The Purple Pig

Location: The Purple Pig, 500 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago

What's On The Menu: The menu at The Purple Pig changes regularly and seasonally, but despite the apparent focus on swine, there are always a ton of vegetarian choices available. All of the dishes available are "small plates," intended for sharing with your table (or guarding jealously for yourself).

What I had: I always have the Fried Deviled Egg with Arugula and Caper Berries when I go (and when it is available - they sell out fast!). Aside from that, I have tried any number of dishes...past standouts included the Arancini, Shaved Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan, Charred Ramps with Romesco Sauce, and more varieties of cheese than you could shake a stick at.

The Review: I LOVE the food at The Purple Pig. With all of the fantastic seasonal vegetarian dishes on offer, not to mention the extensive cheese list, I always feel like a kid in a candy store. A candy store that features a whole lot of candy that is made out of pork. But also a lot of candy that is not. How's that for a mind-blowing simile?

The sheer number and variety of vegetarian offerings will make you thankful that they are all small dishes meant for sharing, because you will want to sample every one. I have yet to try a dish at The Purple Pig that wasn't delicious, and several were good enough and unique enough to qualify as revelations. The shaved asparagus, for example, was served raw. I had never actually tried raw asparagus before, but this? Was easily the best asparagus I have ever had. As for the fried deviled eggs...there are not words sufficient to describe the genius of this creation. Crunchy coating on the outside, warm and silky inside, and no worrying if they have been sitting out too long at the picnic. You will have to worry, however, that they will be gone if you do not go early in the day. On my last visit to The Purple Pig, my group went so far as to enquire as soon as we walked in the door if the eggs were still available. Upon being told that there happened to be precisely the same number of eggs left as people in our party, we promptly ordered them and consumed them while standing in a back hallway while we waited for a table to open up.

The uncertainty over wait time (not to mention egg-induced anxiety) is one of the only drawbacks to The Purple Pig. Seating is at long, communal tables, and they do not take reservations, so if you are going at a popular time, be prepared for a long wait. The staff is unfailingly friendly and attentive, but not always particularly speedy. It is also worth mentioning that there is no parking or valet available at The Purple Pig itself - if you go by car, you will need to park at one of the public garages in the area. Once you manage to get seated, though, it is your turn to eagerly work your way from one end of the menu to the other, and ignore the jealous and imploring glances of those unfortunates who are now waiting for their turn at the trough.