Wild Sage Grille

The Cherapa Place in downtown Sioux Falls is home to one of Sioux Falls’ gems: Wild Sage Grille. It opened in 2008 and offers a richly diverse and delicious menu in a relaxing, sophisticated environment.

Open for lunch Monday-Saturday from 11-2 p.m., and for dinner Monday- Saturday 5-9 p.m., Wild Sage offers diners ample opportunity to explore a menu specializing in natural meat. The restaurant’s commitment to natural meat coincides with their conscious effort to consider the environment when serving its food. Owner and Chef Nancy Gellerman has developed relationships with the people who raise the restaurant’s buffalo, elk and cows. All the meat is “organic,” meaning there are no antibiotics or hormones injected into the animals. Their Web site says they are “taking care of nature to make sure we nuture your soul.”

But don’t be fooled by the “grill” in the title, as this isn’t the Hamburger Inn. Preceeded by a grand entryway, Wild Sage is upscale in décor with wood floors, rich wooden countertops and tables and limestone pillars. Dimly lit and painted in warm gold colors, the atmosphere becomes cozy despite its plentiful amounts of seating. Large black-and-white photographs accent the walls. A bar covers an entire wall, looking impressive with dark wood shelves holding copious amounts of wine.

Hosts, waiters and servers are plentiful, promising each customer attentive, positive and personal service. They know the menu inside and out and respectfully offer suggestions.

The lunch menu is undoubtedly worth the expense. The traditional bruscietta ($5.95) is described as rustic bread toasts with farm ripened tomatoes, basil, garlic and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. Warm and offering a combination of soothing and complimentary flavors, this is a great mid-day treat. Also on the menu are soups and salads (The field greens with goat cheese is fantastic). Sandwiches are served with potatoes (mashed, roasted, sweet, fries) or a daily soup (previous soups have been Italian wedding or elk and vegetable), and there is a wide variety from buffalo burgers to grilled wild sockeye salmon melts. The grilled chicken breast with Swiss and bacon ($8.95) is a hefty example; featuring a generous chicken breast blanketed in Swiss cheese and topped with three pieces of bacon. It is rich in flavor and will fill you up quickly with its large portions. All of the sandwiches can be substituted with a half-sandwich and cup of soup.

The dinner menu changes regularly, but the rotations never disappoint. Patrons can begin the meal with appetizers such as bruscietta, artichoke dip or roasted butternut squash and parmesan crostini. A soup of the day and salads are also available.

Dinner entrees, the forte of the chef, are truly a carnivore’s delight. Although steeply priced at $23.95, the buffalo tenderloin is a treat. The menu advertises that the meat is “naturally raised at Catron Ranch in Western South Dakota,” and the 6 oz. tenderloin is sprinkled with a blackberry port glaze. Side dishes include potatoes and sauted vegetables. The beef top sirloin ($19.95) is a personal favorite. Served with a homemade steak sauce, it cuts like butter and tastes phenomenal. This meal also includes potatoes (served in any style) and harvested vegetables.

The dinner menu also features sandwiches offered at lunch. An efficient way to lower the cost of dinner, all of the sandwiches are under $10 and fantastic. Sandwiches such as the bourbon barbequed pulled pork loin sandwich shouldn’t be swept under the rug when compared to the steaks. Tasty and offering significant servings of meat, the Wild Sage’s sandwiches are a credible choice.

Desserts are made fresh daily, so upon request your server will bring out a tray of sinfully wonderful sweets that are available. The fruit tart was worth every calorie, and each option is an appropriate way to end a wonderful meal.

To compliment the carnivorous meals is an extensive beer and wine list. And if wanting the evening to be more casual, the bar is available for eating or simply for beverages. There is one television in the restaurant facing the bar for sports-loving fans in need of a football score.

Something to note is the lack of a children’s menu. While children are certainly allowed, the atmosphere is quiet and more geared toward the “grown-up” spectrum. For those parents wondering whether Wild Sage is a kid-friendly eating spot, I would recommend visiting the restaurant on date night or a night out with friends.

Prices are certainly another concern. Yes, this restaurant is not cheap. A dinner for two will likely cost about $50 plus tip. If you’re looking for a delicious splurge, however, this is your place. Something to note as well is that if you order sandwiches instead of the lavish tenderloins and sirloins, the price will be substantially lower.

Wild Sage is truly a gem for Sioux Falls carnivores and makes a great spot for an evening out. With satisfying and delicious food in an enjoyable atmosphere, it is a restaurant worth repeated visits.