Lin at Lunch: Squealing Pig
Last week I spent some time on the campus of the Harvard School of Public Health. Being there the entire week, and definitely wanting to take advantage of the hour lunch break, I explored some of the eateries in the immediate vicinity. The first three days, the rain drove me to the closest possible place, which happens to a pub located across the street.
The Squealing Pig has a modest menu consisting of reasonably priced paninis, sandwiches and entrees. They also have a surprisingly large draft beer selection, heavily weighted by Belgian-style ales. Throughout these first three days I sampled a couple of menu items.
Prosciutto, Fig and Gorgonzola Toastie ($10.99) with Curry Fries (+$2.00)
The Squealing Pig version of a panini, this pressed sandwich consisted of thinly sliced prosciutto, fig and gorgonzola. I found the bread to be a little too crispy, and the filling to be a little to scarce. The flavor was good, but got lost in the bread. Instead of the potato salad that is served with their sandwiches, I decided to substitute curry fries; I don’t come across them often and thought it would be fun to try. Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed by the soupy gravy. Perhaps I was mistaken in my impression of curry fries.
Organic Lamb Burger with cucumber yogurt relish, and Coleman’s mint sauce (on the side, $13.99)
Delicious lamb meat (from Whole Foods) was well seasoned and topped with a mild cucumber yogurt sauce, onion and tomato. I asked for medium rare and it was juicy and cooked to the correct temperature. However, the bread seemed stale and made for one messy burger. Despite being from Iggy’s Bakery, it fell apart under the weight of the burger.
After the disappointment of the curry fries, I wanted to give the fries a second chance and ordered the Tuscan fries with black truffle oil and Parmesan. To say they were topped with cheese is an understatement, more like overwhelmed (and I’m not usually one to complain about too much cheese!). But even the fries were a little soggy and didn’t have the hot-from-the-fryer crunch. I’d stick with the potato salad next time.
Black Forrest Ham and Cheese Toastie with mayo and a side of potato salad ($9.99)
Sometimes there’s nothing like a simple ham and cheese sandwich. Especially when it’s Black Forrest ham with two layers of sharp cheddar. While the cheese didn’t melt under the panini press, the flavor of the sandwich (which did include mayo) was very good. Served with German-style potato salad, this sandwich was a great lunch portion and some good old-fashioned comfort food.
Despite its small blemishes, The Squealing Pig is one of the few options in the Longwood Medical Area, and the highlights on the menu warrant a visit if you find yourself in the area and in need of some food. Their dinner menu offers pizza with topping combinations that look promising. The sandwiches are decent, perhaps not as good as you’d find in the city and beyond, but good enough when you are in need of casual sit-down lunch in an area with few options.
Up next week: Penguin Pizza.
The Squealing Pig is located at 134 Smith Street, just off Huntington Ave in the Longwood Medical Area, in between the Longwood Medical Area and Fenwood Rd stops on the Health St green line and directly across the street the Harvard School of Public Health.
Where are your favorite curry fries?
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