GT Prime – Yes Please
Coming off a piss poor performance in November of no steak night for the first time in the group’s history, we needed a strong rebound and we got it. Located at 707 N. Wells, GT Prime is an impressive building. The build out of the space could not have been cheap – sleek black walls, tricked out lighting and taxidermy abound, left an indelible mark. Due to the new digs, we had to push dinner to an 8:30 start. The boys met for a drink elsewhere and we were seated at a formidable circular table with high back chairs and a front row seat to the kitchen.
Rick Ray was on the injured reserve, Hans and Don were AWOL and Scott was cutting down a Christmas tree, so with six strong, we embarked on a unique and varied steak night experience. GT offers a sharing approach to nearly all of their dishes. We started with very strong appetizers, risotto balls, the scallop entree, tomato and burrata and octopus. All outstanding, but the scallops stood out. Sitting on a bed of mashed potatoes with beets, they were silly good.
For the entrees we dialed up The Carnivore, a varied of different cuts of meat, sliced and served on a master cutting board. We doubled up on strip steak and bison to round out the selection, Rave reviews for each cut of meat across the board, with standouts of Venison, Wagyu and the filet leading the charge. The sides were tremendous. Brussells sprouts with jamon and Mushroom and Brie were the clear favorites.
While dessert was adequate, it was clearly the laggard of the group. Smore’s cake was the leader in the clubhouse.
The overall experience was delightful. It lacked any sense of pretense, our server Matt was on our every need, but took a carefree and laid back approach which was appreciated.
Mr. Conway, our soon to be deployed favorite son deservedly won the credit card pull and Brad Ray celebrated his birthday.
On the cusp of the CFP and NFL playoffs – the group rolls into the holidays with a tremendous win for the month of December.
8.5
Filed under: General
I arrived for drinks at the designated Irish pub up the street from GT with time for 2 Oban’s….not nearly enough to exact my revenge on the now infamous Maple and Ash tab. After polishing off some cocktails and some witty banter, the group marched down the street to what is a massive building in GT prime.
I instantly liked the vibe. While we were not seated in the dining room, the back “bar” table did provide a semi-private enclave close to the kitchen and served us just fine.
The service was personable and laid back. GT is a different take on a steak house and one I don’t think Rick Ray would have welcomed; which is fine, because Rick Ray was not there. The group decided to go for the Carnivore, which is essentially a steak sharing platter. Not huge portions of meat but enough to get a good taste with a nice variety of cuts. Venison was a solid deviation from the norm we typically encounter.
I think one of the most unique side dishes we have had was the mushrooms and Brie…So good we had to make a second order. These are a must have for any diner. I really enjoyed the restaurant, service and overall dining experience here. I would say this is more the type of steak place I would take the wife as the ambiance is far from a scene out of Ron Burgundy’s apartment – smelling of leather bound books and rich mahogany).
Conway Walks free, I went to the bathroom at the right time so of course it was my birthday and some post dinner drinks were had as well.
Agree with the Banister – 8.5
As Jackie Chiles said about Corfu, GT Prime was “relaxing, resplendent, magnificent.”
I really enjoy GT Prime. It has done what Steak Bar has tried to do, it is a steak house that has its own luxury, but is more approachable. Kid Ray was getting at this when he noted the lack of mahogany and leather bound books.
It was nice to start at the Brehon for a few drinks. I was surprised to see that Oban was a choice there. Although it is worth noting, the bottle was still sealed, so they probably don’t get many orders for it.
I agree with my brethren above on the reviews of the place. I would only add that I also thoroughly enjoyed the corn and shishito pepper side as well. The venison was surprisingly tasty as well.
One thing on the décor, I can’t quite put a finger on it, but it’s kind of odd. It has no windows up front, the ceilings are real high, it has dark wood but then a gold staircase. It feels a bit like its trying to be glitzy, modern and old-fashioned at the same time. Like Maple & Ash, Mastro’s and the old Keefer’s had a kid who didn’t turn out right. But I’m just naysaying now. 8.5
After a month away it was great to get the gang back together. Heading back to the birthplace of Joe Predicto was a fitting start to the night given Joe was away in a secure location. Crenshaw’s ugly holiday sweater almost made up for missing Rick’s fashion sense – leaving us only to imagine what 2017 will bring.
On to GT Prime – the newest entry into the Chicago steak scene – and a welcome addition. I won’t belabor the point – but it was great to spice things up and split a bunch of different cuts of meats and amazing sides and solid appetizers. It felt like a family dinner – what the founders of this great night had in mind when it was created. Various topics discussed – my getting free advice from Mason on OPHT (read: me hounding Mason on the trade), Bill’s upcoming deployment and Jevon and Charlotte’s newest creation.
Fun night all around.
I’ll give it a 9. If we had a full boat it may have been able to meet 9.5
‘Twas the night before Steaknight, when all thro’ the house,
Not a Rick Ray was stirring, not even a mouse;
The steak knives were placed on the table with care,
In hopes that fine cuts of meat soon would be there;
This fine group of gentlemen, nestled snug at the table,
With visions of prime cuts, Grade A the label;
With Bill in his ‘kerchief, and Jon in his cap,
Had settled their brains, with napkin in lap;
When out of the kitchen, there arose such a platter,
Of various meats and risotto in batter;
Brad sprang from his seat, he flew like a flash,
Served up some brie mushrooms, and also some mash;
The salts on the side of the new fallen steak,
A wonderful seasoning it surely does make;
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a venison loin, with a fantastic sear;
More rapid than eagles the courses they came,
And we whistled and shouted and called them by name;
Burrata! Shishito! Mac and Cheese!
I shoveled them down with relative ease;
The dinner concluded, with birthday for Brad,
The smores cake called out, it must be had;
We sprung to the sidewalk, Bill won the roulette,
Brehon was calling, drinks bought by our Vet;
But we all had exclaimed, as we ended the night,
Merry Steak Night to all, and to all a good night.
I’m not sure I would call GT Prime a “steakhouse” as much as a “beef restaurant”. But the split platter of beef and venison items instead of the standard wrestling match with a 20 oz. cut was a welcome idea. Innovation is everywhere in our fine city.
At first glance the over-sized highboy table next to the kitchen seemed non commensurate with our esteemed culinary institution, but the location proved moot and the meal went off without a hitch. I was a big fan of the casual waiter and the overall smooth presentation. The sides were especially standout.
The old “before and after” at the Brehon was pleasant, and easy on the wallet during my penalty tab.
Great food. Fancy place. Excellent company.
9/10
Speechless after regarding Cizzles rendition of Twas the Night. Spectacular work good sir, just spectacular.