Orange County has been slowly opening back up and stir crazy people have been making their way out again. I’m confused by it (given the number of cases) but I’m also out eating so what do I know? To be fair, I eat out by myself (not depressing at all) and always in a corner away from people (also not depressing). Bosscat Kitchen in Newport Beach has a lot of outdoor seating and plenty of corner tables for one lone sandwich enthusiast to take weird instagram photos.
If anyone knows where the name “Bosscat” came from DM me on my instagram. The name makes me feel like I’m getting my paychecks signed by a kitten wearing a necktie. I’m thoroughly intrigued by it.
The Bosscat Kitchen Shaved Pork Chop sandwich
Bread
The bun may look standard, but it is quite different from what I’ve had around here before. What made it so unique was the texture from the cornmeal crust. It was crispy, but not the way toasted bread is crispy. Not a great description, I know, but it made an impression. There was a very subtle cornbread sweetness to it as well, a perfect compliment to the BBQ spices on the pork chops.
Filling
The flavors of the shaved pork chop were great but what really elevated the sandwich was the texture. The understated BBQ spices on the meat were punctuated by bits of crisp pork belly mixed throughout. The edges of the chops were lightly caramelized and it just turned the sandwich into something truly special. Touches of BBQ slaw evened out the fat of the meat without taking away from the natural flavor of the crispy pork. Truly, the meat was the star of the show.
Sauce
When I first bit into the sandwich, I didn’t think there was a sauce. Upon further inspection and some polite conversation with my server, it turns out there is a BBQ aioli on it. I like the fact that I didn’t taste a distinct sauce because it didn’t take away from the meat. In this situation, I feel like it serves the purpose of adding some moisture to the sandwich while enhancing the pork.
Price
Bosscat Kitchen is a full service restaurant so you naturally pay a bit more. The shaved pork chop sandwich a la carte is $15, which I think is worth the price. The portion is good enough to satisfy, but if you want grab a side of fries it’s $6. I decided I needed to be in denial about my healthy choices in life, so I ordered Brussels sprouts smothered in parmesan garlic sauce and bacon ($11 but freakin rich). If you want to give Bosscat Kitchen a shot without paying too much, check out their Happy Hour Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm and grab a $6 shortrib grilled cheese.
-Vy
Bosscat Kitchen
4647 MacArthur Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92660
[Click on thumbnail for Sample Menu]
