Jason Paskewitz and Ryan O'Donnell's Neighborhood American Bistro
Executive Chef/Partner Jason Paskewitz and Managing Partner Ryan O'Donnell are pleased to announce that Gemini Bistro in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood will open on September 9, 2009. In keeping with the duality of Gemini's astrological sign, Paskewitz and O'Donnell have blended their two personalities to create one inviting restaurant. Traditional traits of the Gemini sign include charming and hospitable personalities, a passion for entertaining and neighborly qualities which are all reflected through Gemini Bistro's approachable cuisine, reasonable price points and welcoming decor.
Jason Paskewitz, originally from New York, has spent time in such Chicago kitchens as JP Chicago, The Pump Room and Wave, in addition to competing in Food Network Challenge: Super Heroes episode. Ryan O'Donnell, a North Shore native, is also seasoned in the dining scene, having spent time at Pacific Time, Keefer's, MK North and Miraval Spa and Resort.
Paskewitz has crafted a menu featuring modern-day Chicago dishes that are inspired by French, Italian and classic American preparations. Gemini Bistro will serve dinner and weekend brunch service, accommodating 99 dining guests. Paskewitz's dinner menu is divided into Small/Medium/Large/X-Large/
Dinner menu highlights and signature dishes include Steamed P.E.I. Mussels with pancetta, fresh herbs, white wine and crusty bread; Gemini Bistro Salad with frisee lettuce, crispy lardons, egg milanese and mustard vinaigrette; Duck Confit Nachos with shredded duck leg, manchego cheese and mango salsa; Veal Scallopine with veal cutlet, prosciutto di parma and fresh sage; Grilled Hangar Steak Frites with mustard greens and poached lady apples; Sauteed Skate Wing with haricot vert, brown butter and toasted hazelnut pesto; Whole Roasted Chicken with root veggies and natural reduction. The Brunch menu offers a variety of plates, from breakfast fare to salads, sandwiches and entrees. Highlights include Stuffed Vanilla Brioche French Toast with mascarpone cheese and sweet cherry jam; Crab Cake Benedict with jumbo lump crab and hollandaise; Croque Madame with fried egg and mornay sauce. The complete menus are listed below.
The Cocktail Menu offers libations categorized by glassware: Rocks, Tall, Taller and Up. Signature bar specialties by "Pauly G" include The Squirtsky, Lychee Martini Gemini Lemonade and Strawberry Sunrise, in addition to fourteen wine selections by the glass and eleven bottled beers. The complete bar menu is outlined below.
Gemini Bistro's décor is warm and inviting, with crème, brown and black hues enveloping the restaurant. Over-sized drum lighting lines the center of the room, while turn-of-the-century reproduction Edison light fixtures hang above ten, chocolate and crème, nubby tweed banquettes and float like fireflies surrounding the 34 foot bar. The bar is white calcutta gold marble with fourteen bar stools and hidden purse hooks. An eight foot black framed mirror and single 32" flatscreen television hang behind the bar. The dining area features 12 solid oak tables with espresso stain and coordinating wood chairs with brown leather seats. The large windows have walnut wood blinds and the walls boast South African sconces made of ostrich eggs and replicated oryx horns. The rear wall is covered in a deep tan and creme grasscloth wallpaper and features a free-standing, classic wine cabinet. Gemini Bistro has an outdoor dining area on Dickens Avenue with seating for 40 guests on weave-patterned furniture made of recycled materials. The tree-lined street with brick paver accents and lush florals is pet friendly.
O'Donnell's mother, Beth O'Donnell, created five Chicago-motif, custom made artwork pieces that are displayed in Gemini Bistro. Beth resides and exhibits in New York City and has had her African photojournalistic work featured in The London Daily Telegraph, Marie Claire,The Financial Times and Oprah Winfrey's Oxygen Network. O'Donnell published Angels in Africa, which President Bill Clinton featured in his book, Giving.
