The Purple Pig

After a long day of walking through Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and some other touristy areas, the #ChiTownChowDown group and I decided to rest our weary feet and fuel up at The Purple Pig. I've quickly discovered that Chicagoans looove their meat and The Purple Pig does pork very well.



We started with what could be my favorite thing I've eaten so far in this city. Pork fried almonds with rosemary and garlic ($5). You first notice the piney rosemary and sweet garlic and there is a great saltiness from the pork, further highlighted by chewy pork bits in the bowl. Such an addictive snack.



To get a bit of green, we had brussels sprouts ($6). These aren't the healthiest sprouts since they are fried to crispy perfection, but the lemon and thyme help them taste fresh.



Our mini meal was a little pork heavy (duh, the place is called The Purple Pig) with the almonds and then the pig's tails braised in balsamic ($9). The sweet balsamic balanced the fattiness of the tails.



We continued our pork exploration with milk braised pork shoulder ($10). Since pork shoulder is a little leaner, it was the perfect balance with the milky sauce and incredibly tender.



To change things up, we ordered the mussels with creme fraiche, pancetta and majoram ($11). They come in an adorable pig bowl with crusty bread. We got more bread to soak up the creamy broth and then they just kept bringing us plate after plate of bread. It was kind of hilarious.



I can't wait to visit The Purple Pig again to have a glass of rose on the patio and also so I can try the pigs ears with crispy kale and a fried egg. That dish has my name all over it.


The Purple Pig
500 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 464-1PIG (744)
Website