The Knife

Pig picking rises once more at Bin 8945

This week's pig post produced a flurry of interest, not the least of which came from Team Haskell of Bin 8945. When Norman's closed, David Haskell hired Norman Van Aken's sous chef, Mike Bryant. And with Mike came La Caja China, otherwise known as the almighty smoker that produced last summer's Pig and Paella on the Patio at Norman's.

Now, starting Sept. 16, Mike will revive the pig roast tradition on Sundays. It's $45 for "an amuse, poboy appetizer and two courses of great pig preparations." Another $25 gets you four two-ounce pours of pig-centric wine.

To be clear, it's my understanding that Don Dickman at Matteo's also uses La Caja. However, Matteo's (unlike Norman's) deprives you of a major La Caja benefit: Gawking at it. The pork tastes even better when you feel like the beneficiary of a honest-to-God pig pickin'. Here's hoping that the amuse at Bin 8945 skews toward the fun rather than the "Oh, how amusing."

Bin 8945, 8945 Santa Monica Blvd. (310) 550-8945

ShortCuts: 2 stars for Bin 8945

Bin 8945, 8945 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 550-8945

The Best Huge wine list, with a number of bottles that are pre-1990 and/or less- common varietals like Carignan, Aligote, Chasselas and Poulsard. And Irene's right about the duck-fat fries. (Especially with the hanger steak.)

The Worst Crowded interior; a December evening on the patio is chilly even with the seasonal plastic walls and overhead space heaters.

What you’ll find A mishmash menu (empanadas, tuna tartare, rabbit rilettes), mostly small plates, mostly well executed.

What you won’t find A Caesar salad.

More on the Bin, including our first Shill Alert, after the jump.