Inside: Sage

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Sage American Bistro

Metromix restaurant reviews

We take the guesswork out of food

Get served: Sage

Chic restaurant adds flair to American classics

Sage American Bistro, an upscale restaurant and bar on High Street, serves contemporary American cuisine in a casual and comfortable atmosphere. The intimate ambiance at Sage is accentuated by the modern décor and fine food.

While this might be just a bite-size establishment, the dishes and drinks are bursting with flavor. Located north of Hudson Street in the midst of Clintonville's bustling bar scene, Sage is a quaint and lively establishment that specializes in serving sensational contemporary American classics.

Food: Sage features select Americana inspired dishes peppered to perfection with modern finesse. For starters, Sage offers appetizers including: the Tuna "B.L.T," braised pork belly, savory sweet potato soup and a handful of hand-tossed salads ($5 to $12).

Several seafood selections steal the main course spotlight, including rainbow trout, smoked salmon capellini and seared scallops. Bistro steak, stuffed chicken and grilled pork chop are some of the other entrée offerings ($17 to $26).

On Sunday, brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The brunch menu features crème brulee French toast, a mushroom-feta omelette and tomato-basil frittata. Classic side dishessuch as bacon, eggs, home fries and toast are also available.

The dinner and brunch offerings might be American in origin, but before they're put together, they feature a fusion of quality ingredients and techniques from around the world. The dishes are innovative and have a contemporary culinary touch. From the Tuna "B.L.T." (seared rare yellow fin tuna, spicy tomato jam, romaine-bacon slaw, rye toast and tarragon aioli) to the seared scallops (pan seared diver scallops with blackberry ketchup, polenta fries, lemon beurre blanc and braised baby bok choy), Sage specializes in transforming a classic dish into something new and fresh.

Sage is open for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, it's open for Sunday brunch, but it is closed Sunday evenings and Mondays.

Libations: A small corner bar is situated at one end of the restaurant. While there's not an abundance of seating available, there are a few stools set up. Sage serves several specialty martinis including the Flirtini (made with raspberry vodka, triple sec, lime juice, pineapple and cranberry juice and a splash of champagne), the Marga-tini (with tequila, triple sec, fresh orange, lemon and lime juices) and The Cuke (a Hendrick's gin martini served up with cucumber water).

Specialty cocktails range from a blackberry mojito to Pimm's Cup (a tall glass of Pimm's #1 mixed with citrus vodka, lemonade and club soda, served with a lemon wedge and slice of cucumber). Sage also has numerous bottled beers in stock from Amstel Light to Woodchuck Draft Cider.

The wine list features white and red wines available by the glass and bottle and white, sparkling and red wines exclusively served by the bottle.

A mimosa menu is offered during Sunday brunch, featuring the classic combination of champagne and orange juice, plus there are specialty mimosas such as the Bombay Bellini (mango nectar and champagne), Marilyn Monroe (grenadine and champagne) and Poinsettia (cranberry juice and champagne). Mimosa carafes are also served during brunch for $15, which is a whole bottle of champagne served with your favorite mixer.

Décor: Sage has a modern and metro ambiance from the colorful paintings adorning the exposed brick walls to the track lighting casting a dim glow on the content clientele. Solid colored square paintings in a variety of sizes and shades hang on one wall, and several vibrant pieces hang on the opposite.

While Sage is a relatively small and elongated eatery, its size lends the establishment an intimate, comfortable and casual disposition despite its upscale nature.

Service: The staff is very personable and prompt. The bartender has a knack for shaking up something special for everyone. In the kitchen, the staff pays attention to the little things while they're preparing and plating dishes. The details come through in every dish.

Specials: A martini happy hour is hosted from 5 to 7 p.m. every evening they're open. During happy hour, all specialty martinis and any other martini a patron desires are only $5.

Insider's tip: Since Sage has limited hours of operation and is rapidly becoming a popular place to dine and drink, reservations are not a bad idea.

Parking is available in the adjoining lot behind the restaurant, just west of High Street. Street parking is available in the residential area across the street if you're not lucky enough to snag a spot out back, which can be difficult especially on the weekends. Valet parking is offered on Friday and Saturday nights.

Bottom line: Sage puts a contemporary twist on classic Americana cuisine. The upscale yet casual atmosphere is inviting, drawing in patrons for a refreshing and invigorating dining experience. Both the food and the drinks are reasonably priced, considering the quality ingredients used in preparation.

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