Eating out in Portland is hard work. There are so many good places to choose from, and now that my life doesn’t take me into the city as often as it used to- My list of places I’d like to try is getting longer and longer.
Lardo made the short list though- and I jumped at the chance to pop in, order up a sandwich and scarf, accompanied by two of my favorite guys- my husband and dad.
Lardo is a sandwich shop that “worships at the alter of bovine and swine”. It has a fresh Portland vibe, full of chalkboards, wood and pigs. I couldn’t help but think about the time spent painting the giant pig mural on the wall.
The menu is overwhelming- with a dozen different sandwiches- there are inevitably going to be more things that you want to eat than you can in one sitting. This is the hallmark of a good menu, enticing you to come back.
You order at the counter and they bring you your sandwich, so it’s a casual dining experience. They bring your food to the table on metal trays, and although this is a brick and mortar restaurant- it’s still rocking the food cart attitude.
When it came time to order, I was still a little overwhelmed, and I ordered the wrong sandwich, ha! I meant to order the Pork Meatball Banh Mi, oh how I love Banh Mis. Instead I opened my mouth and asked for the sandwich underneath, The Korean Pork Shoulder. Oops, that’s going to be hot!
The sandwich was everything I wanted it to be: spicy, smokey, falling apart soft pork shoulder with an asian tang, covered in house kimchi, chili mayo, cilantro and lime. The bread was soft and chewy, and the perfect pair. I struggled to put the sandwich down and take pictures, but I was determined.
The boys ordered an Italian Tuna Melt, and a Double Burger with Porkstrami included. We also got a side of Lardo Fries, which were fresh fried with herbs and parmesan. I wanted badly to try the Crispy Pig’s Ear with fennel salt and local honey, but I was not brave enough. I’ll have to work my way up to that one.
We ate, and didn’t ask much. We may have been starving. When we were done, we cleared our table and I took another look around- knowing this wouldn’t be the only time I would come here.
Lardo, you are yummy. Friends, get to one of their three locations and get a sandwich. You won’t regret it.
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