In a blatant rejection of bro code in which one must put bros before hoes, a scheduling snafu left Chicago’s finest gentlemen with a total of 4 for September steak night.  Anytime there is a total of 4, there is but one destination – Bavette’s.  Due to both their  outstanding service and cuisine they limit reservations to 4 people. I was fortunate to secure a table at 8:45pm after some negotiations with the reservationist Lisa.  I believe I promised Rick Ray’s first born.  Arriving at the bar, I was greeted by an open stool and chilled sazerac that was perfectly made.  Rick and Crenshaw strolled in shortly thereafter to join in the cocktail hour.  Glick arrived right on Glick time – half past delinquent, but in time to still order up a male model.  Bavette’s does have a narrow bar area which we have criticized in other establishments but somehow they manage to make this feel comfortable.  The bar staff is also incredibly attentive and knowledgeable which helps compared to some of the semi gelatinous morons that have dispensed drinks to us in the past, but I digress.  (Author’s note – Jevon in no way am I referring to your bride and mother of your child as a ho, its just how the saying goes)

We were guided to our table located in The Salon, which is french for the basement apparently.  In previous visits we have been seated both upstairs and in The Salon. I honestly see the merits in both and don’t mind the subterranean at all.  Wait staff is on par with the bar staff and very good.  We opened up the evening with the salmon tartare, peppered duck & goat cheese terrine, and of course the garlic shrimp de jonghe.  I am not sure which was the winner as all were excellent.  The terrine was a nice change of pace from our standards and had a perfect combination of meaty flavor and creamy mild cheese.  The salmon tartare was prepared perfectly with a creme fraiche top.  The shrimp was probably the inferior of the lot in my opinion but I certainly wouldn’t throw it out of bed.  A classic cut ribeye was calling my name like the siren’s song, which as a side note at a price of $54.95 is a steal for the quality and size.  At Chicago Chop House the same steak would cost $189.99 and most likely smell like a gym sock.  The meat was a perfect reddish pink with the salt crust seared beautifully.  The mere fact that you can order thick cut bacon as a side dish is reason enough to go for it, but it also delivers.  Carmelized with a sweet crust and just the right thickness, I stack this up there with any of the other bacon we have had in the city.  The elote and mashy p’s were good accompanying sides.  Conversation covered a number of pertinent topics such as the migrant crisis in Europe, the Chinese economy, global warming, and most importantly the beginning of the 2015 NFL season.  The evening ran long given the late start so I opted to adjourn as did Glick which left Crenshaw and Rick to stroll out into the night air.  Bavettes always delivers, this evening was no different.  9.5, as close to perfection as we have had, I am reserving my 10 for the future.

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