9 Responses to “Prime 76 – University Club”

1. ScottyMarkets, on May 7th, 2012 at 9:03 am Said:

   What was to be a night I feared would frought with fits and starts and much trepidation (as Jevon put it, this was a bit out of the box for the group), I have to say that in its entirety, the night was a full-on success.

   The southwest winds were warm and blew me right to The Gage restaurant where I met an awaiting group both outside and in, either due to the nice weather or maybe the fact that the bar there gets pretty jammed after work.

   Nevertheless we proceeded inward and found the usual – some fine-looking gentlemen a few scotchs deep with a couple women lingering on the side.

   It was an upbeat prance to the club from there, where much anticipation lurked for what was to be another fail or home run from young lammbykins. Taking an elevator to the restaurant was a new treat, along with a grand entry into the adorned salon where they manage to hold other events (weddings and parties) that members of the group have attended. Little did some of the existing diners know, the party started when we walked in.

   Lucky for some, we were seated in the far northeast corner of the room – giving us ample privacy yet an area where the laughs and insults of some in the group managed to be transported all over the place thanks to the favorable acoustics. This also, though, led us to seemingly be punished by the waitstaff for our banter since we saw them an average of once every 10 minutes. How could we be missed? Some diners even asked to be moved further away from us, while others just risked damage to their dentures from chewing so fast to get their meal over with.

   I began with the french onion soup, which was rather well prepared. I also matched that up with the crabcake while overhearing groans that the “enlightened” lobster bisque was just a cover for “watered down.” I was happy with my choice.

   The steak was a filet – not the puppy size that Lamboat ordered – but the full monty. Perfectly cooked and tender, it was one of the best steaks I’ve had in the last 6 gatherings. Dessert was – well, dessert, and we got a nice tour of the place from our host, including finding a place to both play squash and poker in a single night.

   All in all this was a calculated risk taken by the group’s host and it came through. I didn’t put the odds of success at a low bar, but it was good to see the execution be on point. The food was the standout performer to me, with the steak night legend we have just begun to build there still being talked about around town.

   8

2. zee german, on May 7th, 2012 at 10:30 am Said:

   It was a balmy perhaps even sultry May evening that featured a nice blend of heat and humidity that only a large dose of red meat can cure. Arriving at the Gage I was cautious about this change to the schedule that has endured all these years. It was indeed crowded but we were able to negotiate a good sized spot at the end of the bar. The bourbon list was pathetic, but as always I made do. The addition of Euler was a pleasant surprise indeed. Discussion of Junior Seau’s passing was lively to say the least. Still quite a tragedy.

   There was concern that the University Club may be lacking in the requisite number of steaks to be included in our evening. Jevon assuaged these fears by answering “Charlotte called.” Not completely convinced, we moved on from the Gage with caution.

   The dining room at the U Club, is magnificent. There were certainly some diners whose finely tuned hearing aids and nicely polished dentures did not approve of the pack of elegantly dressed gentlemen raising a ruckus in the corner. The table was situated with a view of the impending storm. The enlightened lobster bisque needs to get back to school and learn a thing or two about what it means to be called a bisque. Watery and devoid of any actual seafood, it was a face plant failure. The oysters were delicious and the crab cake stood at the top of the pile.

   The wine was finely paired, a nod of the cap to Cizzle.

   The usual filet oscar was ordered to a medium rare, which they delivered perfectly. It was one of the best I have had, hands down. I didnt love the potato pancake, but the whipped were quite good. Brussel sprouts and bacon called out to me from the bottom of the menu, but really didnt deliver much. A brussel sprout needs to be blackened and layered with garlic in my opinion.

   Carrot cake had all the right things going on. We have had some notable failures in this department which I have duly noted on this very website. If you cant make a good carrot cake, dont call yourself a steak house. Its the combination of the decadent cream cheese frosting and the nutty, dense cake below that makes it. David Burke and Custom House could learn a thing or two from the U Club.

   Post dinner tour got me sold on further pursuing a membership to this fine establishment.

   I give the evening a 9.5 overall.

3. Euler, on May 7th, 2012 at 5:40 pm Said:

   To say that this was an unexpected night would be a gross understatement. I arrived at The Gage intending to quickly catch-up with Jevon and Don before heading home to get some rest. As the crew began to leave The Gage, they extended a gracious invitation for me to join them for Steak Night. As an ardent supporter of tradition, and being acutely aware of the longstanding relationship among the guys in attendance, I didn’t want to intrude. But at Glick’s fervent insistence, I relented and accepted the invitation.

