The Purple Pig

In the midst of one of the hottest afternoons Chicago has seen this summer, I found myself at The Purple Pig- seated at a high top communal table with three of my favorite people- each of us hungry for the restaurant's renowned cheese, swine and wine. In the 5 months since its debut The Purple Pig, located on tourist friendly Magnificent Mile, has become a popular destination for charcuterie, cheese and Mediterranean inspired tapas.

With some trepidation, we asked our knowledgeable waiter to serve as our guide through the world of undiscovered pig parts (think pig's ear, neck, head and blood). He captained us toward menu favorites, many surprisingly meatless, and within minutes an array of dishes started to arrive in waves. Our journey began with succulent chunks of tuna poached in olive oil and served with plump Greek lima beans, reached a crescendo with squares of golden fried manchego with sweet membrillo vinaigrette, and ended with the afternoon's most exotic dish- pig's ear- thinly sliced, battered and fried, served with crispy kale, pickled cherry peppers and topped with a perfectly fried egg. Like many before us, and I imagine many after us, our afternoon of cheese, swine and wine left us feeling hog-wild about The Purple Pig.

My two favorite Chicagoans, Andy and Marya, at one of the outdoor communal tables

A view from inside- there are several communal tables, few marble topped tables and a number of seats at the bar. A glossary and menu tacked to the lampshades above each communal table adds to the rustic, swine inspired decor

The menu's eight categories- antipasti, salad, fried items, panini, cured meats, smears, cheese, a la plancha, etc.

The outstanding cheese selection is written on a circular chalkboard high above the restaurant's tables

Upon being seated, diners are immediately presented with a plate of homemade focaccia on top of olive oil

3 wonderful cheeses- quadrello di Bufala, l'amuse gouda, and pecorino noce- 3 for $17

One of our favorites- the porchetta with salsa verde panini- $9

Grilled octopus with seasonal favette, and thinly sliced celery and radishes- $9

One of the restaurant's signature dishes- pig's ear with crispy kale, pickled cherry peppers and fried egg- served in a pig shaped bowl- $6

Whipped feta with diced cucumber, olive oil and chunks of grilled bread- $6

My favorite bite- squares of fried manchego with membrillo vinaigrette- $6

Plump olive oil-poached tuna with Greek lima beans- $7

Milk braised pork shoulder with creamy mashed potatoes- $9