Dinner at Ruth’s Chris is Exactly What a Steakhouse Should Be

By Morris Gut

Founded in 1965 by Ruth Fertel, a single mom in New Orleans, Ruth’s Chris Steak House has grown to 150 restaurants worldwide. It is the grand dame of steakhouses, extolling the virtues of sizzling prime steaks delivered to your table on platters heated to 500 degrees with all the trimmings.

We were fortunate to have received a birthday gift card for Ruth’s Chris in Tarrytown at the Westchester Marriott. Parking was easy in the hotel lot. There are multiple dining rooms and a bar area, all of which have an attractive, clubby atmosphere so common to a steakhouse. The hosts at the front desk lavished us with their welcome and seated us. The dining room was filling in as we perused the menu.

We had our eyes set on a rib-eye steak, a 16-ounce USDA prime cut. The house was kind enough to split it for us at no extra charge. On the side we had to try the Lyonnaise potatoes roasted with caramelized onions, fresh thyme and garlic butter. Of course, a classic platter of creamed spinach was also in order.

The rib-eye arrived at our table sizzling, well marbled and enticingly juicy. The sides were a tasty complement. The split steak and sides were more than enough for us.

As a birthday surprise, the house brought a decorated individual house-made cheesecake to the table, which was more than enough for two.

The menu also touts sizzling crab cakes, a big, chilled seafood tower, plump lamb chops, a porterhouse for two and a tomahawk rib-eye.

Happy hours in the barroom are Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. featuring specially priced artichoke cheese dip, Ruth’s cheeseburger or artisan chicken sandwich. There are specialty cocktails, too.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House is located at 670 White Plains Rd. in Tarrytown at the Westchester Marriott Hotel. Open seven days from 4 p.m. Proper casual dress recommended. Info: 914-631-3311 or visit www.ruthschris.com.

Giovanni’s Italian Deli Opens

Giovanni Paolo DiFuccia has opened Giovanni’s Italian Deli in Sir John’s Plaza in North White Plains. There’s a life-size poster of himself in the window holding his signature “Sangweech.”

Animated and dynamic, the Arthur Avenue-bred DiFuccia is on the premises regularly touting his menu of oversized Italian heroes, fresh mozzarella made on the premises, antipasti and salads, cold cuts, cheeses, olives and hot foods. There is no seating, but the lines form throughout the day for take-out.

Forgettaboutit! We enjoyed the chicken parm wedge and the fresh meatballs on recent visits. The place is friendly and special requests are welcome.

Giovanni’s Italian Deli is located at 925 N. Broadway in North White Plains. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Info: 914-358-1543 or visit www.giovannisdeliny.com.  

The Barley House Specialties

A friendly greeting from the staff was a welcoming start to our early dinner at The Barley House in Thornwood. The wraparound bar area with its barnwood and brick accents and high tops are inviting. There is a good craft beer selection to start you off. I ordered a cold glass of Fiddlehead as I looked around the restaurant and the bustling crowd around the bar.

There is another dining room on the other side of the freestanding house and an open-air deck.

I was impressed with dishes I saw emerging from the kitchen. Portions are very generous and nicely plated. A couple near me ordered a giant homemade soft pretzel with dipping sauce. That was just for starters. Then there were those overstuffed sandwiches.

My last meal here I enjoyed a pastrami Reuben with Swiss, coleslaw and Russian dressing on rye, served with fries. It was decadence on a plate. I also shared the big fish and chips platter.

This time I ordered The Barley House burger, which is a winner. It’s prepared with a blend of short rib, brisket and chuck, applewood smoked bacon, oozing sharp white cheddar, lettuce, tomato and their secret Barley sauce, served on a croissant-brioche bun. My partner enjoyed her Tex Mex salad, a large bowl of romaine, black beans, bell peppers, shredded cheddar, avocado, tortilla strips and chipotle ranch dressing.

Owner Bobby Harris and his team know how to keep it all pulsating. They also operate The Barley Beach House in Rye and Barley on the Hudson in Tarrytown.

The Barley House is located at 665 Commerce St. in Thornwood. Open seven days. Free parking. Info: 914-495-3333 or visit www.thebarleyhouseny.com.

Wine Spectator Award Winners

The Wine Spectator magazine’s restaurant awards for 2024 have been presented to 14 restaurants in Westchester for their outstanding wine programs. This represents an increase from nine restaurants cited in 2023.

Launched in 1981 by Marvin Shanken’s magazine, the awards program is among the most prestigious in the industry around the world representing 37,000 establishments.

Local award winners this year include Augustine’s Salumeria, Mamaroneck; Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Pocantico Hills; Crabtree’s Kittle House, Chappaqua; Chazz Palminteri Italian Restaurant, White Plains; Fogo de Chao, White Plains; Heritage 147, Larchmont; La Bastide by Andrea Calstier, North Salem; Micheline, Scarsdale; Moderne Barn, Armonk; Morton’s Steakhouse, White Plains; Ocean Blue Prime, Rye; One Rare Steakhouse, Scarsdale; The Restaurant at Kanopi, White Plains; and Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar, White Plains.

Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in Westchester for over 30 years. He may be reached at 914-235-6591 or gutreactions@optonline.net.