Ruth's Chris Steak House Inc.

Restaurants Set for Downtown Restaurant Week 2012

Assuming that St. Louis hasn't melted into a pool of molten steel and Provel before then, the eighth annual Downtown Restaurant Week will run from Monday, August 20, through Sunday, August 26. Surely, you know the drill by now: Twenty downtown restaurants will offer a three-course dinner for $25 per ... More >>

#47: Veggie Breakfast Burrito at the Mud House

On Cherokee Street hungry diners can find a burrito for any time of day or night, and the Mud House(2101 Cherokee Street; 314-776-6599) has your breakfast needs covered with a veggie breakfast burrito that's almost too big for its plate. A giant flour tortilla is stuffed with black beans, tomato, c ... More >>

#48: Lengua Tacos at La Vallesana

Evan C. Jones​There are many tempting options available at La Vallesana (2801 Cherokee Street; 314-776-4223), but whether you're getting quesadillas, burritos or tortas, there's something on the menu that leaps out to most people as something to avoid: tongue. Offal is something that most Am ... More >>

#49: Hummus and Balela Platter at Nosh Bistro

Bryan Peters​When Nosh Bistro (1135 South Big Bend Boulevard, Richmond Heights; 314-781-4734) closed a few months ago, we sank into a brief, but profound, funk. We'd grown terribly fond of their hummus and balela salad platter, and we didn't want to know a world without it. So you can imagine ... More >>

#50: Bread Pudding at Harvest

Evan C. Jones​How good is the bread pudding at Harvest (1059 South Big Bend Boulevard, Richmond Heights; 314-645-3522)? When Gut Check dropped by to pay homage to this favorite desert, chef de cuisine Brendan Noonan came clean about his consumption. "I've already had four portions of the bread ... More >>

#51: Root Beer Float at Dr. Jazz

Julia GabbertRoot beer float at Dr. Jazz​ Dr. Jazz Soda Fountain and Grille (29 N. Gore; 314-961-5299) is a homey little restaurant in charming Webster Groves. Dr. Jazz serves up your typical club sandwiches, burgers and lots of comfort food like chili fries and onion rings. The best part, th ... More >>

#52: Le Croque Monsieur at LaBonne Bouchée

Ashley AtkinsLe Croque Monsieur!​LaBonne Bouchée (12344 Olive Blvd, Creve Coeur; 314.576-6606) offers the Francophile a wide selection of authentic French cuisine, ranging from le quiche du jour to le vol au vent to petit fours. But Gut Check's favorite way to eat à la française is to devou ... More >>

#54: The Gracey at Fozzie's Sandwich Emporium

Emily Wasserman​Fozzie's Sandwich Emporium (1170 South Big Bend Boulevard, Richmond Heights; 314-932-5414) serves up a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, burgers and hot dogs, offering selections for red-meat-loving carnivores, but also vegetarians. The ingredients are fresh, and many of the ... More >>

#55: The Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza at Katie's Pizzeria

Emily Wasserman​Katie's Pizzeria (6611 Clayton Road; Clayton; 314-727-8585) is a small establishment serving up delicious, albeit unique, pizza. With ingredients ranging from smoked salmon to speck, Katie's pizzas aren't for the culinary faint of heart. Each pizza is uniquely crafted and made ... More >>

#56: Brioche French Toast at Half & Half

Half & Half (8135 Maryland Avenue; 314-725-0719), St. Louis' newest breakfast and brunch eatery, despite being surrounded by breakfast and brunch giants like First Watch, Companion and the City Coffeehouse and Creperie, is becoming a legend in its own right. The menu offers a wide variety of brunch ... More >>

#57: Fish and Chips at Llywelyn's

Following closely on the heels of fish and chips in terms of prevalence on any pub menu is the sandwich version - a piece of fried fish on a bun. Fish sandwiches can range from the blah to the greasy, but at Llywelyn's Pub (4747 McPherson Avenue; 314-361-3003), the full flavor of fish shows up in th ... More >>

