Chicago's Original Tuscan Steakhouse, the Legendary Gene & Georgetti: A Steakhouse of the Stars.

"Gene & Georgetti, 500 North Franklin Street, Chicago, IL, in Chicago's River North neighborhood, was founded in 1941 by Gene Michelotti and his partner Alfredo Federighi, nicknamed "Georgetti" after a famous Italian cyclist. Located in the heart of River North, Gene & Georgetti is Chicago's oldest steakhouse and one of its finest. Little did they know, their humble restaurant would become a legendary hotspot, attracting A-list clientele and serving up some of the city's finest steaks.

Born in the small Tuscan town of Lucca, Italy, Gene Michelotti came to the United States at age 15; several years later, he married Ida Passaglia in April 1938. Though he spoke little to no English upon his arrival, he worked numerous jobs, including night watchman, porter, dishwasher, and bartender, where he encountered his future business partner Alfredo "Georgetti" Federighi, a chef.

Together, in 1941, they founded Gene and Georgetti. Alfredo had the kitchen, and Gene was the front man holding the bar. His genuine and vivacious personality made him a hit with regulars, politicians, and celebrities. Upon Alfredo's death in 1969, Gene became the sole proprietor of Gene & Georgetti until he died in 1989.

The Main Dining Room

Gene's daughter Marion married Tony Durpetti in 1969. They have one daughter, Michelle. Upon the death of Gene in 1989, although a CEO of his own national radio advertising firm, Tony and Marion did not want to see the restaurant leave the family, so they decided to purchase it from Marion's mother, Ida Michelotti. Now in its 80 years, the legacy of both Gene & Georgetti is honored, protected, and celebrated within three generations of Gene's family, the most recent being his granddaughter, Michelle, and grandson-in-law, Collin. This new generation dedicates itself to maintaining the traditions that both Georgetti and Gene started, but also to honor Tony and Marion and the rich Italian history that the entire family is so proud of."

The Fireside Room

Legends like Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Lucille Ball, as well as modern-day celebrities like Russell Crowe, Keanu Reeves, Vince Vaughn, and Will Ferrell, along with international, national, and local politicians, have helped make Gene & Georgetti a classic old-time Chicago place to dine. The restaurant proudly boasts a legion of regular customers, some going back more than 50 years.

Together with their daughter, Michelle Durpetti, and son-in-law, Collin Pierson, Tony, and Marion Durpetti, they proudly maintain the tradition of quality and service that has defined Gene and Georgetti for eight decades.

48 Oz, Prime Dry Aged, T-Bone ─ $155.00

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The T-bone steak is a cut of beef that includes two steaks in one: the sirloin and the tenderloin. The T-bone comes from the T-shaped bone separating the two steaks.

Here are the two cuts of meat you'll find on either side of the T-bone:

Sirloin (long, narrow side): This side is cut from the rear section of the animal, near the hip. Sirloin steak is known for its rich flavor and firm texture.

 

Tenderloin (short, wide side): This side is cut from the short loin section near the spine. Tenderloin steak is renowned for its buttery texture and mild flavor.

The aroma of sizzling meat and freshly baked bread wafted through the air as the doors opened, enticing passersby. Gene & Georgetti's menu boasted premium steaks, dry-aged to perfection, alongside traditional Italian-American dishes like pasta, seafood, and chicken parmesan. The restaurant's cozy ambiance, dark wood, white tablecloths, and vintage photographs made it an instant favorite among locals and businessmen.

Word spread quickly, and soon, Gene & Georgetti became the go-to spot for Chicago's elite. Politicians, mobsters, and Hollywood stars flocked to the restaurant, eager to savor its exceptional cuisine and rub shoulders with the city's powerbrokers. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. were regulars, often enjoying private rooms and personalized service.

One fateful evening, Ol' Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra, strolled into Gene & Georgetti, entourage in tow. He requested the "Round Table," a coveted spot reserved for the restaurant's most esteemed patrons. The room excitedly filled as he sipped his signature martini and devoured a mouthwatering filet mignon. The Rat Pack was in the house, and Gene & Georgetti was the place to be.

The Mural Dining Room

As the years passed, Gene & Georgetti continued to thrive, its reputation as a steakhouse of stars spreading far and wide. The restaurant weathered the ups and downs of the city's culinary scene, adapting to changing tastes while remaining true to its roots.

In 1999, Gene & Georgetti was designated a Chicago landmark, solidifying its place in the city's history. Today, the restaurant remains a beloved institution, still serving top-quality steaks and Italian-American cuisine to a new generation of foodies and celebrities.

As you step through the doors, the same warm ambiance and exceptional service envelop you, transporting you back to an era of glamour and sophistication. Gene & Georgetti's legacy is a testament to the power of good food, fine wine, and the enduring allure of old-school Chicago charm.

Gene & Georgetti

Edited by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

The History of the Great Escape Restaurant Building, Schiller Park, Illinois.

The original Great Escape, Fred Kolze's Store.

The Great Escape Restaurant is at 9540 West Irving Park Road, Schiller Park, IL. The Bar and Banquet Room is still part of the original structure built in 1889. The bar is original and was hand-carved by the Chicago Bar Company. 

