Restaurant Spotlight: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

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Maybe it’s your birthday. Maybe you just won a full-ride university scholarship, and it’s time to celebrate in style. Or maybe, you just really, really like steak. Whatever your purpose, Ruth’s Chris offers a high class environment and excellent food. Located at the base of the Calgary Tower (294, 115-9th Avenue SE), Ruth’s Chris Steak House is the “perfect place for any occasion.” Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses can be found across North America, the first location founded in New Orleans in 1965 when Ruth Fertel, against all odds, mortgaged her house to buy a neighbourhood steak restaurant: “Chris Steak House.” Ruth quickly re-named it “Ruth’s Chris Steak House” and entered the competition of a male-dominated business. Ruth’s inspirational story has developed into an international success, and for a good reason.

I had the great pleasure of dining at Ruth’s Chris, and actually sat in one of the booths pictured above. I was travelling in Brazil for Valentine’s Day, and upon my return I felt a fine dinner and Ruth’s Chris Steak House was about the best make-up Valentine’s Day gift I could give. I was right….

Design and Decor: Featuring impressive mahogany wine racks, alcoves with glass art, brushed limestone walls, and a great stone fireplace, this restaurant creates a luxurious and tasteful atmosphere. Views of downtown and the central location have given the setting an urban feel, while also making it convenient for those meeting during the work day or after a theater production, etc.

Cuisine: Served with appropriate breaks between dishes, I savoured each dish, and look forward to visiting Ruth’s Chris Steak House again to taste other menu items. 

Crabtini: Picture a martini glass. Now fill it with a spicy crab salad (including strategic additional ingredients, such as tomatoes and chives) and you have a trendy, tasty appetizer.
Tempura Onion Rings:With a honey Thai sauce? Delicious. I gave in to the temptation of a breaded treat, and I don't regret it. However, eating them redefined my definition of and standards for onion rings. Ruth's Chris Steak House takes a much-loved snack food and up-scales it to a fashionable treat.

Shoestrings: Extra thin and crispy - I had to try it. C'mon, "shoestrings?" I half-expected them to be tied in a bow. But no, favouring crispiness over floppiness, this dish had all the fun and light-heartedness of Hickory Sticks, with all the class of crème brulee (which incidentally, is also served at Ruth's Chris Steak House).
Signature Steak : From the start of Ruth Fertel's business, she only served "the best" beef. Only two per cent of all beef qualifies for the high standards at Ruth's Chris. I experienced these high standards when I had one of the 14,000 steaks served everyday internationally. To retain natural juices and flavour, steaks are sliced into thicker cuts: 12-22 oz. servings. I found that the resulting flavour was so satisfying, that very little seasoning was needed: the light addition of salt and pepper was a basic touch, though effective. Steaks are served on hot plates, so that my steak arrived at my table still sizzling tantalizingly. I savoured every bite, letting the flavour sink in and satisfy my taste buds. I feel the steak was definitely the highlight of my meal.
Chocolate Sin Cake: Although I was satiated by the end of my meal, I am a lover of desserts, and I was thrilled to try the chocolate and espresso blend "Chocolate Sin Cake." It was rich but not too sweet, and the drizzle of sauce added a kick to make this a killer dessert.

I departed the restaurant full and grinning, having enjoyed a night of fine dining and service.

Ruth Fertel had the philosophy of giving people “the very best.” After one visit, I feel this philosophy has been the cause of the international success Ruth’s Chris Steak House has achieved. This spring, why not celebrate with sizzling steak? Click here to see the full menu, click here to book reservations, and click here to get directions!

All images courtesy of Ruth’s Chris Steak House.