#58: Chicken Kabob at Al Waha

Kristie McClanahan​Chicken and rice is ubiquitous the world over: Stick it in a tortilla and call it a Mexican dish in Chihuahua, or blend it with coconut milk and curry in Chiang Mai and call it Thai. No wonder, though -- chicken and rice is uncomplicated, versatile and, when flawlessly prepa ... More >>

#59: Seafood Ravioli at Gian-Tony's Ristorante

Erika MillerSeafood ravioli at Gian-Tony's comes drenched in the best flavors of Italy.​There's nothing more relaxing than lounging in a steaming hot tub, letting the hot water soothe away the day's tensions. For food, the equivalent of relaxing in a hot tub has to be sitting in a simmering, f ... More >>

#60: Raw Veggie Burger at PuraVegan

Bryan PetersNo buns allowed, no buns needed.​St. Louis is no stranger to veggie burgers -- from the divine at SweetArt to the pedestrian at too many places -- and it's important to understand this context. In fact, the owners of PuraVegan first started making veggie burgers at their old restau ... More >>

#61: Hot Chick On-a Stick at Fast Eddie's Bon Air

Deborah Hyland​Ghost tours in Alton, Illinois, feature Confederate prisoners of war, slaves fleeing on the Underground Railroad and the occasional juicy murderous love triangle or suicide. Surely the tour guide should mention the mystery of the maimed, wingless chickens. Order the Hot Chick O ... More >>

#62: Mixed Grill Platter at Flaco's Cocina

Chrissy Wilmes​Letting oneself get too hungry is a dangerous thing. When blood sugar runs low, tempers can run high, and the simple act of ordering something new becomes a high-risk roll of the dice. For those times of extreme hunger and limited patience, it's important to reserve a few favori ... More >>

# 68: Lamb Burger at The Scottish Arms

Erika MillerThe lamb burger is an American classic with a Scottish Arms twist.​Pubs seem to come in one of two varieties -- those filled with kitsch and bland fish and chips, or those filled with authentic food, drink and conversation. The Scottish Arms (8 South Sarah Street, Central West End; ... More >>

#70: Turkey Melt and Field Greens Salad at Schlafly Bottleworks

Chrissy Wilmes​Schlafly's brewpubs, although known primarily for their craft beers, put just as much effort and though into their menu, seeking out high quality food from local sources. From the grilled cheese to the pulled pork to the ribs to the pizza, every dish has a little something extra ... More >>

#71: The Vegetarian Platter at Ranoush

Emily Wasserman​Entering Ranoush (200 North Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood; 314-726-6874) is like stepping into a scene out of Arabian Nights. Sequined tapestries line the walls, brass lamps hang from the ceiling and intricately carved metal rings hold the napkins and silverware. Gut Check uncovered ... More >>

#72: Vegetarian Meatballs at Lucas Park Grille

Lucas Park GrilleWho needs meat with veggie meatballs this good?​Downtown St. Louis isn't exactly a vegetarian's paradise, but Lucas Park Grille (1234 Washington Avenue; 314-241-7770) keeps it real for the herbivores with one of its menu's staple entrées: Vegetarian Meatballs. We've embarrass ... More >>

#74: Straw and Hay Pasta at Trattoria Marcella

Erika MillerThe straw and hay pasta at Trattoria Marcella is a piece of Italian artwork.​In a city that boasts an Italian district brimming with toasted ravioli, red wine and tiramisu, Gut Check is no stranger to Italian food, both rustic and refined. And in our humble opinion, not all of the ... More >>

#75: Spaghetti Pomodoro at Babbo's Spaghetteria

Emily Wasserman​Nothing beats a good Spaghetti Pomodoro. You can find it on the menu at most Italian restaurants, and it's usual the safe, go-to classic when deciding what to order. Italian's don't like too many bells and whistles in their cooking, and the Spaghetti Pomodoro at Babbo's Spagh ... More >>

