06/13/24
Iberico Pork Chop at 1 Pico in Santa Monica, CA. I love a great pork chop, but it’s rare to find one that blows me away. This version at 1 Pico, located inside Shutters on the Beach hotel, was truly outstanding. Iberico pork, often called the Wagyu of Pork, comes from Iberian pigs located in southern Spain. They are fed a special diet of acorns and other plant-based items found naturally in the forest. The result is a pork that has high marbling, with terrific flavor and a velvety texture unlike any other pork out there. Cooked a perfect medium rare, the two generous 8 ounce portions had a nice char on the outside and were tender and juicy on the inside. The chops were grilled then finished off in the oven and accompanied by a carrot purée with mushroom and red wine sauce. Great service by knowledgeable and friendly servers. 1 Pico changes their menu periodically, so if you like pork chops, don’t miss this dish next time you’re in the L.A. area!