Friday, August 12, Gallagher's Steakhouse

I know, I know....the blog is "Thursday Night Supper Club", and this is Friday; what can I say?  I am a creature of habit and had my stand - by at The Magic Kitchen last night, which I have already blogged about.  I'll blog about my lovely Friday night dinner instead.

Started at It's All About Wine with friends/family:  Dora, Tim, Todd, Tricia, and special guest Lisa Fulkerson.  Lisa is an old college buddy that knows way too much about both me and Dora, and vice versa.  She is in town to work at the State Fair, not as a carnie, but as a bonafide University of Illinois employee.  We shared a bottle of Yalumba, a Shiraz/Viognier blend from Australia.  Then headed to Gallager's Steak House.

Seated us right away.  Walking to our table, noticed that the bar area was PACKED with old folks; like the kind of old folks that have to buzz to get back in the institution if it is past 9pm.  Someone at the piano, with possibly karaoke (or not).  The singing was not great, but everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, and it supplied us with endless conversation topics. 

Friday nights Gallagher's has a special:  10 oz prime rib, twice baked potato, and salad for $16.99.  I always get that.  The salad came with Brittany dressing, a sweet dressing that reminds me of what my Mom puts on her 7 layer salad.  And bacon.  It was a wonderful salad.  Bread was served along with the salad; a sweeter version of dinner rolls.  Yum.....

Main course:  Biggest 10 ounces I have seen.....and cooked perfectly.  Well marbled, drizzled in horseradish sauce. Delicious!  The twice baked potato, not as good as I have had here before.  The potato stuffing part tasted a little bit like instant potatoes, a little dry.  Dinner was accompanied by a J Lohr Cabernet.

Our waiter was Thad; he was prompt and professional.  May have to request him next time!  Actually, have never had bad service at Gallagher's.  Good food, great price....  and when you are done, you can belly up to the piano bar and sing (or dance) to your heart's content.

Thursday, Aug 4, American Harvest

Another lovely Thursday evening spent with good friends.  Tonight was my friend Mark's birthday, so we were out to celebrate.  Mark and I are the "oldest friends" of our crew; we consider ourselves "ground zero" for our group.  Mark was one of the first people I met when I moved to Springfield; if we hadn't been friends, my sister probably wouldn't have met her husband, but I digress.  Let's talk food!

American Harvest was having their Local Flavors dinner, which was a pleasant surprise.  We did not have reservations, but a table (for 5!) was found pronto.  We were seated next to the Sweets -- another pleasant surprise. 

First course:  Heirloom tomato and grilled corn bread salad with warm bacon vinaigrette.  Delicious!  You had me at bacon.

Second Course:  Lamb chops with roasted vegetables.  Lamb was very good; I was at first hesitant since I don't ususally order lamb, but this cooked perfectly.  The vegetables were also very good.  Dora got the Sweet corn Risotto with mushrooms and goat cheese.  I did have some food envy with that; very rich and tasty!

Third Course:  Petite Peach Pistachio Tart with frozen greek yogurt  --- YUM!  The pastry was buttery, the tart itself was not too sweet, the frozen greek yogurt was tangy....it all worked!

Everyone enjoyed their dinner; some tried the local brew and enjoyed every last drop of that.  Can't wait to come back and try something else.