The Dog and Pig Show: Church Hill's New Favorite Lunch Spot

 

I checked out Church Hill’s newest take out sensation on my lunch break today:  The Dog and Pig Show, located at 314 N. 25^th St. (behind Patrick Henry Park).  Owners Isabel and James Eckrosh state on their website, “We’re a hardworking pair with a sincere passion for healthy appetites, freshly poured cocktails and slow meals shared with the ones we love”.  

And that’s the vibe you get as soon as you walk into this rustic, old-world seeming establishment.  The decorations are from another time, with a vintage cash register being one of the centerpieces of the store front, as well as homey and warm, with plants being the main decoration throughout the small space (along with irresistible aromas). 

They also have "pour over" style coffee that I just thought was the coolest thing ever when I saw them making it.  My friend ordered one and he loved it.  Said he could tell is was less acidic.  I'm definitely having one next time.

Their menu is limited, with only eight regular items that include Shrimp and Grits, a Pulled Pork Po’ Boy and a Loation Style Hot Salad.  I had the Grilled Cheese (with bacon added of course) while my companion chose the Pulled Pork Po’ Boy.  There was some confusion with my order because I tried to add avocado to my grilled cheese as well (which I saw was an option on their chalkboard menu) but instead they left that off and gave me an order of their Tomato-Habanero Soup with goat cheese and scallions.  I really couldn’t complain; as I stood there waiting for my food, starting at the menu, I wish I’d ordered the soup more and more. So it kinda worked out!

We took our food back to my friends house and devoured it.  The grilled cheese was like no other I’d tried before.  It comes with muenster and pimento cheese, tomato jam and mayo on sourdough bread (or in today’s case, pain de champagne from Flour Garden, a local Richmond bakery) for $7 (plus $2 for avocado or $3 for hand cut bacon).  I’ve never seen this combination of cheeses on a grilled cheese in the first place, but with their tomato jam, it was so flavorful without being overwhelming.  And I was nervous about the soup (because I have stomach issues, wah wah) but while there was a little bit of spice, it wasn’t bad at all.   So sorry to disappoint any spicy lovers hoping to burn their tongues, but this would be bearable to almost anyone :D And the goat cheese just made it more amazing. 

My friend liked his sandwich a lot, but said he wished there was more of spicy mayo and maybe some peppers or some other flavor in there.  Maybe just his preference – it looked pretty darn awesome to me.  Their Pulled Pork Po’ Boy comes with soy glazed pork shoulder, spicy mayo, pickled red onions and spicy cucumber on French bread for $9.

On top of their delightful little restaurant, the couple also hosts Sunday Suppers.  On the last Sunday of every month, the Eckrosh’s host a 4 course dinner with a different menu and experience each time in their Church Hill home.  Since it’s at their residence, seating is very limited.  So if  you’re interested in reserving a seat, check out the link on their Sunday Suppers page.

I also love this couple for how eco-friendly their entire operation is.  Right down to the string they use to tie their napkins and utensils together, and all the biodegradable materials.

Definitely give them a try when you’re in the area for lunch or an early supper.  Help support good local business.  They are open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  You won’t regret it!