#76: Shrimp Fajitas at El Matador

Emily Wasserman​Picture the excitement of a Mexican bullfight: A small man in a sombrero waves the red flag, the bull, frothing at the mouth, charges toward him, and the audience sits on the edge of their seats, praying that the man (and his sombrero) survive. Things don't get quite this exci ... More >>

#77: Vegetable Quesadilla at Chava's

Bryan Peters​Chava's (925 Geyer Avenue, Soulard; 314-241-5503) is a great place to mosey up to the bar, plop a lime in a Corona, and, until recently, light up a smoke. But it's the food that brings you back. The salsa is always exceptionally fresh, the guacamole vibrant, nutty and abundant. Bu ... More >>

#79: Salt and Pepper Shrimp from Wei Hong

Deborah HylandSalt and pepper shrimp at Wei Hong​This Cantonese delicacy, traditionally cooked heads-on and shell-on, left American diners completely flummoxed about how to eat the battered shrimp. Down the crustaceans, shells and all? Peel the shrimp and lose all the salty batter? Nibble away ... More >>

#81: Catfish Platter at the Gumbo Shop

Ettie BernekingThe catfish platter comes with a side of gumbo or jambalaya so prepare to be stuffed.​While our arteries might disagree, here at Gut Check we say there's no such thing as too much fried food. Which is why the catfish platter at the Gumbo Shop (9501 Manchester Road, Webster Grove ... More >>

#82: Shrimp & Andouille Flatbread at the Shaved Duck

Chrissy Wilmes​St. Louis has, for the most part, avoided being pigeonholed into one type of regional cuisine. The city's restaurants reflect the food fancies of the entire country, and at the Shaved Duck (2900 Virginia Avenue; 314-776-1407), the soulful tastes of the South reign supreme. This ... More >>

#83: Vegetarian Pasta at Terrene

Bryan PetersA symphony of flavors and textures.​At Terrene (33 North Sarah Street; 314-535-5100), chef Michael Warhover and owner John McElwain have struck gold with the vegetarian pasta entrée on the restaurant's spring menu. This isn't the token vegetarian pasta you so often see in less inv ... More >>

#84: Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms at Zia's

Ettie BernekingThe seafood stuffed mushroom are made fresh each day with hunks of tender crab meat peering out from the mound of filling. ​Trying to eat out on a budget is no easy task, especially when you're not willing to sacrifice your taste buds, and the local greasy spoon just isn't your ... More >>

#85: Legend Club at LeGrand's Market & Catering

Erika MillerThe Legend Club is 7" worth of meaty, saucy deliciousness.​Whether you're new to St. Louis or have lived here your whole life, you know there are some things you'll be ridiculed for if you haven't experienced. Never had Ted Drewes? What's wrong with you? Never boiled in the sun on ... More >>

#86: City Coffeehouse & Crêperie's Nutella-Banana Crêpe

Emily Wasserman​Walking the streets of Paris, you can't escape the fragrance of one of France's most beloved dishes. You follow your nose toward an unassuming Frenchman, who pours batter onto a giant hotplate, throws on some chocolate syrup and voilà! Your crêpe is ready for consumption. ... More >>

#87: Raw Vegetable Lasagna at Scape

Bryan PetersScape's raw vegetable lasagna = magic​For too many years, raw food has gotten a bum rap in the press. Some of it has been deserved, no doubt, but there are some chefs capable of raw transcendence. Tucked away in the CWE, Scape (48 Maryland Plaza; 314-361-7227 or www.scapestl.com) i ... More >>

# 88 Quesadilla Azteca from Tower Tacos

Liz MillerYou won't find Tower Tacos' Quesadilla Azteca on the menu at Applebee's.​The many restaurants that line Cherokee Street feature menus full of sizzling fajitas, deliciously cheap tacos and other Mexican standards. One dish, the quesadilla, tends to be passed over at these authentic es ... More >>

