Number 54: Pata Negra Ham from Contigo
In our imagination, Black Hoof is the name of the crushing sludge-metal band we would start if we could really play the guitar. In our reality, it's merely the best ham we have ever tasted. Crafted from large, semi-wild Iberico pigs that cheerfully snarf up acorns in the holm oak-crusted, savannah-like countryside of Dehesa in western Spain, jamón ibérico de belotta, also known as pata negra ("black hoof"), cures for up to four years. During this period, the legs lose half their weight as fat sweats off. Seasonal cycles initiate complex molecular changes in the flesh, and, in the end, a long, slender ham with deep golden fat and dark red meat emerges. We have sampled shavings at Bi-Rite, but enjoyed the beast in more ample quantities at Contigo in Noe Valley. Sweet, nutty, and melting, Contigo's pata negra cures for 36 months. It comes from a small town called Guijuelo in a famously hammy region of Spain. It also runs $29 for a "large" portion, but trust us, it's worth it.
Contigo 1320 Castro (at 24th St.), 285-0250; dinner only, Tues.-Sun.
Hungry for more? Click on the links (after the jump) on our list thus far:
No. 92: Cracked Half Dungeness from Swan Oyster Depot
No. 91: Pastrami Sandwich from Orson
No. 90: Coconut Bun from Out the Door on Bush
No. 89: Brown Sugar-Black Pepper Biscuits from Little Skillet
No. 87: Indian Pizza from Zante
No. 85: Chilaquiles from Nopalito
No. 84: Poc Chuc from Poc-Chuc
No. 83: Chocolate Beignet from Arlequin Cafe
No. 82: Scallop Crêpe from Ti Couz
No. 81: Gin and Tonic from Pizzaiolo/Boot and Shoe Service
No. 80: Quesadilla from Rico Pan
No. 79: Turkey Kati Rolls from Kasa
No. 78: Emperor's Pancake from Suppenküche
No. 76: Chicharrones from 4505 Meats
No. 75: Langka Ice Cream from Mitchell's
No. 74: Bacon Potato Chips from Who's Your Daddy
No. 73: Lamb Dumplings from Kingdom of Dumpling
No. 72: Chile-Braised Carnitas Sandwich from Bento 415
No. 71: Chili from Mission Burger
No. 70: Croissants from La Farine
No. 69: Xiu Mai Banh Mi from Saigon Sandwich
No. 68: Creme Brulee from Sweet.
No. 67: Limon Cebiche from Limon
No. 66: Chicken and Waffles from Brown Sugar Kitchen
No. 65: Brioche Bread Pudding from Tartine Bakery
No. 64: Turkish Salad from Old Jerusalem
No. 62: Prupisceddu in Umidu (Stewed Octopus) from La Ciccia
No. 61: Hot and Spicy Beef Jerky from Marin Sun Farms
No. 59: Lobster Roll from Sam's ChowderMobile
No. 58: Dry-Fried Chicken Wings from San Tung
No. 57: John Campbell's Scones from Lovejoy's Tea Room
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