Gage & Tollner

Parker Rolls

It's not often that a simple bread roll can steal the show, but the Parker Rolls at Gage & Tollner are a masterclass in perfection. Each roll is a cloud-like creation, impossibly fluffy, light, and soft.

But it's the flavor that truly sets them apart. Buttery perfection, realized. The rolls are generously brushed with rich, melted butter that seeps into every crevice. What elevates them from merely excellent to unforgettable is the delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top — a subtle crunch and a burst of flavor that cuts through the richness, enhancing the deep, buttery notes perfectly. An unmissable highlight of the meal.

Wedge Salad

The Wedge Salad is a solid, well-executed take on a classic. The decision to use crisp, hearty lettuce wedges is brilliant, providing satisfying crunch as the perfect canvas for the other ingredients.

The additions of smoky bacon, briny olives, and fresh tomatoes are welcome, each contributing a distinct layer. However, the blue cheese dressing, while creamy, can be a bit overpowering at times, occasionally dominating the more subtle flavors. A good, decent salad that reliably delivers.

Steak & Eggs

The Steak & Eggs is a simple, elegant dish that is an absolute must-try for any steak lover. The undisputed star is the steak — cooked to a perfect medium-rare, with beautiful seasoning and wonderfully consistent texture. One of the better steaks I've had recently.

Paired with the fantastic house-made sauce — slight kick, hint of light sweetness — it's a combination that can only be described as perfection. The eggs are also cooked well, complementing the main components beautifully.

The side elements don't quite reach the same heights. The greens are just okay, lacking seasoning and coming across as a bit too salty. The chimichurri was also a bit too salty and didn't add much. Despite these shortcomings, the steak itself is a triumph.

Brooklyn Blackout Cake

For chocolate lovers, the Brooklyn Blackout Cake is an absolute triumph. The cake itself is incredibly moist and dense, with a rich, flavorful chocolate profile that's bold without ever straying into bitterness.

The accompaniment takes it to another level. The coffee amaro sauce is a stroke of genius — its complex, slightly bitter notes cut through the richness of the chocolate, enhancing the overall flavor and adding a sophisticated twist. My only wish is that there were more of it to dunk every last crumb.