This past Victoria Day holiday (Canada), my family went on our annual trip to Chicago (Illinois). We usually go sometime in Spring/ Summer (depending on our schedule) to visit my great grandma. Even though, we go every year, we’re always willing to try new restaurants (even though we hang around the same place downtown when we go shopping).

This year, my cousin, A, recommended that we go to The Purple Pig. She had a friend that was in Chicago the week before we arrived and suggested that we give it a try. The restaurant is small in size, having an indoor mid-size eating area plus an outdoor shaded patio. There are only about three large tables (seating 10-12 people), and the rest small tables (seating 3-4 people) plus a bar (not an alcoholic bar, just a bar close to the kitchen). I was with two other families and so we had 12 people in total. The wait was about 1:30-1:45 hours, which was acceptable, seeing that it was around 1230 when we decided to check the restaurant for tables. Closely located on Michigan Ave (the main shopping street in downtown Chicago), we had plenty of time to spare while waiting for our table. Our hostess was nice, seeing that we had a large party and was extremely calm with us (it was quite loud). We were told that most of the items on the menu are ‘shareable’ and if you have a chance to scroll through the pictures, some of them were not. Or it was due to the fact that we had 12 people to share each dish amongst. I would classify this restaurant as a ‘tapas-like’ restaurant.

Greeted with The Purple Pig gate!

   

A purple patio!

 

This is brillant! They have key words (listed on the menu) that are on these two sheets. It’s like a dictionary-menu for words and terms that you don’t understand. Again, BRILLANT!

Mortadella, Balsamico & Pistachio

Purple Pig Platter

Pig’s Ear with Crispy Kale, Pickled Cherry Peppers & Fried Egg

Manila Clams, House Made Merguez Sausage, Manzanilla Sherry & Tomato

Wagyu Sirloin Tip with Fingerling Potatoes, Cippolini Onions, Olives & Bone Marrow Vinaigrette

“JLT” Pork Jowl, Tomato, Frisee & Fried Duck Egg

Roasted Bone Marrow with Herbs

Milk Braised Pork Shoulder with Mashed Potatoes

Chicken Thigh Kebabs, Fried Smashed Potatoes & Tzatziki

Foie Gras & Membrillo

Verdict: My favourites were definitely the pig’s ear, smashed potatoes and surprisingly the bone marrow spread. I would definitely give this restaurant another try, next time with a smaller party.

Click HERE to visit The Purple Pig’s official website.