May 4, 2012 – 9th Floor – Formal Attire – Full Boat -Stormy Night

With 10 gents in tow, including special guest Euler – fresh off the plane from Hong Kong, Steak night went to new heights, literally and figuratively.  On the 9th floor of the University Club, Cathedral Hall transformed to a steak house for the evening.  Seated at a large round table by the window, we were situated in our own private nook.  As a storm rolled in over the lake, Mr. Martin was particularly pleased with the ambiance.  But first, a bit about pre-dinner drinks:

DRINKS – THE GAGE:
In a new move for the group, we arrived for drinks at a different location than dinner.  Located at 24 S. Michigan, The Gage is always packed at Happy Hour.  A young business crowd buzzed about, while the entire steak night contingent arrived by 7:30.  Despite a tough day at the office, Ole’ Gimms came around to good form and we all toasted the acceptance of Mr. Zebro to nursing school.  Thank god we will now have someone to care for us after all the red meat intake.

SERVICE:
We were warmly received by the staff at Prime 76, however, once seated we were a bit ignored.  A slight comment to the host that we felt neglected prompted swarms of servers that transformed the meal midstream.  Still, it would have been nice to have a bit more banter about the menu, perhaps a few additional insights on the chefs choices and an overall excitement to have us there.

AMBIANCE:
Cathedral Hall is hard to beat.  One feels as if they have just entered the main hall from Harry Potter.   Perched on the 9th floor over looking Millennium Park and the Art Institute, diners are immediately drawn to the tremendous views.  A pack of 10 men decked out in suits and blazers seemed to catch the dining hall a bit off guard.  We were the youngest folks by about 15 years.  That said, our private table and indelible setting overcame any issues with the crowd.

FOOD:
Fresh bread arrived at the table as we sat.  Bites of crab cakes, lobster mac n’ cheese and East meets West Oysters provided a delicious start to the meal.  Steaks were perfectly cooked (mine was a top 5), and for the decadent at the table,  meat was topped with Foies Gras, crab meat, asparagus, mushroom ragout and peppercorn sauce.   Sides were more unique than we have had in many trips.  Hash brown potatoes, whipped mash, brussel sprouts with bacon and a custom creamed spinach rounded out the meal.   For dessert, a tremendous carrot cake met Hans’ approval and a cherry gobbler was a welcome surprise.    It was Euler’s birthday and he gave a gracious guest toast.

POST DINNER:
Perhaps the groups is getting on in age, or we were just worn out.  But an after dinner tour of the club, squash facilities and the men’s locker room concluded the night.  Not quite the same as getting locked in a parking garage, but civilized none the less.  Plus, we were treated to a Rick Ray recount of all Heisman Trophy winners since 1978, as well as all of the NCAA Basketball champions and the winning coach – impressive indeed.

OVERALL: 7.5
Mr. Zebro capitalized on his winning NCAA bracket to take a free dinner, the gentleman paid in cash and check, as it is a member club.  We had a few new twists and turns and took steak night to a unique new place.  The gauntlet has been laid down – it is time for innovation.

 

 

 

 

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