The Iberian Pig
121 Sycamore St.
404.371.8800
iberianpigatl.com
The only thing better than lively conversation is when it is shared over a great meal and perfectly paired drinks. Back it up with a comfortable atmosphere and welcoming staff, and you have The Iberian Pig. This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant features Spanish-style tapas with flavors from Europe’s Iberian peninsula–with an American twist.
Although this is the first restaurant from owner Federico Castellucci III, he is following in his family’s footsteps as a fifth-generation restaurateur. He and his sister, Stephanie, have opened The Iberian Pig under the Castellucci Hospitality Group umbrella to complement their family’s two Sugo Restaurant & Tapas locations in Roswell.
Castellucci received formal training at Cornell University, where he met Executive Chef Chad Crete. Together, the two certified sommeliers collaborated on a menu and wine list that reflects a unique Spanish concept. They, along with the rest of the knowledgeable staff, provide recommendations for food and drink pairings while offering personal attention.
The pinnacle offering among the artisan-crafted, hand-shaved meats and cheeses is the jamón ibérico, a prized cured meat of the black-footed Iberian pig of Spain and the restaurant’s namesake. The Iberian Pig proudly serves only the finest grade of jamón: jamón de bolleta, or pigs solely fed on acorns. This is reputed to have an unparalleled taste and intense flavor. It is considered by many to be the most sought-after charcuterie in the world. “It’s an extremely special ingredient, and it’s like the caviar of Spain,” Castellucci says. “As far as cured meats go, it doesn’t get any better. There were no restaurants that I knew of, especially in Georgia, that were [using it] as a focal point.” His passion for quality ingredients is complemented by the preparation and presentation of each dish.
One such example of this is the heirloom composition salad, a beautifully dressed dish that features heirloom tomato gazpacho, sliced heirloom tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella, watermelon foam, white balsamic reduction, seasonal fruit and Chilean extra-virgin olive oil. On this visit, the dish featured marcona almonds and griottes cherries, which provided the perfect mix of simplicity and complexity for a balanced flavor profile. This salad, paired with bar chef Thomas Fable Jhun’s aviation cocktail (featuring gin and the hard-to-find crème de violette), is the perfect start to any meal.
Traditional Spanish offerings include olives, country breads, potatoes, chorizo, calamari and peppers. The Pintxos–a tapas dish of rustic bread accompanied by Crete’s daily variety of Spanish condiments–was excellent on this visit. Crete presented savory bocarones (white Spanish anchovies, not your run-of-the-mill pizza-parlor type) and piquillo peppers, accompanied by marinated olives and a house-made olive tapenade. Be sure to pair it with an Iberian old-fashioned cocktail for a truly amazing experience. The signature drink–Juhn’s recipe is a closely guarded secret–features a homemade bacon-infused rye whiskey for a new take on a classic libation with a subtle and palate-pleasing finish.
While the tapas menu offers bites for everyone, the main-plate menu tempts the senses with meals that may be enjoyed solo or shared. The meriuza y gambas–a dish of pan-seared hake, Madagascar prawns, Spanish ratatouille and citrus butter–is made better with one of the staff-recommended sherry selections. Or try the pork tenderloin with a cherry-Rioja reduction, spiced walnuts, piquillo peppers and crispy shallots. You really can’t go wrong.
Although it’s hard to focus on anything other than the food and drink, the restaurant’s décor provides a warm and welcoming backdrop for any gathering. The Iberian Pig partnered with Amanda Milner Design to create a modern yet casual and rustic space. Immediately noticeable are the earth tones used throughout, complementing the exposed brick and accentuating the walls and pillars of wine bottles. “This was her first solo project,” Castellucci says. “I won’t do another restaurant without her.” With everything The Iberian Pig has to offer–from the outstanding food to the hopping bar–it’s sure to become a regular hot spot not only for Decatur but also for Atlanta.