You know when you have the best of something? Yes, that’s a question. I mean, you know when you are consumed, mesmerically perplexed at the perfection that is (unbeknownst to your unassuming tastebuds) presented, lingering…and then…like a euphoric, superlative revelation…you know. You are eating the very best of that thing.
That happened to me yesterday. I was eating broccoli.
Don’t worry. Remember how we got here? Yea. It was semantically the most celestial adaptation of a brassica-n vegetable that I have ever encountered. And that’s sayin’ somethin’ folks!
Waddling hungrily down Michigan Ave, sun soaked and searching for a splendid sanctuary to satisfy my expeditiously famishing insides. I wondered…”What kind of culinary quarters were going to meet the demands of my voracious appetite?”
Then, a questionable consideration from the handsome Cuban, “How about the Purple Pig?”
I dry swallowed, knowing what he was thinking and knowing what I was knowing.
The Cube, believes this is a place where he can sink his teeth into a hearty, drippy, piggy hoagie. I, of course, know this is a Mediterranean inspired James Beard award winning venue where portions are notoriously small due to their thoughtfully posed decadent richness. (Not exactly his cup of tea, or shall we say, plate of ham.)
But I’m not one to burst any bubbles, so we will just let him continue his pork flavored dream.
Dismayed yet eagerly pleased that this was his idea…I leapt to hostess stand. Table for 3 please. My brother was also with us (knowing what I know, and thinking the same thoughts).
The order was as followed:
- Sweet corn arancini with pistachio pesto
- Fried mozzarella bites with quince paste
- Grilled broccoli with anchovy vinaigrette
- The Ravioletto with truffle, garlic and brown butter
- Grilled Broccoli with anchovy vinaigrette
Yes, I ordered the broccoli twice. I spent 30$ on two bowls of broccoli during this meal and I would have taken a third to go if the Cuban wasn’t miffed about the lack of swine filled sandwiches (more fiber than he bargained for I suppose).
I can’t tell you the splendor that was this dish. Simply grilled florets dressed with a creamy blend of roasted garlic, anchovies, garlic oil, lemon juice and salt – topped with bread crumbs. Drool emoji goes here.
How about the rest you ask? Good question. The Ravioletto was presented like a perfect present on Christmas morning. (My favorite gifts are always laid on a bed of brown butter and oozing cheese in case you’re wondering).
The fried mozz was a fanciful twist on the more casual ‘stick’ version. And the quince paste provided a piquant nectar, excellent for bite size dips. Arancini are the things dreams are made of. We all know that.
No one needs to coerce you to go here when you’re needlessly hangry stammering between the luxury shops of the Gold Coast.
Don’t be misled. Pork is delicious and all, but I’ll be coming back for the broccoli.
My recipe for this life changing cruciferous dish – coming soon:)
Meanwhile, try visiting the windy city try some other of my other favs like Portillos or Tavern on Rush!
