The Gage Awards

The Gage Restaurant Review:

You can call The Gage many things --- a pub, a gourmet dining experience, an after-work hangout, a swanky wine bar --- but don’t call it a gastropub. At least not to owner Billy Lawless, a native of County Galway, Ireland, who feels the term often is misunderstood in the States. The chic-yet-cozy atmosphere further clarifies things. The bar menu is complemented by interesting wines, craft beers and a large selection of Irish whiskeys and single malts. Located in an historic building across from Millennium Park, the communal table by the front window offers the best view. Compose a meal of a sausage-wrapped Scotch egg, house poutine topped with elk ragoût and stuffed peppers, pausing to indulge in raw oysters with Bloody Mary mignonette. Or, dive into hearty entrées, such as roasted duck breast with sultanas, confit, sunchoke, almonds and curried duck sausage. The Guinness-battered fish ‘n’ chips are plenty memorable, too. The house burger, made with ground Angus beef and topped with local Camembert and melted onion marmalade served on a toasted malt roll, is another standout. Peanut butter beignets and a Meyer lemon tart wrap things up.