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| - Quote of the night "its not the size the counts, its how rich it is" in reference to their chocolate sin cake. So true, but I get ahead of myself.
First off, as you may have gathered, this place is expensive. Don't think that $50 gift card will go far. That's the lower end for an entree. For one. With no drinks. You have been warned.
We brazenly walked in to Ruth's on an unassuming Saturday night without reservations, taking the hostesses unawares with the aforementioned brazenness. No tables of course, but the bar is (always) available. We were seated within 2 minutes. 80% of the time, this strategy works 100% of the time.
Upon being seated, were with greeted with a handshake and introduction to the bar-staff (waaaa?) while not one, but two napkins and full flatware was laid out. An interesting beginning to the evening. Fantastic service, but I am just unaccustomed to shaking hands with a server (hope they wash their hands...)
The leather-bound menu looks as amazing as it was heavy. We both opted for the Classic menu selection, which includes a starter (soup or salad), entree, side, and dessert for between $40-$50 depending on the entree. Considering that many sole entrees start at $60, this was a pretty good deal. To got different starters and sides to maximize the experience.
*Tip for the Try-Frugal (you want to try it, but lack a trust fund): Come with a friend, get the Classic Menu Selection and split it. Unless you haven't eaten in a while, it'll suffice.
Starters:
- The tortilla soup (an item I traditionally associate with Mexican restaurants) was much better than I had expected for a steakhouse. Well played!
- The arugula, mandarin & Prosciutto Salad, on the other hand, did not really do it for me. I think that I could buy all the ingredients ready-made (including the ubiquitous canned mandarins) from Costco and make it myself. I just expected more.
Winner: the tortilla soup
Sides:
- Creamed Spinach: these came recommended and I can see why, it is about 50% cream. I am in no way complaining. If it is one thing that Ruth does well, its dairy. The bartender totally called this.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: A let down, particularly after seeing how glorious their baked potatoes looked. These are your grandma's garlic potatoes, maybe a little drier and light on the garlic. Although, it was brought to my attention that my lackluster reaction may be the result trying it after the rich creamed spinach. You can decide.
Winner: Baked potato (the one I briefly mentioned in passing). What can I say, I looked really, really good. Honorable mention to the creamed spinach.
Entree:
- Stuffed Chicken Breast: Oh. My. God. I was so blind before, but THIS is what willis was talking about all along. Even our good friend the bartender said that this was the best item on the menu. It is a double chicken breast "stuffed with garlic herb cheese and served with lemon butter". Poking it causes volcanic eruptions of gooey cheese. I ate all of it. And I am not sorry. Seriously amazing!
- Filet: Honestly, I didn't care for it. A bit lacking in flavor and dry for me, although adding one of the compliments (cheese or pepper sauce) may alleviate this. Perhaps I just don't know how to appreciate a good steak? Who knows. I'd never do it again.
Clear winner: chicken breast!!!!
Dessert:
Chocolate sin cake x2 (the only dessert available on the value menu)
- One is enough for two, as it is a flour-less chocolate cake (i.e., fudge). You need to smother it in cream in order to stuff it down your gullet; otherwise the richness can cause you to choke. Though, my favorite part though was the witty remark from our new bff the bartender in response to an inquiry on the size of the dessert: "size doesn't matter the counts, its how rich it is". Truly, it was your bartendery wisdom that left me satiated me that evening.
*Actually not our bff. I was merely trying to describe the growing feelings of affection towards the bartender--which all started with a handshake.
TIP2: shake hands with your wait staff (just be sure to be aware of and obey any local laws which may run contrary to this tip)
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