The Blind Pig

Anybody know anything about this place? It's on East Washington in Butchertown. i just happened to drive by it today and saw the sign. Looks like they're in the midst of a massive remodeling job on a very old building. The redone facade looks really sharp.

Anybody know anything about this place? It's on East Washington in Butchertown. i just happened to drive by it today and saw the sign. Looks like they're in the midst of a massive remodeling job on a very old building. The redone facade looks really sharp.

http://brokensidewalk.com/2009/11/18/gastropub-setting-up-shop-in-butchertown/

It's great to see that building get redone I've heard good things about the people doing it, and am looking forward to the debut.

I am curious if anyone can explain the reasoning behind the name, The Blind Pig? I ask because there is a similarly named restaurant, with a similar concept down in Florida...Orlando / Vero Beach area. http://theravenouspig.com/

I wonder if there is any affiliation?

DD

http://www.louisvilleky.gov/News/WideNe ... stingGuid={ADFAB2F0-8858-4181-BD9D-F9CC0B609B29}

$60,000 low-interest loan to The Blind Pig, a new Butchertown restaurant being opened by Joseph Frase, a former owner of El Mundo on Frankfort Avenue.

The owner seems to have local ties, so I doubt there is a connection. The Blind Pig just seems to be a popular name, it is quite catchy.

[Robin Garr]

I am curious if anyone can explain the reasoning behind the name

It's a Prohibition-era slang term for a speakeasy, a bar where illegal beverages were served. I think it's safe to assume that Mr. Frase is using the term to set a mood and does not plan any off-license sales.

From wikipedia.

The term blind pig (or blind tiger) originated in the United States in the nineteenth century; it was applied to establishments that sold alcoholic beverages illegally. The operator of an establishment (such as a saloon or bar) would charge customers to see an attraction (such as an animal) and then serve a “complimentary” alcoholic beverage, thus circumventing the law.

“In desperate cases it has to betake itself to the exhibition of Greenland pigs and other curious animals, charging 25 cents for a sight of the pig and throwing in a gin cocktail gratuitously.”[2]

The difference between a speakeasy and a blind pig was that a speakeasy was usually a higher-class establishment that offered food, music, live entertainment, or even all three. In large cities, some speakeasies even required a coat and tie for men, and evening dress for women. But a blind pig was usually a low-class dive where only beer and liquor were offered.

Estimates of the number of blind pigs in three major American cities during the mid-1920s are:[citation needed]

Chicago, Illinois: 10,000
Detroit, Michigan: 15,000
New York City, New York: 30,000–100,000
[edit] Hidden secrets

We hope to be open by the 2nd week of March ...Joe & I are very excited about our new restaruant and look forward to bringing some new life into this area. I'm Joe's partner in life and business so the owners are Joseph Frase and Michael Grider...we will keep you updated on the opening...have a great day !!!

Really looking forward to the opening! Can't wait.

I can't wait to check it out. Love the concept.

I didn't know about the speakeasy connection to the term. I just assumed it referred to the old expression, "Even a blind pig finds an acorn every once in awhile." Turns out that is Russian in origin, but I've heard it all my life.

Drove by the other day, all I can say is "SEXY". The place looks really great. Nice menu in the window with very reasonable prices. If their bar is as good as their restaurant looks, this place will really go. Very exciting looking venture. Best of luck to you both.

Kelly Lehman

Thanks everyone !!! We should have our website up and running by next week with details on our opening date. We were going to try to open by St Patricks Day, but it looks like that won't happen now. Looking like somewhere between 3/20 - 3/23 for the opening...we'll keep you updated.

Is it ready to open yet? We want to come to dinner.

Is it ready to open yet? We want to come to dinner.

Ditto.