Chicago has such a special place in my heart. Two of my best friends have lived there and bopping around visiting all of the tourist spots, bars, and trying to figure out if Chicago pizza really is the best together made me seriously consider if I should make the move too. While I never took the plunge, I was lucky enough this past month to go and try some new foods. Here I will focus on the little bit of healthy and little bit of not so much enjoyed at The Gage.
Located directly across the street from the Bean, you can’t miss its’ cute chairs lined up along the outside. Go inside and you get a more upscale vibe, making it a good dinner or date night spot I assume. For a starter, the very first thing on the menu had me excited immediately, I didn’t even get a chance to see what other appetizers were on offer- Poutine Royale. You may have heard of poutine but what is poutine royale? Fries topped with Wisconsin curd, braised short rib and brown gravy. That’s right, it is essentially the elevated version of your standard poutine.
Being that Illinois is right next to Wisconsin, I was curious to see if the cheese would be different. I assumed better but there is too much going on in the photo you see featured above to be able to tell the difference between these cheese curds and all other cheese curds. The addition of the braised short rib is really the major addition here and a difference it does make. Partially because short rib is delicious but also in part because The Gage does short rib right. There was no fat to get in the way in each bite and the meats pulled apart so gently together. Add the thin brown gravy covering practically every inch and you have one decadent poutine. Bravo I say on the modern twist from the neighbor above.
Now it is almost unfair to talk about the Shepard’s Pie above because it is no longer on the menus. I can only assume it is seasonal as this dish is hearty and maybe considered too warm for the hot Chicago summer. There is also the option that it was not popular. Being my boyfriend is Irish and I love his Shepard’s Pie, I can only assume that if it was not popular it is because it did not have the authentic taste of a traditional Shepard’s Pie. Similar to poutine, it is a modern twist. With seasonings that I cannot put my finger on and lots and lots of cheese melted into the top, the dish does come out tasty (hello, it’s meat, cheese, and potatoes) but the simplicity of a Shepard’s Pie is what I love the most about it and what I missed with this dish. I can see why others would love it but I think homemade I will stick with anyways so.. moving on to what is still available, and likely better for an end of weekend detox..
The Ancient Grain Bowl. This bowl is a wonderful mix of roasted squash, pear, marcona almond, radicchio, and a winter truffle vinaigrette. After a long weekend of indulgence, this is exactly what the doctor ordered. The use of seasonal vegetables is the best part and roasted and pared well with just a hint of the dressing to prevent dryness. What I love about dishes like these is the texture. I know some people see it as sin to mix soft with crunchy or mashed and firm but nothing is better than a good bowl that does that. Add the protein and fiber, and you have a fun and delicious way to get in what’s good for you. While the decadence of the other menu items is more attractive, I urge you not to look over the Ancient Grain Bowl, even if it is just to share.
And lastly, while not pictured here, may I recommend if you are in the mood for a burger, this is the place to get one. Thick, juicy, and making those onlooking oozing with envy, these bad boys look the part (as far as the taste, you be the judge).
