The Gage vs The Art Institute of Chicago

Though we both have a love for food, we have other interests that differ from each other. So there are a few times when we do not agree on the best way to spend an afternoon in a new city.

While we were in Chicago, one of us wanted to spend some time at The Gage Restaurant and Tavern, an Irish bar/restaurant, while the other wanted to go across the street to The Art Institute of Chicago, a renowned art museum conveniently open late this summer until Labor Day (with free admission too!) on Thursdays and Fridays.

Our solution? Split up for a couple of hours and choose our own adventure. Here are our side by side photo tours, begging the question, "Which experience would you choose?"

Left: Bloody Mary with Guinness ($10): This was surprisingly good - The Guinness made the Bloody Mary lighter and very easy to drink. You could easily drink 5.
Right: American Gothic by Grant Wood
Left: Scotch Egg with mustard ($8) was pretty good (can't go wrong with a hard boiled egg wrapped in sausage and deep-fried), but at $8 was a bit pricey...
and Poutine with Elk Ragout ($8) was unfortunately not like the authentic Montreal poutine (it needed better cheese curds).
Right: Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat (as seen in the movie, Ferris Bueller's Day Off!)
and The Triptych Window from the Avery Coonley Playhouse by Frank Lloyd Wright
Left: Founders Dirty Bastard ($7): Despite a great selection of beverages (including a Scotch tasting menu), whenever Founders beer is available, that's what we'll be drinking.
Right: Woman Descending the Staircase by Gerhard Richter

His and Her drinks:
Left: Another Founders Dirty Bastard
Right: Forbidden Fruit ($12): This was a bright, crisp, and summery drink made with citrus vodka, pomegranate liqueur, prosecco, and fresh grapefruit.

And to end our adventures, we both walked around to enjoy the Windy City at night (all of these photos were taken at Millenium Park).

The Gage is located at 24 S. Michigan Ave in Chicago, IL.
The Art Institute of Chicago is located at 111 S. Michigan Ave