CVLUX JAN | FEB 2020

SHAKE + STIR HOSTED AT RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Managing Editor Lauren Barisic Photographer Don Dizon

Ruth’s Chris Steak House prides itself on exceeding expectations. As one of Fresno’s dining pinnacles, their gold standard reputation can be summed up in one word: hospitality which, Kathleen Price, Michaela Reyes, Lori Lawless, Brooke Imrie, and Julie Tymn got to experience with CVLUX’s Donna Ensom for Shake+Stir’s fifteenth installment. True to the Ruth’s Chris motto, if you want a consistently exceptional meal, “This is how it’s done.”

Located in the River Park Shopping Center, the chain came to Fresno about a decade ago. During late summer 2019, the restaurant underwent a revamp (completed in November), which was cause for our visit. What’s new with the redo? Flooring, walls, bathroom décor, carpeting—you’ll namely notice that the warm overtones have been swapped out for cool greys with red and blue accents.

Ruth’s Chris offers three private dining and event spaces for special occasions (think parties, dinners, business meetings, presentations, and more), ranging from intimate to grand: the Zinfandel Room seats 28, the Cabernet Room holds 60, and the Meritage Room accommodates up to 90. Love the food, but already have a venue? Check out their catering menu for buffet options, plated service, passed hors d’oeuvres, and mini desserts.

Let’s say your party is more impromptu… Hit up their bar! Offered everyday from 4:30 to 6:30, Ruth’s Chris’ Sizzle, Swizzle & Stir is one of the best Happy Hours in town. The dining rooms then open at 5 o’clock for dinner service until nine on Sundays, 9:30 Monday through Thursday, and weekend nights as late as 10 p.m.

As Regional Sales Manager Haley Wagner directed the waiters to the dining table, Brooke said, “Put those fries in front of me!” She was referring to the Ruth’s Prime Burger, which comes with your choice of cheese. “It’s well-seasoned. There’s just so much flavor in it,” Julie offered. Kathleen must have agreed, considering that her burger completely disappeared!

The Steak Sandwich features sliced filet on garlic bread with Béarnaise sauce, served with lettuce and slices of tomato and onion on the side. “The steak is always so tender, every time,” Donna said. French fries accompany this option, too.

Succulent, large shrimp are lightly fried and tossed in a spicy cream sauce to create the Spicy Shrimp. “I love that it isn’t super spicy, though, so you get to experience all the flavors involved,” expressed Lori. “It’s sassy and exotic!” A tangy cucumber salad compliments the subtle spice well.

A spirited sauce (spiked with mustard and beer) makes the Seared Ahi Tuna stand out. “There’s some heat, but the sauce makes it,” Michaela acknowledged. Everyone agreed that it was one of their favorite starters. If you can’t decide between Mexican and Italian libations, order the Rosita Margarita. Brooke divulged that she was already a fan of this cocktail and explained it best: “This is a fun little drink with a twist on the Rosita part!” The addition of Campari is what leaves a lasting impression.

“The dark liquor,” as Lori put it, presented itself as the Blackberry Sidecar. “Well this is dangerous…this would be great for parties, but I’ll be ordering it next time I’m here,” admitted Michaela. Another classic with flair, it’s certainly fruity, yet no single element is overpowering— for that reason, it was hands-down the evening’s favorite cocktail.

Ruth’s favorite drink was the Gambler’s Old Fashion, which pays homage to her favorite cocktail in combination with Knob Creek Bourbon, house-made Demerara syrup, Bitter Truth Aromatic Bitters, and finished with orange and lemon peels—a beautiful sipper.

The Raspberry Rosemary Cosmo looks and feels equally festive during the holidays and fresh for the warmer months—basically, it’s a yearround go-to. Donna declared it “better than a typical Cosmo” thanks to the herbal touch Ruth’s Chris adds to this variation. Brooke even called the rosemary infusion “lovely.”

As the name implies, the Blueberry Mojito features muddled berries with a sprig of mint. “It’s minty and crisp. And I think it makes my hair look better!” Julie giggled as the table responded with resounding laughter. If fresh blueberries aren’t really your thing, you’ll probably still like this concoction because the fruit pairs perfectly well with this Cuban trademark.

Anything with cheese is a good idea…anything with artichokes is an even better idea—and the ladies agreed wholeheartedly! Toasted bread is served with the Goat Cheese & Artichoke Dip, comprised of artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes mixed with a blend of Romano, Parmesan, and bleu cheeses, then topped with goat cheese. “It smells just as good as it tastes,” Kathleen professed. “And the toasts were the perfect compliment.”

Food and drink were aplenty, but no one was quite ready to leave—time for dessert! A Chocolate Duo couples chocolate cake with chocolate mousse splashed with a little sweet cream and topped with fresh berries. And then there was the best Cheesecake anyone has had in the Central Valley—envision thick, sugary graham cracker crust, sour cream topping, all homemade, with fresh berries…divine. Both were obliterated.

Host the “perfect event in the perfect place” with the perfect food at Ruth’s Chris Steak House—from Happy Hour to formal dinner, they have all your culinary needs and wants met. Ruth’s knack for making upscale fare seem plausibly accessible allows its patrons all over the country to truly relish any dining experience there—come experience that hospitality for yourself!