Melt in your mouth!!!!!

As all cooks on food network say, it's all about the seasoning. In this case, salt, pepper, and butter. Thanks to these three ingredients, and of course USDA Prime steaks, our meal at Ruth's Chris Steak House, was one to remember.

But of course, it is not just the food. First class service from the host, the beverage server, the main server, to the Maitre' D was indeed perfect. The cozy atmosphere and romantic lighting also helped. That's why I am already apologizing now that there will be no picture in this blog as I was embarrassed to take out my camera then. But I took the liberty of grabbing a picture from their website, which is funny because, the shot was like it was taken from my seat. Neat!!!!!!



When we sat down, we can tell that it will be worth my dinner date’s money. Everyone was so attentive. We were seated on a table that was next to a door leading to an outdoor dinning. When a staff member came in through that door making last minute clean up outside, and our server saw my look of concern on the possible traffic alongside our table, he immediately excused himself. In about 20 seconds, the Maitre' D came back, locked the entrance, apologized and assured us that there will be no more staff going through that door and that they will use an alternate entrance. Now how awesome was that!

What also impressed me was that it was romantically quiet that you can actually hear your dinner companion talk. Nowadays, you can hand pick restaurants that has actual atmosphere conducive to romantic dates. Servers also don't just interrupt your conversation. Outstanding manners! The menu was simple but detailed. Our waiter also took pride in explaining how their steaks are cooked. As soon as I heard him say that they season their steaks while cooking them, all I can think of was, “holy moly, when is it coming?”.

I picked the Ruth's Classic-Fall/Winter Menu, simply because it is already a 3 course meal that was just right for my appetite. The starter that I was eyeing on was appropriate for the reason my friend and I were having dinner. It reminded us of our trip to New Orleans, 7 years ago. Oh boy, when that Louisiana seafood gumbo arrived and I took my first taste, it was so heavenly tasty. My 8 oz steak was just melt in your mouth, not to mention, to die for. Perfecto! It went very well with my green beans with mushroom and garlic side dish. And my dessert, A Dessert Duo pairing of a homemade Carrot Cake and a Chocolate Cup filled with Chocolate Mousse, was so beautiful to eat. Although the starter and dessert were absolutely divine, the main star in this show was truly the steak. It was a true definition of melt in your mouth.

It was indeed a lovely evening. It drowned my fatigue from Christmas shopping the whole day before that meal, not to mention my salivation for the new Louis Vuitton purse that I had a glimpse on at the store window before heading to the restaurant just outside the mall doors or that Burberry Trench coat that I tried on two hours earlier. I was fully energized after that meal that I was ready to shop again. Oh, but the mall is already closed. Well, there is always tomorrow. Three weeks after that experience, my friend and I are still talking about it. Rarely do you come across restaurants that make a lasting impression, a good one, that is. ‘til next time, my friends … … …

My evening at Zocalo's

I was worried that because it was raining cats and dogs, that my night at a famous Contemporary Mexican Restaurant will be ruined. But as soon as we got in the door, I knew it was a good choice. Not to undermine our reason for dining that night, which was actually our one year divorce anniversary (but that is another possible blog), I was sure that I am gonna enjoy every minute of it, simply because of the ambience and decor. The Holiday decoration was not overpowering. Every staff member, from the minute you walk in, had a smile on their faces. As soon as they told us that there would be a 30 minute wait, you can detect a hint of apology, which rarely happens in other restaurants. When they said we will have a 30 minute wait, they were not kidding. Not a minute later, they were buzzing our pager.

Here comes the important part, the browsing of the menu. If you know me well, I am very particular at the details of a restaurant menu. I looked at the Restaurant favorites, which would be Platos Favoritos in their language, after all, I speak poquito espanol. Low and behold, ding, ding, ding, it flashed right at me, Pollo Rojo! Braised Chicken in a chile tomato-sauce with Mexican white rice, now how mouth watering is that? Cased closed! Even though my companion was someone special, his choice was somewhat a blur to me, because all I can think of was how good will my entre' be. I am trying to be nice here. And of course before our main entre' came, the server gave us a plate of light and crispy chips and 3 choices of salsa, which was unmistakenly the best I've ever had. It is a perfect experience so far. I also forgot to mention that the hostess was gracious enough to humor us with our request to take our picture. After all this event may never happen again. Who on earth celebrates Divorce Anniversary with your former husband?


Needless to say, when our entre' came, I was in a complete trance. It was so mouth watering and fall off the bone, and by golly, it gave me a feeling of "I need this recipe by hook or by crook or do I need to start working in the kitchen" type of thing! And look at the presentation, wow, scores a 10 with me! As if my feeling of being in heaven is not enough, a very entertaining Mariachi band started serenading the people at the restaurant. Perfect! Perfect! Perfect!

I do recommend this restaurant as it was worth it. I completely forgot about the pouring rain outside, which is a testament to my fabulous time while dining. Till next time, my friends...