-MENUS-
DINNER MENU
SMALL
CHILLED LOBSTER GAZPACHO maine lobster, cilantro pesto 9
CREAMLESS TOMATO SOUP herkimer cheddar grilled cheese 7
BABY BEET SALAD goat cheese, lamb’s lettuce, white truffle vinagrette 7
CHILLED JUMBO PRAWNS shaved fennel salad, preserved lemon, virgin olive oil 9
JUMBO LUMP CRABCAKE petite salad, tabasco aioli 12
SUMMER TOMATO SALAD creamy garlic vinaigrette, ricotta salata 7
AHI TUNA TARTAR fresh lime, serrano chiles, yuzu 11
BEEF CARPACCIO arugula, crispy capers, parmigiano, lemon vinaigrette 9
MEDIUM
CAESAR SALAD caesar dressing, parmigiano, garlic croutons, fresh white anchovy 7
DUCK CONFIT NACHOS shredded duck leg, manchego cheese, mango salsa 11
GRILLED GEMINI BURGER 8 oz prime ground beef, toasted pretzel bun 10
GEMINI BISTRO SALAD frisee lettuce, crispy lardons, egg milanese, mustard vinaigrette 8
STEAMED P.E.I. MUSSELS pancetta, fresh herbs, white wine, crusty bread 9
PAN SEARED JUMBO SEA SCALLOPS poached manilla clams, sauce cioppino 12
CREAMY VEGETABLE RISOTTO asparagus, mushrooms, fresh tomato, parmesan 10
HANDMADE OXTAIL RAVIOLI natural reduction, parmesan crisps 12/21
BACON & EGGS crispy braised organic pork belly, butter basted quail eggs 11
LARGE
ROASTED SALMON savoy cabbage, smoked bacon coriander vinaigrette 19
SAUTÉED SKATE WING haricot vert, brown butter, toasted hazelnut pesto 19
PAN ROASTED COD merguez sausage, garlic confit, sauce romesco 22
FARFALLE PASTA organic chicken, sundried tomato, goat cheese 15
CRISPY SKIN CHICKEN BREAST wild mushroom ragout, pearl onions, natural jus 16
VEAL SCALLOPINE veal cutlet, prosciutto di parma, fresh sage 21
GRILLED HANGAR STEAK FRITES maitre’d butter, bordelaise, crispy frites 21
DOUBLE CUT PORK CHOP mustard greens, poached lady apples 23
X-LARGE
WHOLE ROASTED CHICKEN root veggies, natural reduction 32
32 OZ PRIME RIBEYE sliced, bordelaise, choice of side 54
SIDES $6
BRUSSEL SPROUTS, FRENCH BEANS, WILD MUSHROOMS, WILTED BABY SPINACH, CREAMY MASHED, CRISPY FRITES
DESSERT MENU
KEY LIME PIE graham cracker crust, toasted coconut, rum caramel sauce 7
BLUEBERRY SHORTCAKE sweet shortcake, blueberry compote, maple sour cream, blueberry ice cream 7
CRÈME BRÛLÉE vanilla bean custard, caramelized sugar, hazelnut biscotti 7
WARM SKILLET SUNDAE chocolate chip cookie, vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate and butterscotch sauces, whipped cream 7
CHOCOLATE CAKE chocolate sponge cake, chocolate espresso mousse, milk chocolate caramel, white chocolate anglaise 7
SORBET OR ICE CREAM daily selection 6
COMPOSED CHEESE PLATE daily selection, traditional accompaniments 8
BRUNCH MENU
SMALL
WILD BERRY PARFAIT seasonal berries, low-fat vanilla yogurt, housemade granola 5
STEEL CUT IRISH OATMEAL fresh cream, brown sugar 4
CHILLED LOBSTER GAZPACHO maine lobster, cilantro pesto 8
CREAMLESS TOMATO SOUP herkimer cheddar grilled cheese 5
QUICHE FLORENTINE caramelized onions, spinach, goat cheese herb salad 6
MEDIUM
SMOKED SALMON capers, red onions, toasted bagel, cream cheese 9
CAESAR SALAD caesar dressing, parmigiano, garlic croutons 6
GEMINI BISTRO SALAD frisee lettuce, crispy lardons, egg milanese, mustard vinaigrette 7
BEEF CARPACCIO arugula, crispy capers, parmigiano, lemon vinaigrette 7
DUCK CONFIT NACHOS manchego cheese, shredded duck leg, mango salsa 8
LARGE
STUFFED VANILLA BRIOCHE FRENCH TOAST mascarpone cheese, sweet cherry jam 10
BUTTERMILK PANCAKE STACK plain, blueberry or chocolate chip 8
3 EGGS YOUR WAY crispy hash browns, choice of meats 8
EGGS BENEDICT 2 poached, english muffin, canadian bacon, hollandaise 10
CRAB CAKE BENEDICT 2 poached, english muffin, jumbo lump crab, hollandaise 14
