Anthony Bourdain, the culinary explorer who captivated audiences with his fearless appetite, once stumbled upon a sandwich so extraordinary, he couldn't help but exclaim it was a 'work of genius.' But this wasn't just any sandwich; it was a Chicago creation, a masterpiece between two buns. And here's where it gets intriguing... Bourdain, a man known for his discerning taste, found this gem in an unexpected place.
In the heart of Chicago, at the Silver Palm restaurant, Bourdain discovered the Three Little Pigs 'wich. This sandwich was a pork lover's dream, stacked with three different types of pork: a breaded and deep-fried tenderloin cutlet, crispy bacon, and smoked ham. But wait, there's more! It was then topped with a generous layer of melted gruyere cheese and a fried egg, all nestled in a brioche bun. Bourdain, ever the adventurous eater, couldn't contain his enthusiasm. He described it as a 'symphony of pork, cheese, fat, and starch,' a combination so indulgent it was almost 'evil.'
This culinary masterpiece, however, is no longer on the menu. The Silver Palm, an old-school Chicago gem, closed its doors in 2018. But fear not, food enthusiasts! The spirit of this sandwich lives on. You can recreate this legendary bite, or at least a version of it, in your own kitchen. But is it ethical to glorify such an indulgent dish, given the health and environmental concerns surrounding excessive meat consumption?
All you need is a trip to your local butcher or meat market to gather the pork trifecta. Then, fry it up, layer it with cheese and egg, and follow the iconic instruction: smash the bun to release the golden yolk. It might not be the original, but it's a taste of the Windy City's culinary magic that Bourdain adored. What do you think? Is this sandwich worth the hype, or is it a heart attack on a bun?
