Pig Latin restaurant planned for former Bella Aquila space

“We’re hoping to provide something that’s a unique, creative, aesthetically pleasing, and like a really high-energy atmosphere,” Mahmood said.

The restauranteurs already have a Pig Latin location in Elk Grove, California, but Mahmood said the Eagle location is considered the group’s main location. He said it will be an elevated space where they can flex their culinary muscle. While the Elk Grove location strongly focuses on tacos and shared plates, Eagle’s Pig Latin will be more entree-focused and offer steak and seafood in addition to the Elk Grove offerings.

Mahmood said they chose the name Pig Latin because as none of the owners have ancestral links to Latino culture, they are making inauthentic tacos. And Pig Latin is an inauthentic language. But while inauthentic, Mahmood said they are putting a great deal of focus into “bold flavors.”

“I would say our food is sort of interpreted through the lens of an American chef that’s traveling through Latin America,” Mahmood said.

Mahmood said the restaurant uses a special blend of ingredients for their tortillas and spends lots of prep time braising and marinating their meats.

To help bring the Pig Latin vision to life, Mahmood and Scanlon have recruited local chef Richard Jimenez to head up their kitchen. Jimenez has previously stood at the culinary helm of Bardenay, Red Feather, and Le Coq d’Or. 

The restaurant will also have drinks that blend classics with unexpected flavors — like prickly pear margaritas. When it opens, it will start with dinner but Mahmood said the plan is to soon offer lunch and brunch as well.

It’s not just the food Mahmood is excited about, it’s the location. Eagle recently had several restaurants including Coa Del Mar and Spitfire Tacos + Tequila open.

“We’re really excited to help expand a dining scene and culture in the valley,” Mahmood said.

The Bella Aquila space also has a large patio area that overlooks the Boise River. Mahmood said construction on a glass patio cover with opening windows and doors has begun. When Pig Latin opens, customers will be able to sit comfortably on the patio year-round. The patio cover will make up about two-thirds of the space, there will also be uncovered patio seating.

This isn’t the only Treasure Valley project Mahmood and his partners are working on. The team also recently opened The Sick Stag cocktail bar in Nampa.

Pig Latin is anticipated to open its doors to the public in September. More updates will be posted on the restaurant’s Instagram.