Gemini Bistro

Braun Pharmacy turned Gemini Bistro is the newest restaurant to hit residential Lincoln Park. Instead of Tylenol, Cortisone cream and Pepcid lining the shelves, however, Gemini’s got pork belly, pinot gris and oxtail ravioli lining their menu.

We originally scheduled our reservation for 7 pm on Sunday, Sept. 13^th – the day the Bears played their first game of the season. In order to accommodate our pedestrian urge to watch the game at a sports bar with a coupla beers, we changed our reso to 5:30. To our absolute pleasure, there was one flat screen TV at the bar. By the end of our meal (details to follow), we were so comfy at our new, favorite neighborhood bar, we stayed well past the game was over (and drowned our sorrows in some very expensive red wine).

First things first…Gemini is a neighborhood bistro that is classy, clean, comfortable and, most importantly, welcoming. Although you can get all dressed up and go on a date (as we did), you can also cozy up to the white marble bar solo with your favorite book or take the family there for dad’s birthday (as the table next to us so sweetly celebrated). This place has something for everyone. As for the chic décor – co-owner, Ryan O’Donnell’s mother decorated the entire interior, both with her own artwork and photography, drum lighting and African sconces.

We knew we were in for a good night (no Black Eyed Peas reference, please) when Pauly – the friendliest bartender in town (and recent New York transplant) – concocted a few cocktails for us (although refreshing, skip the Squirtsky and go for the Pauly Original Margarita). It was easy to choose our food after our cocktails, as the menu is designed by portion size, not by your typical courses. Like a clothing store, you’ve got your X-Small (for kiddies), Small, Medium, Large and X-Large.

We started with the Small Chilled Lobster Gazpacho with Maine lobster and cilantro pesto. This very refreshing dish was laden with generous chunks of lobster and most definitely a must-grab before the hot weather is gone. Next, Chef Jason Paskewitz (another New York transplant – Brooklyn, this time) surprised us with an off-the-menu offering (that he hand delivered to our bar stools). The rich scallop with truffle emulsion was a practically perfect bite. And what made it all the more charming was Jason’s description: “…and it’s finished off with some silly chef garnish.”

The Medium Handmade Oxtail Ravioli with parmesan crisps in a natural reduction was rich, tender and excellent. Gemini’s take on Bacon and Eggs was anything but breakfast-y. We have never before in our culinar-ily indulgent lives seen a pork belly this fat, this decadent and this box-shaped. The crispy braised organic pork belly with a butter basted quail egg was completely decadent, albeit just a teensy bit dry.

Our Large 14-ounce Kurobuta Pork Chop with mustard greens and poached lady apples was delicious and absolutely perfect for fall. The Veal Scallopine with prosciutto di parma, fresh sage and parsnip puree was also outstanding. The thin layer of sage (which was very well placed) and prosciutto provided a great combo of flavors.

Because we just couldn’t eat it all (although it appears above that we did), we’ll have to come back for the Jumbo Prawns, Beef Carpaccio, Beet Salad and Duck Confit Nachos. If we’re really feeling brave, brawny and large-appetited, we’ll opt for the 28-ounce (count ‘em), bone-in ribeye.

And for dessert….although the Cagney’s Warm Skillet Sundae is perfectly well-suited for the neighborhood, opt for its tropical counterpart, the Key Lime Pie with graham cracker crust, toasted coconut and rum caramel sauce. You won’t find a better key lime north of South Florida.

If you’re not too full after the Small (perhaps X-Small) meal we listed above, stick around at Lincoln’s Park’s newest neighborhood hang out: watch a ball game, have a cocktail with Pauly, gush about the lobster gazpacho. Whatever you do, make a reservation; this joint is hoppin’….with LP residents, families, trixies, lovers, friends, partners and good ole neighborhood folk.