CheekyChicago

Nothing says quality like Ruth’s Chris.For me, it has nothing to do with the “U.S. Prime” stamp adorning everything from the menu to the marquee. (Heck, I don’t even eat red meat.) The quality I’m talking about is in the impeccable service, the presentation of the dishes, the beautiful space, the fine selection of wines and the overall deliciousness of every bite you put in your mouth.But Ruth’s Chris has become my family’s one true “special occasion” place, so the real quality comes from the time spent dining with the people I love the most.

In my opinion, you can’t get a better dirty martini than at a steakhouse: large, salty and ice-cold, the night officially begins with this cocktail.As you start thinking of food, be sure you take a look at the wine list. With over 35 wines by the glass, you can’t go wrong with the big, jammy “Seghesio” Zinfandel from Sonoma or the Cakebread Chardonnay.

There’s only one way to describe the menu here: massive. I’m not just talking about the selections, but the portions too – so bring your appetite to the table and leave your diet at the door. With so many mouth-watering appetizers (think jumbo crab cakes and barbeque shrimp), it was hard to settle on just one. But it was Papa Zweig’s birthday and he wanted the fried calamari.I am not one to dispute with my father over much, and I was more than pleased I kept my mouth shut. Traditional fried calamari comes with that side of marinara sauce – to supposedly help complete the palate experience? Ruth’s Chris’ calamari comes out on its own, deep fried and then dipped in a sweet and sour soy glaze. I guess father knows best.

We are a family of sharers, so dining with the ‘rents is like getting to eat three entrées at once. For momma, it was the oven-roasted chicken, so perfectly cooked and seasoned, it was the first time in a long time chicken actually tasted refined. Daddy-o had the New York strip steak, cooked medium rare with nothing more than salt and pepper, and my one tender little nibble was a party in my mouth. But it was my Ahi tuna steak stacked with lump crab meat that took home the gold medal. Sided with pecan-encrusted sweet potatoes and steamed asparagus, our three-way food coma was in full force.No wonder we dined for over three hours and still had room to put down the buttery, warm, caramelized bread pudding.We are also a family that works out, FYI.

Ruth’s Chris is a staple in my family whenever a birthday is celebrated, a promotion is offered, a welcome home from college is cheered.And while the food is outstanding, the room is gorgeous and the wine goes down easy, my time at Ruth’s Chris always proves to me that it’s not where you are, it’s who you are with.