It's hard to decide what we miss most about summer, but outdoor dining on a sun-drenched patio is pretty high up on the list. If you're missing a good al fresco evening like we are, get excited. The Purple Pig just opened its outdoor dining space, and with 40 seats (and little competition), it's certain to have a packed house for weeks. Normally we'd have to wait until late April or May to even think about an outdoor evening, but The Purple Pig thinks that's far too long. The area is heated (don't worry) until temperatures rise to something tolerable. Sharing small, Mediterranean-inspired plates over good wine sounds like fun we want to have all year, but if we can get an outdoor patio early, we'll take it.
The Purple Pig, 500 North Michigan Avenue (just south of Ohio Street); 312-464-1744.
Photo: Courtesy of Isabelli Media Relations