Three non-veggie treats.
WHOLE HOG CAFÉ
3006 Cerrillos Road
474-3375
There are so many things I love about Whole Hog. First and foremost is the divine pulled pork. Meaty, tender, juicy and bursting with porky flavor, it's worth the drive through rush-hour traffic. I love the trophies and the memorabilia that ring the room; it makes me feel like I'm a winner. And mostly l love eating in the company of guys who wear overalls and uniforms, guys who laugh real loud and like to drink beer at lunch. Somehow I think they make the food taste even better.
LA BOCA
72 W. Marcy St.
982-3433
People often ask me where to get a great steak. And I tell them what I really think: Don't go to a steak house. Not that there's anything wrong with steak houses, except they never have any decent vegetables. And the steaks are crazy overpriced. I say pick a chef you really trust and eat whatever piece of meat he's serving. James Campbell Caruso is that kind of chef. He changes the menu at La Boca quite frequently, but there's always a beautiful meat dish or two.
AQUA SANTA
451 W. Alameda St.
982-6297
Brian Knox could tell me the day's special was caribou knuckles and I'd ask for two orders. He does things with Shepherd's lamb that give me flashbacks for days. This is not the kind of place to bring boring old people, picky children or anybody on a diet. Aqua Santa works best for eaters who love eating, love adventure and love a lamb shank that falls off the bone into a dark brown pile of yummy. Go to Aqua Santa, pick up the menu, close your eyes and drop your finger anywhere. Order the thing under your finger. Don't worry, it's all good.