The Gage, Michigan Avenue

The Gage
24 S Michigan
Chicago

Date of Last Visit: Saturday, 12 March 2011

The Victims: Aileen, Christina, Kent

The Damage: $25 each

The Background: It’s been a long time since I’ve seen THIS. The green river. Yes, the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, Chicago dies the Chicago River green. It’s a sight to behold. So the other weekend, I decided to organize the troops and make a plan for the big day. I was able to snag a table at The Gage, a classier Irish-run restaurant and bar on South Michigan Avenue that wouldn’t just be a den of beer. I actually couldn’t believe my luck. I mean…seriously? I was able to book at table at The Gage, in the middle of the St. Patrick’s Day parade? Wow.

I hope no one who reads my blog is a Scientologist. Because I thought these guys protesting on Michigan Ave were awesome.

So too was my corned beef and cole slaw sandwich. And I DON’T EVEN LIKE COLE SLAW. (Or raw tomatoes. I pushed them aside.) But the sandwich? And the pumpernickel bread? AWESOME. (You might remember that pumpernickel made my list of things I missed most about America.)

The fries, on the other hand, were just okay. There was something different about them that I can’t put my finger on. Maybe it was the oil they were cooked in? Oh and also, the cup of potato soup that I started with? Infinitely forgettable. Thin. Bummer.

Service: Our server was really perky. That’s the only way I can describe her. And I mean that in the best possible way. She was great.

The Loos: Hello, Penhaligon products in the ladies’. Nice.

The Verdict: Pleasantly surprisingly nice. I’d go back here. Without any Scientologists of course.