Last Chicago Weekend: Purple Pig Round 3

Greek yogurt smear...absolutely to die for!

The Purple Pig on Michigan Ave is my happy place. Good food is always accompanied great company and conversation. So for my last weekend in the city for the summer (Hello, South Carolina!), amidst finals and moving woes, I made one last trip to The Pig with my friend McKenna. It was a beautiful night, and dining out on the patio, it was the perfect sendoff to a great year.

Trying Times: Grocery Store Woes, Oatmeal Addictions, and Super Easy Taco Crockpot Soup

I know I haven't written a new post in a while, but part of my absence is due to the fact that it is COLD outside in Chicago this winter! Combine that with the absence of my local grocery store leads to a couple of depressed DePaul students.

Dominick's, the local grocery store chain right near my apartment, closed its doors in December, and with the sub-zero, snowy weather, I don't have enough warm clothes…or motivation…to venture out to Trader Joe's. So things around here have been a little…interesting.

Move over, deep dish! La Madia proves thin crust reigns supreme.

Chicago is famous for its deep dish. Giordano's, Lou Malnati's, and Gino's East all compete for the title of the best deep dish pie, but as someone from the east, I much prefer a well-crafted thin crust, and La Madia on Grand Avenue is a true gem.

Hog Heaven: The Purple Pig is One of the Best

Let's be honest, I've eaten some amazing food in my life. I've gorged myself on pizza in Italy, I've downed tender duck from Wolfgang Puck's The Source, I've dined the restaurants of famous chefs such as Bobby Flay and Rick Bayless, and I've had some fantastic meals made by friends and family members. So when I say my experience at The Purple Pig may be one of the best dining experiences I've ever had, I mean it.

Perennial Virant: Brunch With a Unique BLT

Green City Market in Lincoln Park

Last weekend, my mom made it up to Chicago to visit. This city is arguably one of the greatest food cities in America, so when I have a visitor, dining out is a main priority.

It's All Greek to Me: The Famous Athenian Room's Kalamata Chicken

Kalamata Chicken from the Athenian Room

So two weeks ago, my two best friends came to visit from Pennsylvania. Being their first time in Chicago, they could've suggested we do all of the touristy things--Navy Pier, Sears (begrudgingly Willis) Tower, the Field Museum....

Lucky for me, they wanted to eat. A lot.