Within weeks of Chicago Cut originally opening in October, 2010, we were in the front door.  However, our experience, in our own words can be summed up as follows:
“…Failed to fully deliver.”
“Tables are grouped too close together, the service has yet to find their rhythm and aspects of the food leave much room for improvement.”
“Chicago Cut Steakhouse is a lesson in patience.”
It’s been almost 3 years; we gave them enough time to tighten it up. And they have.

Cocktail Hour
The majority of our party had already secured a table by the time I arrived shortly after 7pm. It was a delight to have Messrs. Mark Zebro and Roderick Richards in attendance for the send-off. The bar area was still busy this time around, but not too crowded. I actually appreciated the waitresses brushing by me with a cornucopia of frosty beverages.

The Main Event
We were seated in a booth section closest to the east windows. It felt like the area they would sit the Godfather with a perfect view of the rest of the room, the river and our backs to the wall.

Appetizers: Our appetizers were done very well. In fact, we had to order more of the lollipop lamb chops and got a piece of Neuske bacon (triple cut) for each attendee. Shrimp cocktail and tuna tartare were also quite good. Last time, this category got the worst marks; obviously, it has received some attention. Bravo.

Wine: Pinots and Cabs worked out very well. The wine list on the iPad works. It provides their entire wine list which is sortable and enough information to make a sommelier weep. Only nit is with the software: insufficient filtering (you can only filter on one factor/category at a time).

Steaks: Once again, Chicago Cut did not disappoint. Cooked perfectly, I was thrilled with my Bone-in Ribeye.

Sides: Another strong showing. Creamed spinach, which I rarely go for, was very well done. Hash browns, truffle potatoes, lobster mac and the mixed mushrooms were an epic line-up to back up the steaks.

Dessert: I was lucky enough to be the birthday boy and thoroughly enjoyed the carrot cake.

This was my last steak night as a resident of Chicago – at least for the time being – and I feel like it was one for the books. Thank you, as always, gentlemen. It’s bittersweet to be leaving and this group makes it more difficult. But it’s also great to know that I will always have a seat at a table with no rival on the first Thursday of every month.

Cheers!
Holingwa

Filed under: General | 7 Comments »