Live Local’s Fork Fest is in full swing, and last night I had popped into Jack’s Grill with my friend Marc to check out Chef Ryan Hotchkiss’ two Fork Fest feature menus (4-course $45 & 5-course $55).
Both options featured pork so we each decided to try one. Our first few dishes were beautifully presented and full of flavour, but I did get a bit jealous when Marc’s third course of pork belly, spicy chestnuts, egg yolk purée, sautéed mushrooms, mustard emulsion, and green onions showed up at the table. Thankfully he let me snag a bite and the combination of tender belly, flavour, fat, and cracking was amazing.
My third course arrived – a beautiful plate featuring Irving Farms glazed pork tenderloin with green lentils, figs, honey-mustard broccolinni, smoked onion jam, and 5 spice reduction. Cooked perfectly, it was a wonderful pork feature definitely worth coming in for. (Plus they have crayons to decorate the table. They’re probably meant for children… but hoping my Alberta Pork drawing makes the wall of fame in the kitchen)
Live Local’s Fork Fest is on tonight (January 24) and again next week from Sunday January 27th to Thursday January 31, 2013. At $45 and $55 for a multi-course menu, this is a very affordable time to check out Jack’s Grill (and the pork dishes are delicious!). Support local and be sure to take advantage of Fork Fest.