A Keel and a Wheel: Navy Pier

We went to Navy Pier with the Cruisers on the most gorgeous day.

It was gray and rainy the day before, so we really appreciated this.

Make sure to eat before you go because the food offerings are rather limited and unimpressive at Navy Pier.  Even so, we managed to secure an Italian beef sandwich for Mr. Cruiser at America's Dog.

Mr. Monkey and I each had a dog.  Ms. Cruiser got a salad at another food court eatery.

We all shared some Garrett popcorn.

So very Chicago.

Then we headed to the Tall Ship Windy for a short sail.

It was a relaxing way to get some nice city views.

We couldn't go to Navy Pier and not ride the Ferris wheel.

Pretty cool views from up there, too.

I'll leave you with some bonus pics from walking around Chicago the previous day.

We love Chicago, and we love it even more when we go there with our friends.

Get Your Oink On: The Purple Pig

My favorite meal during this short Chicago trip was dinner at The Purple Pig.

If you live in L.A., my best description of this place is that it's Chicago's version of Animal.  For those of you who don't live in L.A., this means "lots of really good quality stuff to be shared."

Salt-roasted beets, whipped goat cheese, pistachio vinaigrette ($8).

Deeeeeeelicious, and I'm not even talking about the beets.  The dreamy goat cheese and pistachios were totally heaven.

Razor clams, oregano, lemon, olive oil ($12).

I don't think I'd ever had razor clams before!  Aren't they crazy looking?!  I think I was more won over by their appearance than by their taste, but yummy nonetheless.

Fresh spring peas, bacon, spearmint ($8).

Just magical for peas.  Peas!  Ok, maybe it was the bacon that pumped up this little dish.

Asparagus, arugula, treviso, hazelnuts ($9).

More veggies!  Refreshing!  And hazelnuts!  I love hazelnuts!

Pig's ear, crispy kale, pickled cherry peppers, fried egg ($8).

Now we're talking.  You can't come here and not get this.  I mean, look at the presentation.  Pig!  Pig!  Pig!  Fantastically crispy and chewy and eggy and yeah!

Milk-braised pork shoulder, mashed potatoes ($10).

Pure comfort in cast iron.  Like a hug for your tummy.

Turkey leg confit, crispy lentils, treviso, endive, agro dolce ($15).

Incredible.  Easily the best turkey leg I've had in my life.  We spied a table noshing on this while we waited to be seated, and it was a no-brainer to order it.  So tender and juicy and mind-boggling.  If someone could FedEx this to me on Thanksgiving, I'd be very appreciative.

If you visit Chicago, go to The Purple Pig.

Rolling in the Deep: Giordano's

We didn't really plan to go to Giordano's.  In fact, we'd already eaten lunch while we were hanging out at Navy Pier.  But we were strolling down Michigan Avenue, headed to the incredible giant Ralph Lauren, and we decided to try a small pie at the bar.

After all, we were on a quest for Chicago specialties for Mr. Cruiser, and I'd never actually eaten deep dish pizza while in Chicago either.

Surely, we could stomach a small sausage pizza ($15.35) even though we'd had lunch not long before.

So hearty.  So cheesy.  So saucy.  So good.  So everything.  So worth the stop for a little taste of a popular Chicago chain.  We're going to conquer more deep dish next time to compare.