We were in New York for Coterie this past week, a twice annual show attracting over 1300 high-end apparel, footwear and accessories lines to the Javits Center. On the racks this time was our Spring 2012 line, the first full collection by our Design Director, Jennifer Wojinski. Some of our favorite East Coast buyers, bloggers and editors got the first look at new styles and washes, including a brand new Italian “crackle coating” (Shhh! Don’t tell!), new colorways for our sold out “Color Coated Denim” from fall, wide leg trousers, colored denim in fresh, solid tones, and shorts in lightweight super soft cotton blends. We were completely thrilled by the reaction to the new styles and we can’t wait for you to see them, too!

But aside from work (and shopping), one of our favorite fringe benefits from a trip to New York is, of course, eating. After Coterie one night, we decided to see exactly what Michelin Star bar food tastes like at The Spotted Pig. This West Village gastropub, affectionately known as ‘The Pig,’ was started by British import April Bloomfield, formerly of Chez Panisse, who also runs John Dory Oyster Bar and the Ace Hotel’s Breslin, and serves seasonal British and Italian fare made with local ingredients.

Décor, assembled by co-owner Ken Friedman, is a mix of dark woods, even darker velvet drapes, walls of porcine artwork, and a pressed tin ceiling, which lends an air of British… intimacy. The place is always packed (the New York Times called it a gastromelee), and it certainly took us out of the airy, spacey comfort zone we enjoy in Los Angeles.

After sitting, we started with their oft-imitated Devils on Horseback – sweet, soft prunes wrapped in crisp bacon (pork seemed like the natural choice) – which are a nice diversion from the usual bacon wrapped dates you can find anywhere. Another famous dish is the fresh ricotta Gnudi, in heaps of butter and sage. For mains we picked skirt steak with summer veggies and chili, along with a juicy pub burger smothered in Roquefort. Even if you aren’t a beer drinker, wax nostalgic and try their true English-style ale, hand pumped from casks hidden behind the bar. Perfect after a long day on your feet.

Opened in 2005, this place is very likely the reason why “gastropub” has entered the food lexicon, and why casual bar meets comfort food establishments have sprouted on nearly every corner. We think it was worth the wait, and the people watching, one of our favorite pastimes, is superb. The “tight” atmosphere only means you get a front row seat.

The Spotted Pig
314 West 11th (at Greenwich St.)
New York, NY 10014