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• Schiller Park, Illinois, was known as Fairview in 1889. 
• The name was later changed to Kolze in 1914. 
• Finally, the name was changed to Schiller Park in 1926. 

The original 1889 Saloon was named the Iron Horse Saloon. The building was originally at street level, with swinging doors leading out onto a dirt road with hitching posts for horses (Irving Park Road). 

The silent movie cowboy Tom Mix made a few of his movies here around 1900. They would use the Des Plaines River as the Rio Grande and the restaurant's bar for saloon scenes. 

In the 1920s, Al Capone sold the Iron Horse Saloon booze and was spotted at the bar doing business with local gangsters. Witnesses say there were men seated on either side of Capone with shotguns watching the door. 

Before its current use, the banquet room was home to a general store, milk depot, post office, gas station, barber shop, pool hall, and restaurant.

It quickly became a watering hole for weary travelers and locals seeking respite from the rigors of daily life. The saloon's rough-hewn wooden bar, bathed in the warm glow of gas lamps, witnessed countless stories unfold, from the boisterous laughter of railroad workers to the hushed conversations of businessmen striking deals.

As the years turned into decades, the Iron Horse Saloon remained steadfast. It weathered the storms of economic downturns, Prohibition, and the ever-changing tides of popular culture. But it wasn't until the mid-20th century that the establishment underwent a transformation that would solidify its place in local lore.

In 1958, Al and Marie Great, a couple passionate about good food and warm hospitality, purchased the Iron Horse Saloon and renamed it the Drift Inn. They introduced a menu featuring their signature baby back ribs and broasted chicken, which quickly became local favorites. The Drift Inn thrived under their stewardship, becoming a beloved gathering place for families and friends.

However, all good things must end, and in 1981, Al and Marie decided to retire, selling the Drift Inn and bidding farewell to the restaurant business. For years, the establishment changed hands, its name and identity shifting with each new owner. But the spirit of the Greats' culinary legacy lingered, a ghost from the past waiting to be reawakened.

In the early 2000s, the Great family, inspired by the fond memories of their parents' restaurant, decided to revive the Drift Inn's legacy. They renamed it the Great Escape, a nod to their family name and the feeling of escape that good food and company can provide. The Great Escape quickly gained a reputation for its delicious food, warm ambiance, and commitment to preserving the building's rich history.

But the Great Escape is more than just a restaurant; it's a portal to the past, a place where the spirits of those who came before still roam. Many patrons and staff have reported strange occurrences, from unexplained noises and flickering lights to being watched by unseen eyes. Some say the ghost of Al Great still haunts the kitchen, ensuring that his signature recipes are perfectly prepared. Others claim to have seen the spectral figure of a woman in a long dress wandering through the dining room, her footsteps echoing through the centuries.

Whether these stories are true or simply the product of overactive imaginations, they add to the Great Escape's allure, drawing in those who seek a delicious meal and a glimpse into the supernatural. In this historic establishment, the line between the past and present blurs, and the spirits of those who came before still have a story to tell.

As for the haunting stories, The Great Escape has had multiple Paranormal Detectives explore the property, and there have been multiple reported cases of paranormal activity. 

One of the most chilling stories is that of a former bartender who swore he saw the apparition of a man sitting at the bar, his face obscured by a wide-brimmed hat. The bartender approached the figure, offering him a drink, but the man simply vanished into thin air, leaving behind an icy chill and the faint scent of cigar smoke.

The Great Escape is more than just a restaurant; it's a portal to the past, a place where the spirits of those who came before still roam. Many patrons and staff have reported strange occurrences, from unexplained noises and flickering lights to being watched by unseen eyes. Some say the ghost of Al Great still haunts the kitchen, ensuring that his signature recipes are perfectly prepared. Others claim to have seen the spectral figure of a woman in a long dress wandering through the dining room, her footsteps echoing through the centuries.

One of the most chilling stories is that of a former bartender who swore he saw the apparition of a man sitting at the bar, his face obscured by a wide-brimmed hat. The bartender approached the figure, offering him a drink, but the man simply vanished into thin air, leaving behind an icy chill and the faint scent of cigar smoke.

Whether these stories are true or simply the product of overactive imaginations, they add to the Great Escape's allure, drawing in those who seek a delicious meal and perhaps a glimpse into the supernatural. In this historic establishment, the line between the past and present blurs, and the spirits of those who came before still have a story to tell.

Some of these stories include:

• Team members have reported seeing a man in a black suit carrying a clipboard walking into a closet and disappearing.

• The feeling that someone is standing right next to you.

• Walking through an icy spot in a dark hallway.

• The sounds of 1920s music from the basement after hours.

• An antique radio plays without being touched, and upon investigation, it was determined that no wires were hooked up to it, and the old tubes inside were burned out.

In summary, the Great Escape Restaurant has a rich history dating back to 1889, with various uses over the years. The Great Family revived the current restaurant in 1992 and has been preserving the property ever since. The restaurant is known for paranormal activity, with multiple reported ghost sightings and unexplained events.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.