I missed out on Oktoberfest this year, so it was a gift from above that fellow Foodbeast Brian and I were invited to the Five Crowns in Corona Del Mar, Calif., for their 2nd-annual Porktoberfest. If there was a Mecca for pork, this would be it. An old-school pub vibe, Five Crowns opened their restaurant to pork lovers alike. Live music, costume contests and good eats made this night a pretty damn good food adventure.
The event featured craft beers provided by Firestone Walker among the pork dishes. Between the community table and mingling on the patio area, the food was on point. Check out all the porktastic eats below.
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Pork Rillette on Endive Spear with Pickled Red Onion
Super savory and light, it was a great way to kick off the tasting.
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Beer Braised Pulled Pork Sliders with Traditional Coleslaw
The braise on the pork was perfect. There was a heat that was great but not overwhelming. The coleslaw also added a sweet crunch to the sliders.
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Beer Braised Mini Carnitas Tacos with Guacamole, Onions and Cilantro
Though I wish I could have tasted more of the meat in the tacos, I figured it was intended to be light in anticipation for the main meal. The house-made guacamole was delicious though, as you can see in the picture, I was most definitely licking my fingers afterwards.
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Baby Spinach with Stilton Blue Crumbles, Apple, Pancetta, Crispy Shallots, Candied Walnuts, Warm Bacon Vinaigrette
When I heard the phrase "Warm Bacon Vinaigrette" I was intrigued. When the salad arrived, I realized it was pretty much seasoned bacon fat. And, you know what? It worked.
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Roasted Pig
The crown jewel of the dinner, since it was Porktoberfest after all, was the roasted pig (crispy skin and all). There's nothing more satisfying than feeling that crunch of fatty skin when biting down. Just wish there was some sauce to go with it.
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Buttermilk Biscuits with Ham Hock Gravy
I was sold on the biscuits as soon as I first bit into them. Awesome glaze that made them sweet and salty at the same time. Then the waiter brought out the gravy. Heaven.
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Maple Glazed Donuts with Crispy Prosciutto Bits
The final item of the night, the donuts where a much welcome dessert to compliment the pork-heavy menu. Sweet and flavorful with a hint of saltiness from the prosciutto. Absolutely had more than one.
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Photos taken by Brian Yamamoto