#89: The Perfect Pear at Foundation Grounds

Chrissy Wilmes​Vegetarian dishes are sometimes cliche, dull token items placed on the menu only to appease the occasional non-conforming herbivore. At Foundation Grounds (7298 Manchester Road, Maplewood; 314-601-3588), much of the menu is vegetarian (and some of it vegan), and it seems coincid ... More >>

#90: Banh Mi Sandwich from Sweet Art

Bryan Peters​ At Sweet Art (2203 South 39th Street; 314-771-4278), you'll find that the people are among the finest you'll meet, the atmosphere is welcoming and full of good energy, and the food... well, the food is bangin'. Reine Bayoc's genius is noticeable in every aspect of the cafe, and w ... More >>

#92: Cuban Sandwich from La Tropicana

Deborah Hyland​Once the American palate got a hold of Hispanic foods, we ended up with platter-sized chimichangas, guacamole from a jar and nacho cheese from a can. Fortunately, we also got the Cuban sandwich: a hearty, portable lunch born when Cuban immigrants came to Florida. Each Sandwich ... More >>

#93: The Prosperity at Ruma's Deli

Katie Moulton​ For a homegrown and humble neighborhood joint, Ruma's Deli (1395 Quantock Drive; 314-892-9990) sure cooks up its share of controversy. Love or hate its signature ingredient, the South County deli - and local family-owned institution - proudly serves the platter-sized sandwiches ... More >>

#94: Cherry Cheese Danish from Missouri Baking Company

Ettie Berneking​Drop that Dunkin' Donut! What you need is a cherry-cheese danish from the Missouri Baking Company (2027 Edwards Street, 314-773-0468). Really -- these might well be the tastiest danish in St. Louis.

#95: Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

Mike Appelstein​Let's stipulate from the start that bread pudding isn't a "St. Louis dish," as such. Apparently first concocted as a way not to waste stale bread, this dessert staple has lasted for centuries and still shows up on brunch and dessert menus from Argentina to Louisiana. (We once h ... More >>

Restaurant Roll Call for 2009

RFT editorial coordinator Courtney Schilling and I did our best to compile as thorough a list of openings and closings as possible. Inevitably, though, some places will slip through the cracks. Please drop us a line or leave a comment with additions or deletions. - IanIan FroebMcCormick & Schmic ... More >>

Photos: The Grand Opening of Red Kitchen & Bar, 9.10.09

Photo: Stew SmithA plate of ahi tuna poke at the opening of Red Kitchen & Bar in the Hyatt Regency Riverfront hotel downtown. See more photos from last night.​ The grand opening of Red Kitchen and Bar (315 Chestnut Street) in the Hyatt Regency St. Louis Riverfront hotel was held last night. Wh ... More >>

Reminder: Downtown Restaurant Week 2009

www.downtownrestaurantweek.netA friendly reminder that Downtown Restaurant Week 2009 begins next Monday, August 3, and runs through Sunday, August 9. This year, 25 downtown restaurants are offering three-course meals for $25 per person, tax and tip excluded. Downtown Restaurant Week also affords di ... More >>

Downtown Restaurant Week 2009

www.downtownrestaurantweek.netIt's that time of year again: Downtown Restaurant Week 2009 begins on Monday, August 3, and runs through Sunday, August 9. This year, 25 downtown restaurants are offering three-course meals for $25 per person, tax and tip excluded. Downtown Restaurant Week also affords ... More >>

FoodWire: Ruth's Chris Now Open Downtown

The new Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is now open in the Hyatt Regency St. Louis Riverfront downtown. Call 314-259-3200 for reservations or more information.This is the second area location for the popular upscale national chain. A Ruth's Chris opened three years ago at 1 North Brentwood Boulevard. (Previ ... More >>

Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards 2008

Vandalyzm Feature in this Week's Paper

In This Week's Issue

Ruth's Classic Cosmo

Ruth's Chris Steak House
1 North Brentwood, Suite 150, Clayton
314-783-9900.

Meat the Family

Rose explains her beef with Ruth's Chris

Like Father, Like Sons

The proprietors of JackSons' carry on a family tradition