Saloon Redux
Once again the gentlemen descend on Saloon. It was a full boat for the first time in recent memory. Exceptional oysters Rockefeller and calamari to, dare I say it, rival The Capital Grille’s led the way, crabcakes and shrimp cocktail following. A little New England Clam Chowder – “Is that the white or the red?”
We were there for the Wagyu ribeye. For the first time all of us ordered the same steak with only one variation in preparation. Yukon gold mashed potatoes get high marks, au gratin, a little creamed spinach and asparagus following close behind. The wine flowed in a way some suggested was similar to the Smith & Wollensky’s debacle.
Chris walked free, it was my birthday. It was my last steak night as a resident of Chicago.
Life is variation: the chase, the grind, the risks, the highs and lows, its peaks and valleys marked by moments of levity and sorrow. It’s difficult to write the end of a chapter in one’s life, as exciting as I know the next one will be. That difficulty is compounded when you’ve shared those moments of levity with the finest gentlemen in Chicago. For years. This ritual will be something I think of on every first Thursday, something I plan to make travel arrangements around, to reach back to a time when it was just a cab ride away.
To those moments, past and future, gentlemen. To Steaks, Cigars and Dreams. Salut.
Filed under: General
Mr. Richards,
A great post, very well put.
It was a sad evening, in that we are losing a vital cog in the wheel of red meat consumption. That said, it was also time to celebrate. As alluded to, all gents were present and accounted for. There was an air of piss and vinegar to the table, some members more on edge than usual. Still, Wagyu seemed to settle all spirits and provide a reprive to the rapacious atmosphere.
My only ding on the space was that children were seated at both tables to my left and my right. Not good.
I look forward to warmer months of May, visits to NYC and formidable banter.
Roddy’s final Steak Night as a Chicago resident and all of Chicago’s finest gentleman were in attendance, Glick was there too.
I popped my cherry and tried the wagyu. The steak was excellent but overall I prefer a more traditional cut. The Yukon gold potatoes were a buttery delight. The New England Clam Chowder (insert Ace Ventura reference here) was also delicious. Overall a great meal.
While the food and service at Saloon are excellent the atmosphere is seriously lacking. The place is filled with old people and families with kids, you will find the same crowd at TGI Friday’s. As a self described sports geek I love the cases of autographed baseballs as a focal point of the décor in the bar area.
Not surprisingly I did not win at credit card roulette. The chance of me winning that are about the same as me banging Erin Andrews this weekend.
A nightcap at Alive One was an appropriate way to send Mr. Richards off to NYC and take his next step towards world domination.
Seeing autographed baseballs of Mike Pagliarulo and Joe Magrane certailnly tainted the collection for me. Good thing there was a Wagyu ribeye to rebound with.
Tears were shed and wagyu’s were devoured. Sorry to see Mr. Richards go although we all know he will be back. Roddy’s departure to NYC has also started rumors that there will be a Manhattan steak night in our future….sure would be nice to pull that off. I think the posts thus far are pretty accurate. The oysters rockefeller are likely some of the best in the city and Saloon is the only place we have come across offering a waygu – it is of course excellent. I do have to agree with the boys on the atmosphere – truly lacking. I wish I could say it was an off night but I have frequented this establishment (as I said, can’t find waygu elsewhere) and the crowd is the same. That is to say, old and not terribly vibrant. Mr. Hollinger played his usual hand and over ordered the wine….alas, it was a winning hand as he walked free.
Ole Gimms has yet to walk free….
You monthly participation will be missed however not forgotten Mr. Richards….and great speech, we will keep the woflpack going strong.
Roddy very well put. You will be missed – but I’m sure that won’t be your final appearance…and I’m sure we’ll figure out ways to involve a nyc event…epecially as we up the ante going forward.
Saloon was good, waygu was solid, wine was great…and we even got a surprise visit from the wags at the end of the night. Now on to summer time and the start of shenanigans season. May losing a coat be a tame way to approach this season.
What a night. Roddy, we
miss you already.
Delicious wagyu steaks had by all. Timing was OK.
Wine=perfect.
I did not review the other posts before throwing mine up (to call it done) – what a terrible oversight. Roddy, you’re a gentleman and a scholar… I had no idea you were a poet, too. Your words struck a chord and are thoroughly appreciated. Best of luck in the Big Apple, my friend.
And for the record, Ole Gimms, your memory is already going. I did not order the wine. I also have only one “L” in my last name.
In light of the email bombardment this morning it has become apparent that my post was delayed. Nonetheless I believe my sorrow and pain in losing Roddy to NYC can not be summed up in words. If all of you decide that further encumbering me with the burden of cocktails may god have mercy on your souls.