 As the name suggests, there are plenty of pork-centric items on the menu at this Michigan Avenue wine bar. To wit: pork-fat-fried almonds (try and eat just one), pork liver pâté, pork blade steak with Nduja and honey, and pig’s ear with crispy kale. But this intimate restaurant tucked inside an office building is more than just a swine-lover's heaven. With big, local restaurant names behind it --- Heaven on Seven’s Jimmy Bannos and Mia Francesca’s Scott Harris --- expectations were running high even before the Pig opened. We’re happy to report it delivers. Non-pork lovers can opt for flavorful antipasti, like the shaved Brussels sprouts with Pecorino and Parmigiano-Reggiano, charred cauliflower with toasted breadcrumbs or house-cured baccalà brandade from executive chef Jimmy Bannos Jr. (Del Posto), son of Jimmy Sr. No matter what you choose from the Mediterranean-inspired menu --- though you should have the fried, chorizo-stuffed olives --- know there are plenty of wallet-friendly wines to pair with the large and small plates. Grab a spot outside, at the tightly packed bar or one of the three communal tables and prepare to settle in. And be sure to get the chocolate chip-studded, ricotta-filled, fried brioche before heading out the door.
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The Purple Pig Restaurant is one of our 2012
| Top 10 Chicago Wine Bars Restaurants
| Top 10 Chicago Value Restaurants
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Visit the photo gallery of The Purple Pig restaurant.
