Ruth's Chris Steak House (east)

If you can, ask for seating in the garden room, which is an atrium with a pleasant, open-air feel. Ruth’s Chris originated in New Orleans, and one of its traditions is to serve very ample meals. It's OK to share. As they themselves say, " part of the fun of enjoying a great meal is enjoying it together.” Come for happy hour (until 6:30 pm), when certain appetizers and beverages are half-price. Here are just a couple hints of what the large menu at Ruth' Chris can offer: appetizers include shrimp – sautéed, barbecued, remoulade, or as a shrimp cocktail. Try the Louisiana seafood gumbo, or the blue crab cakes. Ruth’s Chris is famous for its shoe string potatoes and garlic bread with melted cheddar on top. Potatoes come in many other ways as well. Mushrooms, asparagus, tomatoes, broccoli – lots of vegetables to chose from as well. Of course, the centerpiece of the meal is the steak: custom-aged beef from the American Midwest, broiled at 1800° F. Be careful, as the steak is served on a hot platter that has been heated to 500°F. Order it sizzling in butter or plain. Choices include filets, rib-eyes, New York strips and T-bones. The menu also includes a mixed grill of filet, sausage and chicken. Try the veal, lamb or pork chops, or the lobster and lobster tails. If you have trouble deciding, go for the surf and turf, adding lobster, crab legs or shrimp. Finish it all off with cheesecake, bread pudding crème brulée, or one of several other desert options. Ruth' Chris will help you pair your courses with a selection from the more than 1800 wines from the cellar.