   As a member of the University Club, I’m ashamed to say that I had never been to Prime Night before. I’ll blame it on the fact that my wife is a “pescatarian” (she has other redeeming qualities). Cathedral Hall is truly a special place for me (we got married there) and it served as the perfect setting for my guest appearance at Steak Night. As others have hinted, you won’t confuse this place with Sunda, Paris Club, or your granddaddy’s steakhouse, but that’s not why you go there. In talking about interior spaces in Chicago, Franz Schultz (shame on you if you don’t know who he is) once wrote that “among the places where people convene to enjoy good food and companionship, I can think of no single room in this wonderfully composed and constructed city that is more stunning, that clears the sinuses more speedily or whips the viewer more persuasively into social attention than Martin Roche’s Cathedral Hall.” Our arrival did what no single room in Chicago could do by whipping other diners’ social attention away from their companions.

   To be frank, I was more focused on getting to know the folks at the table that I didn’t already know, or had only met briefly, that I somewhat ignored the sides, but my 18 oz. bone in ribeye had me at attention from the first bite. Perfect temperature, rich in flavor and just the right amount of marbling. When all was said and done, all that was left was the bone, and I may have tried to suck the marrow out of it had we been in a lesser setting. My mouth has been watering as I wrote this paragraph. This steak was perfect.

   The carrot cake didn’t disappoint either. The sweet, cream cheese frosting and moist cake was gone too fast. I should not have shared my birthday cake.

   I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, from musings about the electricity in the clouds to discovering that there is no limit Rick’s sports knowledge, this was a much better way to spend the evening than what I originally planned. Thank you gentlemen for including me in the festivities.

   Overall, 9 (which is like a 10 to me).

4. Kid Ray, on May 8th, 2012 at 4:58 pm Said:

   Good work Thorzeen, good work. Different, change of pace, classing it up a bit and a steak that delivered. After one of my worst work days in recent memory, I made certain I arrived at The Gage early enough to down two scotch’s. I promised the group I would not have a repeat performance of Chicago Cut and wanted to stay good to my word. The Gage is a good spot and was bustling as per usual during the post work hours.

   With rolled up aces over kings we headed to the 9th floor of the University Club for their Prime 76 menu. I have attended a few weddings there and knew what to expect out of Cathedral Hall – probably one of the most magnificent rooms in Chicago. The crowd gathered to dine, however, were about as old as the room itself – making for an expected but less boisterous atmosphere.

   We were seated at our table tucked into the corner with a wonderful view of the lake, millennium park and Boston based metal band Unearth’s first album; “The Oncoming Storm”. The view and lightening show could only entertain for so long. I thought at one moment the staff had left us for dead. Ol’ Lambykins solved that issue post-haste by voicing his displeasure to the staff. I soon had a waitress in my lap and one massaging my shoulders. I kid, I kid. They were not giving out that kind of love, but service did improve tenfold.

   I would classify the apps as average with the crab cakes and oysters highlights for me. Not completely satisfied with the apps I went a touch gluttonous on the steak – topping it with a foi gras medallion. Who tops a fatty ass rib-eye with a fatty ass goose liver? I do, good sir, I do; and it was awesome. My standard bone-in Rib-eye was cooked to perfection and a nice cut of meat to boot with quality marbling throughout. The sides were a pleasant surprise. Mashy P’s were creamy and the hash browns were unique and carried a texture I quite appreciated. I never did get a chance to enjoy the custom creamed spinach (kudos on that, U-club) – which was a disappointment.

   Need to talk carrot cake before closing out here. I would love to get my hands on that cream cheese frosting recipe which was top notch.

   All in all a great choice and great to have the entire band back together, plus one. Euler – happy to have had you and glad you were exposed to this tradition and the endless amount of useless knowledge stuffed in Rick Ray’s brain. Zebro walked free and glick still did not pay me back for Vegas.

   8.5

5. Rick aka TDI, on May 11th, 2012 at 12:27 pm Said:

   I was curious what Mr. Thoresen had up his sleeve for the May edition of Steak Night since God forbid we go somewhere we have been previously. I feared we might be dining at the Outback in Schaumburg just because we have not been there yet, then again a high society fella like Thoresen would not be caught dead at the Outback in Schaumburg. I was pleasantly surprised with his outside the box choice of bringing the boys to his private club for the evening’s festivities.

