sandwich as the sole menu item. You might, on the shop’s signage, alert your customers that they’re about to have the best sandwich they’ll ever experience. You might even design a logo with a determined pig astride a rocket, in case they had any doubts that they’re about to blast off to new heights in sandwich excellence. Fortunately someone’s already gone to all the trouble. Last summer, chef Ralf Kuettel opened Rocket Pig in former stable behind his restaurant, Trestle on Tenth. The only menu item, besides cookies and snacks, is the Rocket Pig sandwich, which delivers on some pretty ambitious promises.

The sandwich ($14) starts with locally-sourced pork shoulder that’s brined for three days in salt, sugar, molasses and spices; then dry-rubbed with more spices, smoked over alderwood for three hours, and finally slow-roasted for three more hours. This is carved into succulent slices, slathered with red onion jam and a bit of mustard aioli, and served on a toasted ciabatta roll with a side of hot sauce and a crunchy pickle. Looking down at this sandwich you can’t help feeling that your day just got awesome. And it’s only lunchtime!

After a few profoundly savory-sweet bites, I would’ve appreciated less onion jam, to cut down on the sweetness. The pork, however, was ridiculously tender, the ciabatta was fresh and perfect, and a few dollops of the creamy bell pepper hot sauce provided the extra kick I was missing. I can’t say it was THE best sandwich I’ve ever had, but it was one of the best sandwiches I’ve had in a long while—worthy of an occasional $14 splurge, in any case.

If you’re thinking of checking out Rocket Pig, keep that aside from a single standing counter, most of the dining space is outdoors. With the weather warming up, your best bet might be to get your sandwiches to go and take them to the High Line.

Rocket Pig
463 West 24th St at Tenth Ave
Mon-Sat 11am-6pm. Closed Sun.