Last week my boss took my fellow co-workers and me out to lunch. She took us to The Purple Pig, located on the Magnificent Mile. I’ve never eaten there prior to that day, so when I looked at the menu I was a little uneasy. I mean, I’m all for trying new stuff, but when my eyes glanced at the words pig’s ear I thought, hold up…what?
Well, guess what?! The food was amazing! I played it safe and got the chicken thigh kebabs with smashed potatoes and tzatziki. I did try a bite of the pig’s ear with crispy kale though and it was equally delicious. For those of you not familiar with Mediterranean food lingo, they provide “cheat sheet” menus at each table describing the different dishes and cheeses.
The cuisine is strictly Mediterranean-inspired. The dishes feature housemade charcuterie, cheeses, and a superb wine selection. Their most popular entrées include the Milk-braised pork shoulder, porchetta panini, and pig’s tail braised in balsamic. The restaurant is set up very nicely, and they even have “outdoor” seating that is heated!
If you love to eat pig or want to try some adventurous dishes, I would highly recommend dining out –or “pigging out” =D – at The Purple Pig! Oh, and follow them on twitter @ThePigChicago.