By Molly Cerreta Smith
Since it arrived on the scene at Cactus and Tatum several years, Salty Sow has been and continues to be one of my favorite local restaurants. Between their oh-so-happy happy hour cocktails and bites, their brunch and their regular dining menu, everyone in my family can find something they love. It’s both casual and upscale so it’s ideal for everything from a family-style brunch with the kids to a date night out. And now I have another reason to love Salty Sow — they’ve introduced an all new BBQ-centric menu!
If you know anything about my family, we are kind of BBQ people. My husband has spent the past 10-plus years competing around the globe in some of the most prestigious BBQ competitions in the world. And we’ve been lucky enough to tag along, which means we’ve have the great opportunity to try some really outstanding BBQ. And yet we’re always looking to try more; especially when it’s within an environment we already love — and right in our own neighborhood. Talk about win-win!
With booth seating high top tables, bar seating and an ample Fido-friendly patio with a cozy fireplace, Salty Sow offers a variety of seating styles depending on what suits you on any given visit. The open kitchen offers diners’ a sneak peek at what’s cooking… literally.
Salty Sow’s new menu includes regulars’ favorites, so fear not! The Truffled Deviled Eggs, Green Chile Pork Stew, Duck Fat Fries and Crispy Brussels Sprouts are still highlights of the Starters + Share Plates portion of the menu. For those that haven’t tried the Green Chile Pork Stew, it’s an excellent starter for the table. While the PV Salad (featuring chicken breast, dates, avocado, blue cheese, bacon lardons, candied almonds, hard-boiled egg and sweet onion dressing) remains on my list of regular orders, I’ve been enjoying the hearty Filet Salad as my new favorite. With perfectly cooked melt-in-your-mouth slices of filet mignon, blue cheese, charred corn, cherry tomato, pepitas, crispy chile onions and chipotle ranch, it has enough Southwestern flare without being too hot.
Okay, okay, let’s get to the main event already! Salty Sow’s entrees are both familiar and adventurous at the same time so diners that don’t like to eat too far outside the box can enjoy a Hand-Cut Filet or Slow Cooked Beef Shoulder (served with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, glazed root vegetables and a fried egg – this meal is a comforting hug on a plate) while the slow-cooked Duroc Pork Belly might call those who are a feeling a bit more culinarily curious. The Brisket Sandwich features 13-hour smoked brisket with BBQ sauce, kale slaw, onion, mayo and pickles. May I say that pickles, slaw and BBQ brisket are truly a trio of the heavens. For the voracious appetite, the wood-smoked St. Louis Style Pork Ribs are stick-to-your-ribs delicious.
I’ve always enjoyed Salty Sow’s creative bar program, so feel free to try one of their specialty cocktails to wash down a spicy or salty forkful. I love the Rosemary’s Piglet with pomegranate juice, rosemary syrup and champagne and the Sugar Spice and Everything Nice fills my need for the occasional whiskey cocktail. The Sow has a great selection of beer and wine too, and their happy hour prices are pretty killer. For more, visit www.saltysow.com.
