Flying Pig Cafe (07-16-2011)

Flying Pig Cafe

Saturday, 07-16-2011

Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA

http://www.flyingpigcafela.com/

Flying Pig had its humble beginnings as one of the earlier food trucks to hit the streets of LA a few years ago.  They made their name on the strength of their pork belly buns and duck tacos.  I personally think their take on Asian fusion tacos and truck foods beats the original gourmet truck of Kogi.  I was excited when they opened their brick and mortar location in Little Tokyo.  

 

CLASSIC PALE ALE [$4.00]

Flying Dog Brewery, Fredrick, Maryland

HALIBUT [$12.00]

Edamame Puree, Pineapple Salsa, Spicy Chocolate

AGUA CON SALSA CHIPOTLE [$7.00]

Light Battered and Deep Fried Avocado with Chipotle Vinaigrette

DUCK FRIED RICE [$12.00]

Bacon, Shishito Pepper, Shitake, Brown Rice

FP SKIRT STEAK [$12.00]

Marinated Beef, Lemongrass, Lime Lead, Garlic, Green Curry

SEAFOOD CURRY RAMEN [$12.00]

Assorted Fresh Seafood & Tiger Shrimp and Mussels

CUCUMBER SORBET [$5.00]

VERDICT:

I was disappointed to see that the dinner menu was so different from the staples served from their truck.  But I was still hoping the flavors would be bold and delicious.  Unfortunately, the entire night was a big letdown.  None of the dishes stood out and in fact some were just straight up bad.  The halibut was overcooked and rubbery.  The fried rice was extremely uninspiring--the duck flavor was lost in its dry bite.  And the ramen?  No better than the 79 cent Korean instant noodles I buy from 99 Ranch Market.  Dessert was advertised as a cucumber sorbet but was really more like a snow cone.  Lesson learned--opening night is not the best time to try a restaurant.  Let them work out their kinks first.  On a positive note, it looks like their lunch menu mimics their typical truck food, the stuff that made them popular in the first place!