Gages Steak House

First time here, New Year's Eve reservations at 5:00 was seated promptly by very friendly host. Had a perfect seat right in front of the window overlooking the sunset. Our waitresses name was Ralen, She was extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. She even offered a gluten-free menu after hearing a comment I made about a gluten intolerance. I ordered the surf and turf medium rare, three grilled shrimp, potatoes au gratin, and Julianne vegetables. I don't give out great compliments often but it was truly one of the best meals I have had in a long time. The meat was not marinated but seasoned to perfection and cooked to a perfect medium rare. The potatoes and vegetables were also cooked to perfection paired with a house Cabernet have to say it's one of the best meals in a while. My dining partner had the filet with a twice baked potato and asparagus medley. The filet was marinated and extremely tender but I have to say after trying both my unmarinated but seasoned perfectly sirloin medallions were far superior and more juicy. We finished the dinner with a creme brulee that was topped with fresh whipped cream and sliced strawberries (which was a little unexpected treat). A great meal coupled with an exceptional waitress made for a great New Year's Eve. Just a couple of negatives and not really even negatives but the artichoke appetizer was literally three small spoons on 3 chips, delicious but so ridiculously small it was almost laughable. Something I felt was a little off was the lighting It was so extremely bright in the restaurant that it was almost uninviting. Looking into the bar area I would feel very uncomfortable because the lights were shining down so bright they were almost like interrogation lights. Just did not feel like a welcoming cozy sitting relax and have drinks environment. But nothing that would make me not want to go back again except I would not sit in the bar but I would in the dining room.