A New Dining Adventure

Ruth's Chris Steak House has come to town. Ruth's Chris fine dining offers steak, seafood and an award-winning wine list. Of course, Barbara and I had to try it...we were due for a steak and any time I'm tempted with steak AND good wine, I'm there.

The website says "prepare to taste the best steak you've ever eaten." It goes on to say "we're...serious about making sure you have a good time. So you won't find the stodgy, uptight attitude you might find at other steak houses."

The restaurant is on the river downtown near the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame where Riverside Tavern used to be...up the Boulevard from Calhoun's on the River...around the corner from the Coliseum. It's a very nice restaurant--comfy chairs, good view, lots of light and relaxing atmosphere.

I cannot say that it's the best steak I've ever had. Seriously...I've had better. I was not impressed by the fact that they use a special customized-for-Ruth's Chris 1800 degree oven, nor was I wowed by the steak being put on a 500 degree plate that comes sizzling to the table so that grease can splatter all over you unless you're warned by the wait staff what's about to happen. I was even somewhat unimpressed by our wait staff (a team of two) who, to me, seemed a bit out of their element (perhaps trying too hard?), but who seemed to forget about us from time to time.

I know Ruth's Chris says "Stay a while.", but there didn't seem to be a good balance of attentive service. Don't get me wrong. I don't want to be constantly bothered, but I would like to be asked if I want dessert while I'm still in the mood...and to be offered coffee instead of having to say, "Excuse me!" while the server runs away to put our dessert order in.

I'm willing to give it another try sometime, but in comparing similar restaurants I'd have to say Fleming's is my preference.

Barbara quickly straightened me out after my negative "I've had better" and reminded me that we stepped outside of our box, tried something new and enjoyed the evening talking and catching up. That's really what dining with good friends is all about...staying in touch and enjoying the company.

By the way...even after paying upscale prices for my meal (everything is a la carte) and buying a nice glass of wine, I was still charged over $2 for a cup of coffee. They didn't get my memo about coffee, did they?

P.S. I had dinner with friends Friday night, too. I'm pretty sure the food was fantastic as was the company, including Jack. I swear somebody slipped me a mickey...I didn't drink any more than usual. Sherry and Shalane made sure I got home safely without getting behind the wheel of my car. It's been a fun weekend!