   Drinks were at the Gage where I had never been and really enjoyed, I would like to return for happy hour in the future. Cathedral Hall is a spectacular room, easily the most impressive we have been to for steak night, not a surprise why it is a popular wedding location. The spectacular room comment is in regards to the architecture, the clientele looked like they were there because there was a coupon in the latest AARP magazine.

   We were seated and given the menu, which was flimsy. I could care less that the menus were flimsy but Thoresen pointed this out in the past as a negative so I am bringing it up to bust his balls that his club does indeed have flimsy menus. The service was lacking but the cocktails were large and strong just the way I like them. The lobster bisque was the worst I have ever had; there was no lobster. I don’t mean a lack of lobster or not enough lobster I mean there literally was not one piece of lobster, the lobster-less pink broth was watery and lacked any flavor. Apps were average with the mac & cheese bites being the highlight for me. I went with the bone in ribeye, which was good, and I enjoyed it but it lacked that explosive steak flavor to stand out. The hash browns were great.

   It was Euler’s birthday, it is always more fun when an unexpected guest has a birthday but doesn’t know it but everyone else at the table knows what is coming.

   For the record I can go back further then 1978 in the hoops and Heisman discussion. A great evening, on to the summer steak nights which I hope include some post dinner drinks.

6. J Cizz, on May 13th, 2012 at 5:46 pm Said:

   May’s Steak Night brought about a welcome, and well thought out surprise from Mr. Thoresen. His choice was a trip to the University Club of Chicago for “Prime Night.”

   Cocktail hour was at the Gage on Michigan Ave, just around the corner from the club. It was nice to have almost a full house for Steak Night. Euler was the nights special guest, just home from a stint in the far east. Once again everyone’s been on top of their posting requirements and no one was responsible for the tab.

   The 9th Floor of The University Club of Chicago was where the festivities were for the night. Cathedral Hall was definitely the most spectacular room I’ve been in for a steak night. We were seated at a corner table overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan. It was really quite a stunning setting. The rain and fireworks over the lake really added to the mood.

   Apps were pretty average. Oysters are always good in my book. The mac and cheese bites were also pretty decent as well. I’ve never rally had a bad one though. These were standard issue.

   I had the french onion soup and it was outstanding. It was so good I decided to forego the warning on temperate and gulp it as fast as I could. Two layers of mouth skin later, I regretted that decision.

   As usual, I went for the bone in ribeye. It was cooked to perfection in terms of temperature, but it lacked a little flavor compared to some other places we’ve been. Still a great piece of meat no mater what.

   Sides were great for the most part. I absolutely loved the brussel sprouts but the creamed spinach could use some major work. But it was a special order for the night and the thought was appreciated. The potato pancake was great too. A major step up from David Burke’s Primehouse a month earlier.

   Deserts were carrot cake which I did not have, and an apple pie a la mode which was delicious. It was our special guest Euler’s birthday and Mr. Zebro walked free thanks to his March Madness winnings.

   The night ended with a tour of the athletic facilities of the University Club, with special attention paid to the squash courts where Mr. Thoresen reigns supreme. You know, you should play with Dr. Beeper and myself. I mean, he’s been club champion for three years running and I’m no slouch myself.

7. Zeebs, on May 15th, 2012 at 11:31 am Said:

   The night drew near as the street lights flickered under the nearby El tracks. Storm clouds took place overhead, brimming with radiant electricity. The gentlemen were drinking brown alcohol, because clear alcohols are for rich women on diets. Assembled at the Gage was a range of age groups, some discussed their trip to “the bean” while others discussed their trip to the urologist. Our group spoke of finer things, a more distinguished group. The Gage provided for a well-planned detour from the usual steak night, as this night was unlike all others in a variety of ways. It included dining in a private club, a nearby bar to start. The host, The Banister was about to serve, what will go down in history, a night of which we had never experienced. The crew operated on this particular evening like a fine Swiss watch. That watch had a scientific error of +/- 30 minutes, but regardless the full group was assembled well in advance of the 8 o’clock reservation. It was a nice treat indeed.

