"Shall I break the egg for you, sir?"
There are certain places where you may expect a server to ask a patron a question. However, a sports bar isn't one of thembut Gino's East Sports Bar (521 S. Dearborn St.; www.ginoseastsportsbar.com ) is no ordinary establishment.
Noah Himmel (who is also responsible for the revamped Eduardo's Enoteca in the Gold Coast area) is the chef behind what's called an "upscale sports bar." However, this is one of the least pretentious "upscale" eateries I've been to, I have to say.
There are multiple large TV screens, of course, that show different gameswhich, I imagine, is heaven during this season of baseball and football (with basketball on the horizon). In addition, there are doors/windows that open out to the sidewalka blessing on warm, sunny days, especially in the South Loop neighborhood.
In addition, the staff is extremely friendly, with our server (J.J., who looked all of 14) being pretty attentive, overall.
As for the food, there are several reasons I'll be returning. The spinach sticks were the perfect appetizer (and even convinced me I was consuming something that was somewhat healthful). My dining companion and I both enjoyed the spinach and bacon salad, which included tomato, onion, mozzarella and bacon with sweet balsamic dressing.
However, my friend really raved over the veggie burger, which she said is the best she's ever had in her lifeand she's a picky eater. The burger included field greens, tomato and truffle aioli on a brioche bun. It had just enough kick for her; she plans on returning to Gino's East alsojust for that sandwich. (If you want meat, however, Gino's can certainly accommodate you as well, with everything from the junkyard chili dog to a grilled chicken pesto sandwich.)
Now, as for that egg: It was part of one of Gino's gourmet deep-dish pizzas, topped with venison sausage, apples, cremini, white cheddar and that egg. (By the way, be prepared for a wait: J.J. warned me that it would take about 45 minutes for that pizza, although I got it in slightly less time.) The pizza was absolutely delicious, with the apple providing a textural surprise. The egg is in the middle so that when it's cut, the runny goodness infuses most of the pie. (Other pizza variations include jalapeno blue, spinach margherita, Chicago Firewith spicy sausageand BBQ brisket-za).
By the way, there are indulgent desserts as well. If you have room, try the cinnamon-sugar beignet balls. (There are also spiked shakes and a triple chocolate cake that may have you in the gym an extra half-hour the next day.)
Gino's is a young establishment, and is working out a few kinks. (When I ordered a vodka lemonade, J.J. brought me a glass of lemonade with a full smaller glass of vodka on the side. Had I consumed all that alcohol, I wouldn't have been able to distinguish spinach from spaghetti.) However, I will certainly return to this unpretentious upscale establishmentwith my friend in tow, no doubt.