STEAK & EGGS grilled hangar, 3 eggs, crispy hash browns 11
SANDWICHES
CAPE COD LOBSTER ROLL garlicky bun, maine lobster salad, mango relish 14
CROQUE MADAME grilled ham and swiss, fried egg, mornay sauce 10
FOCCACIA PANINI fresh mozzarella, tomato, sweet basil, aged balsamic 8
BREADED PORK CHOP fried pork cutlet, sweet peppers, spicy mustard 12
GRILLED GEMINI BURGER 8oz prime ground beef, toasted pretzel bun 9
SIDES
FRESH FRUIT 3, HASH BROWNS 3, ENGLISH MUFFIN 3, TOASTED BAGEL WITH CREAM CHEESE 3, CANADIAN BACON 4, THICK CUT BACON 4, SAUSAGE 4
COCKTAILS
THE BLOODY pepper infused vodka 8
MIMOSA toso brut nv, orange, strawberry or mango 7
BELLINI toso brut nv, peach puree 7
KIR ROYAL toso brut nv, chambord 9
BRUNCH PUNCH flavored rum, fresh orange, fresh pineapple, grenadine, dark rum floater 10
X-SMALL $6
MAC & CHEESE baked macaroni & cheese gratin
PB&J jam & creamy peanut butter
SMALL BURGER Gemini Bistro burger, crispy frites or fruit
CHICKEN FINGERS crunchy chicken tenders, house made bbq, crispy frites or fruit
PASTA buttered, plain or marinara & parmesan cheese
GRILLED ALL BEEF FRANK served on a soft roll, crispy frites or fruit
KIDDIE COCKTAILS $3
SHIRLEY TEMPLE sprite, grenadine cherries
FRUIT PUNCH housemade with our fresh juices
ROY ROGERS coca-cola, grenadine and cherries
LEMONADE freshly squeezed lemons, water, sugar
ROOT BEER
COCKTAIL MENU
ROCKS $9
STRAWBERRY SUNRISE milagro tequila, cointreau, strawberries, fresh orange, fresh lime, sugar/salt rim
MANGO MOJITO parrot bay mango rum, fresh mango, fresh lime & mint
VELVET OLD FASHIONED makers mark, cointreau, angostura bitters
TALL $9 TALLER $12
THE SQUIRTSKY finlandia grapefruit, fresh lime, fresh grapefruit, soda
GEMINI LEMONADE ketel one citron, fresh lemon, basil infused syrup
CUCUMBER NORTHSIDE hendricks gin, muddled cucumber, lemon, mint, soda
UP $10
LYCHEE MARTINI stoli vodka, st. germain, lychee juice
POMEGRANATE DAQUIRI don q rum, pama, fresh lime, pomegranate juice
CHICAGO SIDECAR remy martin, grand marnier, bitters, sugared rim
BY THE GLASS
SPARKLING
Pascal Toso Brut NV 6
Segura Viudas Rose Cava NV 8
Dopff Au Moulin Cremant NV 11
WHITE
Sauvignon Blanc Pomelo 2007 9
Pinot Gris Millbrandt 2007 8
Hess Select Chardonnay 2007 7
Bourgogne Drouhin Macon 2007 8
ROSE
Swanson Rosato 2008 10
RED
Pinot Noir Montoya 2008 9
Bourgogne Domaine Robert Chevilon 2006 12
Meritage Heller’s Dancer 2007 9
Cabernet Leese Fitch 2007 8
Luchador Shiraz 2007 10
BEER
Sam Adams Light 6; Miller Lite 6; Amstel Light 7; Heineken 7; Blue Moon 7; Guiness Stout 7; Stella Artois 7; Buckler N/A 6; Sierra Nevada 7; Fat Tire 7; 312 7
BOTTLED WINE LIST
-available as an attachment upon request-
AFTER DINNER DRINKS $8
IRISH COFFEE jameson, coffee, whipped cream
COFFEE MUDSLIDE stoli vanilla, kahlua, baileys, whipped cream
NUTTY IRISHMAN frangelico, baileys, coffee, whipped cream
“DOT THE I CROSS THE T” CHOCOLATE MARTINI stoli vanilla, baileys, white and chocolate godiva liqueur
DESSERT WINES
Tre Donne Moscato D’Asti 2007 12
Quady Electra Orange Muscat 2007 7
Cambria Late Harvest Viognier 2005 11
Tio Pepe Jerez Fino Sherry 7
Solera 1847 Jerez Oloroso Dolce Sherry 7
Croft 10 Year Tawny Port 8
Gemini Bistro proudly serves illy coffee. Reservations are available through opentable.com
-Photos Available-
Hours
Dinner
Tuesday-Thursday 5:00pm-10:00pm, Friday and Saturday 5:00pm-11:00pm and Sunday 5:00pm-9:00pm
Brunch
Saturday and Sunday 9:00am-2:30pm
Closed Monday
GEMINI BISTRO
2075 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60614
773.525.2522
773.525.4077
www.GeminiBistroChicago.com
