Ruth's Chris Steak House...how pricey and is it worth it??

[rage2]

I order blue rare and it's perfect everytime. There was one night when I thought it was overcooked but it was just the edge because of the shape of the steak. They're very consistent here in Calgary.

[boarderfatty]

Up in Edmonton here I think Ruth's Chris I good but by no means the best. I enjoy the steak at Characters, though steak is not their forte. I enjoyed Hy's while it was around, One of my favorites as of recently has been at Sage in the River Cree Casino where they served Kobe Beef, but I think with the new head chef change, they are no longer serving Kobe. When I am looking to spend 70-90 on a single entree I tend to goto LaRonde and the Crowne Plaza Chateau Lacombe where I will have their Chateaubriand where it is 16oz's of Steak that is carved and Flambeed at your table. You get a quality piece of meat, an atmosphere, and by far the best service imo. I can't say that I have had the staff at Ruth's Flambe my steak for me.

But this is my feelings towards Steaks in Edmonton, I thought the Ruth's in Calgary was a little better than the Ruth's in Edmonton, but I am not very familiar with the Calgary Steak Scene

[eb0i]

I love eating at Ruth Chris'. However I am hung up on which is better...USDA or Alberta Beef....

[Wrinkly]

OK - finally went to Ruth's last night.

Interesting experience - it was a Friday night and it seemed pretty dead, which surprised me. Lots of empty tables.

Really great atmosphere/decor etc.

Service was very friendly and very good. Although maybe a little too much attention at times, because our server was in training so her supervisor seemed to be 'doubling up'.

As for the food, it was good and certainly no complaints, but I'm not convinced it's commensurate with the pricing. No-one ordered an appetizer as we weren't hungry enough.

Now - the steak debate! I promised rage I'd order a USDA cut to compare it to Canadian. Like eb0i ^^ it's very close and I had a hard time deciding. I ordered the USDA Fillet, and another in my party ordered the Canadian prime fillet, so we could share a few bites to compare.

I ordered the way I always order - medium (decided not to drop it down a step as advised, just to see what how it would arrive). It turned out to be a perfect "medium" steak and I didn't find the amount of butter that great, as some have suggested - and it was delicious.

The Canadian steak was also cooked to medium and I think I have to say that it wins the contest for me. Both were good, but the Canadian definitely had more flavour. I do agree with rage on one thing though - probably the best steak I've had so far and I would definitely go back for that reason. Having said that, I'm not sure the difference was great enough to justify the higher price though - a tough one.

There were only three in the party and no appetisers, little alcohol (I had none as I was driving) and ordered a bottle of Pelegrino to share. Another had a couple of orange juices and the third had three cocktails.

Steak was about $50 per plate and the Chicken (good size was $35) sides were extra at $8.00 each (we had Mashed potatoes and asparagus - large though, so we shared one of each between us all, but if you're big eaters or really hungry, you'd need more)

We all had dessert (2x chocolate cake - which was highly rated and one Creme Brulee for me - good, but not the 'best ever') No coffee or liquers and a $250 bill before tip. So with tip included and bearing in mind that we didn't have a first course and little alcohol, expect to pay over $100 per person as a good guide.

So - mixed feelings overall, great steak, but not SOOO great that I'd choose Ruth's over, say, the River Cafe - because pricing is similar I think, but at the River I've always been blown away by the entire meal start to finish. I would go back though. Great place with great service and certainly worth it for a special occasion.

[rage2]

Ruth's has been out of Ahi Tuna for a few weeks now. By far the best appetizer.

As for the great USDA vs Alberta steak debate, I've converted about 7 people to USDA at Ruths vs just 1 that prefers the Alberta steaks between my friends.

[Wrinkly]

Interesting isn't it? I wonder what 'unknowns' are at work here.... gender, blood group, star sign?....



It definitely helped me having both at the table and being able to compare them side by side. I'm not so sure how it would have gone if I didn't have that luxury.

I should also note that I haven't (to my knowledge) tasted Canadian "prime" before either. Though I would imagine quite likely at places like The River, and Teattro's.

[egmilano]

Originally posted by rage2
Ruth's has been out of Ahi Tuna for a few weeks now. By far the best appetizer.

As for the great USDA vs Alberta steak debate, I've converted about 7 people to USDA at Ruths vs just 1 that prefers the Alberta steaks between my friends.

Dont forget the tomato mozza, mozza comes onces a month from italy.

[Ben]

Been twice, first time was with rage2 & Crew and it was superb! Good enough I went back again shortly after.

I was VERY happy with the quality of steak, Easily top 3 I've EVER had, and one of those top 3 was one I made for myself from a cut I got from a great butcher south of town.

Whether USDA is better than AAA, I dunno, but DAMN fine cow either way at RC!!

[HRD2PLZ]

I also much prefer USDA beef over any Alberta beef I've ever had. I'm not a huge beef lover, so I'm by far no connoisseur.

[signature7]

I've never had USDA ever, so I'm taking the plunge this evening. What's the dress code actually like? Are nice jeans ok, or do they say that and only smucks like me end up wearing it?

Oh, and I hope they have Ahi Tuna today, I've never had it, but it looks tasty.

[in*10*se]

meh, eaten there lots... steaks there are way over rated. good lobster bisque and cheesecake... thats about it
imo.

[rage2]

Originally posted by signature7
I've never had USDA ever, so I'm taking the plunge this evening. What's the dress code actually like? Are nice jeans ok, or do they say that and only smucks like me end up wearing it?

Oh, and I hope they have Ahi Tuna today, I've never had it, but it looks tasty.

You'll feel out of place not dressing up in the dining room. I personally don't give a fuck and walk in there in shorts and a Maiden T-Shirt all the time.

I'm mostly in the lounge, and might be there tonight.

[ricosuave]

I personally stay away from restaurants with such fucked names.

[The_Rural_Juror]

I will probably be there tonight too. Looking forward to the Ahi.

[rage2]

Beyond meet at Ruth's!

[signature7]

I'm going be there later in the evening, 8:30ish. Save me some Tuna Rage lol, I'll spot you in the shorts and tee!