the weekend buzz

“Swiss Pigs at Trestle on Tenth, Blinded by Wine”

Swiss Pigs

If you're a fan of the hearty choucroute garnie of Alsace but have never been to a Swiss Metzgete you'll want to set aside some time this weekend (or in the next week) for Trestle on Tenth's annual Metzgete, which is currently being served through January 21st (in addition to their full dinner menu).

So, what is a Metzgete? Loosely translated as "a butcher's affair," it is a very traditional Swiss celebration of the pig, customarily offered at country restaurants throughout Switzerland during the cold months. The Metzgete follows right on the heels of the slaughter, which happens in late fall and deep winter, and originated as a way to use every scrap of the pig-especially those parts that would or could not be dried, smoked or pickled for later consumption. Just like the choucroute garnie of neighboring Alsace, the dish starts with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes and is then heaped with all kinds of pork.

At Trestle, their version will include everything from braised belly to all homemade bratwurst to liver and blood sausages, for $26 per person (it can be served family-style for a group). You'd be wise to pair your Metzgete with a glass of Switzerland's most notable white wine, Chasselas, or a bottle of artisanal Swiss beer, both of which will be available as options.

Trestle on Tenth, 242 10th Avenue (24th Street); $26 a person, plus beverages, tax and tip: (212) 645-5659.

Blinded by Wine

On Friday night Craft's private dining room is hosting a very rare wine dinner: a true blind tasting, with unidentified wines and a prize for the best scorer: a bottle of the winner's favorite from the eight tasted. To test your wine savvy, there will be a four-course dinner, with two wines per course. Dinner is served on Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the private dining room of Craft, 47 East 19th Street; $110, plus tax and tip. To reserve your place in the competition, err, dinner, email kgardiner@craftrestaurant.com.

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