CheekyChicago

Word on the street is that Johnny Depp, Marion Cotillard and their fellow co-stars, producers, directors and castmates hung out at the upstairs bar of Gibsons after the Public Enemies premiere last Thursday night. Was I surprised when I heard this news? Um…no. Gibsons is one of the most famous, classic, old-school restaurants in the city. Johnny Depp’s got good taste (he was quoted as saying that Chicago is his new favorite American city).

Now that it’s been established that I’m in the same taste class as Mr. Depp himself, I can say that I hit up Gibsons a couple of weeks ago for a few things: a very large martini, an excellent piece of rare red meat and slices of pie and cake the size of a small country.

I already know that Gibsons boasts the biggest and dirtiest martinis in Chicago. That being said, I ordered the prettiest and pinkest cosmopolitan instead. I don’t know why. I was in the mood. It certainly didn’t disappoint, as the bigness and quality-ness that I’m used to with my Dirty was still there. I could easily make a meal out of my libation and the delicious raisin bread that is always thoughtfully delivered after making a martini toast (or Champagne or pinot grigio) – warm and with homemade butter. But my mother taught me not to fill up on bread (and she was sitting across the table from me), so I only used one piece to balance out my vodka.

Trying to keep it simple before the main meal, I ordered the very traditional shrimp cocktail. Perfect. Just as you’d expect. Fresh, cold, clean and with homemade cocktail sauce. My mom opted for the crabmeat avocado, which was equally delicious, fresh and clean. We felt extremely good, fresh and not-too-full going into our protein course.

The following is why Gibsons never fails. The reason why I’m not able to go to Gibsons as often as I’d like. I prefer to keep my red meat intake to an absolute minimum and know that I just don’t have the self restraint at a restaurant (in)famous for its red meat to hold out. That being said, I went to town with the bone-in filet mignon (the absolute most expensive cut of meat on the menu aside from the $94 ‘Big Porterhouse’). This meat was so red, so tender, I barely needed a knife. For realz. You cannot, cannot, go wrong when ordering a steak at this Chicago staple. And don’t forget to complement your carnivorous bliss with my two favorite side dishes: the double baked potato and the creamed spinach. And also don’t forget to not be on a diet when you hit up this Rush/Division landmark.

Remember when I mentioned cakes/pies the side of your head… Or was it a small country? These desserts are definitely sized somewhere in between. Although perfectly unsuited for two people, order it anyway – for the sheer pleasure of witnessing the largest dessert you’ve ever seen.

So, Johnny Depp, I share your love for Chicago. I share your love for the finer things in life. And I certainly share your love for Gibsons Steakhouse. Apparently, great minds think alike…

Cheeky girls are actually in luck this week. Gibsons is hosting their ‘Gibsons’ Girl’s Guide to Steak’ Friday, June 26^th at 6:30 pm. For $35 a person, you can learn the ins and outs of ordering steak from the experts at Gibsons. You’ll also be able to indulge in steak stations, where you’ll learn about cuts of Gibsons’ famous steak, how to order it and which wines pair best, along with passed appetizers and side dishes. Sucha deal.