   We settled up and prepared for the long journey to the University Club. We had to climb over a hundred feet to get to the restaurant. On that fateful evening we climbed 9 stories, of course with aid of an elevator, but nonetheless, the journey was treacherous. Typically we dine near ground level, perhaps 12 feet, maybe even 20 feet above sea level. Some struggled with the altitude adjustment, but all who suffered through this atmospheric change were relieved when the plates of cow were delivered later in the evening.

   We ended up in a masterpiece of a dining room, the Cathedral Room. The location for the table was ideal, for our group. As we were tucked away in the corner we realized we were about 50 years from the next youngest patron in the building. Lake Michigan and Grant park provided a stunning background for the evening and a lingering storm provided excellent entertainment for those lucky enough to be in the proper seats in view. The Bannister couldn’t have ordered up a more perfect evening, not even if his wife called up to deliver the specifications as she had done so earlier in order to check if the required 4 steaks were on the menu.

   The host deferred wine selection to Mr. Cole, who did a masterful job at selecting a fine Pinot Noir, however, I believe the selection of a cab, or something bigger might be more appropriate to such a bold group. I still imbibed and I won’t fault Mr. Cole. We were happy to have him back in the rotation after being put through a rough past couple of months and fixing up some otherwise unsatisfactory body parts, satisfactorily.

   I liked the crab cake apps, but they seemed like the finger food that you would pick off a plate served at a wedding. I’ve never been an oyster guy, but the ones at the U Club were some of the best I’ve had. For Sides, the hash brown potatoes and creamed spinach didn’t make it to my plate. Just a suggestion, when passing sides, pass them to your right, this way this will avoid all collisions of plates, and perhaps minimize shortages of side delivery. Nothing in life is perfect however, and I will press on. I guess, of all times to miss out on the spinach, tonight seemed like an ideal time to sit out. It was practically floating in a bath of cream, which was a terrible sign, but I cannot attest to the flavor or actual consistency, only it’s sight. The Brussel sprouts, were cooked precisely as I would like, and the spoonful of mashy P’s were delicious.

   Earlier in the evening Scotty Markets suggested to me that tonight might not be a great night to cash in on the March Madness winning’s, but to wait for a later evening with a smaller gathering. He argued it as a choice of economics, the smaller eve would cause a larger penalty to the rest of the group, and perhaps a better value for myself. I figured to shift the check in that less economical direction that it may be proper to throw a half lobster on top of my 18 oz. ribeye steak. It was my best decision of the evening. The steak wasn’t a 10, but it was cooked properly to my medium rare specification and after I was alerted to the mushroom ragout on the table, that steak slowly approached that 10. I actually wanted to stuff some of that mushroom ragout in my pocket and take it home it was so delicious.

   Well played Jevon. Looking forward to June’s Steak Night.

8. JG, on May 17th, 2012 at 1:09 pm Said:

   It was a great night on many levels. While some were selling short Jevon’s selection abilities given the last pick, he rose to the occasion with a spot that existed for years yet very few of us had the pleasure of experiencing.

   Pre-game drinks were great as I had the pleasure of stumping rick ray on a college bb trivia ? (Who are the only 2 3-time Naismith award winners) and we had the pleasure of having Euler join us, back from his HK tour of duty.

   Dinner was solid, I’d put the steak up there amongst the better seasoned meats in the city. Apps and sides have been better. I was very disappointed the creamed spinach simply involved spinach with cream poured on top – this was disappointing to see at a Chicago gentleman’s club that should know better.

   Congrats to Mark on winning the ncaa pool – good to see the rick ray dynasty be challenged.

   Overall 8.5.

9. D.C., on May 17th, 2012 at 10:53 pm Said:

   Ode to The Club:

   I was counting.
   Down the days.
   Till I would.
   Finally return to the table.

   Two long months away.
   Returning with a plan.
   For a long stay.
   Counting down the days.

   My clothes had been fitted
   My move long now decided
   The menus were printed.
   Counting down Three days, Two days, One.

   I was not to be disappointed.
   The banter was at a high.
   We had a guest fly in from the high.
   And one threatening to come from below.

   But it was not complete.
   Not till that sultry piece of meat.
   Was escorted up to meet me.

   Did I know that I had returned.
   Back to that fountain.
   That gives one energy, humility, comfort, and drive.
   A glorious return had indeed finally been achieved.

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