THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Red Sage

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Red Sage Restaurant Review:

Politicos come and go---and many pass through the doors of Red Sage---but this beloved Southwestern, and now, all-American, restaurant remains, with a menu that has matured over time, pushing aside the burrito and taco clichés of earlier days. The cooking? Best described now as comfort food with a contemporary twist. Executive chef Michael Greenstein starts you off with such edgy appetizers as the jumbo lump crab served with potatoes prepared three different ways (puréed, diced and chipped) or marinated goat cheese with oven-roasted fresh figs, and inserts such classy soups as the Maine mussel and roasted tomato offering that capture the deep-sea essence of mussels in a rich tomato broth. Entrée selections provide a medley of temptations: the Casco Bay cod has its following, but where else will you find elk loin mostarda---deliciously tender meat with mustard-infused fruit that cuts the elk's gaminess---or the gastronomic triumph, the grilled Colorado lamb chops with a potato-and-blue cheese gratin that will make your heart sing. If you crave the more typical Southwestern fare, sit upstairs in the Border Café for your enchilada, chili and tortilla soup fix. By all means, explore the extensive wine menu, which offers some excellent choices. And weather permitting, ask about seating on the rooftop patio.