Cured at the Pearl

Cured at the Pearl

San Antonio, Texas

Cured at the Pearl – where it all started!

Cured in this case is a double entendre. At one level, is an obvious name for one of the country’s hottest charcuterie restaurants. Less obvious, but definitely more significant, it also represents the fact that Chef and owner Steve McHugh, is a cancer survivor with an amazing story whom, one day, I will have to devote a full post. Cured, reflects Chef McHugh’s interpretation on farm-to-table and whole-animal cooking. Entering the restaurant, a dramatic charcuterie case shows off hanging meat stocked with traditional and non-traditional fare such as year aged pork ham, vealwurst, and sausages.

An incredible charcuterie case

Watching my plates being prepared

Given the reputation, of course I had to order a charcuterie sampler. You have the choice of 3, 6 or 9 choices out of a majestic list of 18-20 items. Given that I was dining solo, I was ambitions and decided on 6: 

  1. Apple jalapeño pork rillettes 
  2. smoked duck ham 
  3. bockwurst
  4. Swordfish Cotechino
  5. 10 month pork culatello
  6. Indio Ridge River Whey Cremery cheese

Smoked duck ham

Swordfish Cotechino

Bockwurst, 10-month pork culatello and cheese

Apple jalapeño pork rillettes

I also was advised to get one small plate so picked the deconstructed B.O.T. – Bacon, Masa fried oyster and heirloom tomato “sandwich” (in quotes cuz I got it in a bowl, sans bread), with Habanero Mayo.

As advertised the charcuterie was incredible – with amazing depth of flavors.   It was also filling – eyes definitely bigger than my tummy! 

The BOT was pretty, but nothing special.  I’d suggest saving tummy space and $ or getting three other charcuterie items.

 

My waiter also brought me a small asparagus soup which was absolutely incredible – it wasn’t on the menu and was something the chef was trying out.  I was happy to suggest that it find a permanent place on the menu.

Final Thoughts 

Overall, this is a great place to go with a group.  This will enable you to sample all their great charcuterie and possibly have a bite or two (probably adequate) of a few small plates.  If you are in San Antonio, this is a must visit establishment, but maybe think about it for snacks and a drink instead of a full meal…