The Address Dubai Marina - Dubai (04 454 9538). Average cost for 2 people: Dh700
There’s something special about Ruth’s Chris during Christmas. Sure, the steakhouse is a must-visit for local carnivores all through the year, but in December, it outdoes itself.
The walls shrink in and the massive space feels rather cosy, the otherwise blank spaces on the walls are filled with Christmas décor and there are large well-decorated trees placed ever-so-carefully around the restaurant.
As their 2016 Christmas menu was probably one of the best in Dubai, I was curious to see how they would outdo themselves this year around.
You’re welcomed with a glass of white grape and led to your table sprinkled with Christmas confetti and your own personal Christmas cracker. After you childishly fool around for a bit, your first course is served.
First
You have the choice between the Northwest snow crab bisque and the smoked duck breast salad with Saint Germain vinaigrette.
I truly hoped the duck tasted as good as it had looked on the menu. Its preparation and presentation seemed similar to something anyone with a passing hobby in the culinary arts could whip up in a few minutes. The crab bisque luckily came to the first course’s rescue. It was rich in flavour while light enough to not fill up precious real estate in your tummy.
Second
It was a good start to the second course that followed. Following the bisque was the Osso Buco Ravioli and Cremini mushrooms ragout. The ragout was an experience: flavourful, delicious and it carried the dish single-handedly. Since I’m going through a pasta phase right now, and have hurled a fair amount of pasta at my kitchen walls, I can safely say that that ravioli was a tad bit overcooked and rubbery. To be fair to the ravioli, I did keep it waiting a few minutes while I surveyed the bar.
After you’re done with your first two courses, appreciating the flavours and mumbling about minor faults – your entrée shows up to steal the show.
Entree
You have the choice between the Petite Filet with Foie Gras and Black winter truffle; the BBQ Spiced salmon with roasted fennel; the stuffed chicken with dried fruit and fingerling; and the Chef’s turkey with all the trimmings.
I lost you after Petite Filet didn’t I? Ruth’s Chris lost me after Petite Filet too.
While it would seem apt to opt for the Turkey and trimmings during the festive season, it just didn’t feel right – deep down in my soul – to not order the steak at Ruth’s Chris STEAKHouse. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
As expected from one of the best steakhouses in the city – my medium rare filet was exceptional. Don’t let its small size fool you – it was quite filling.
Even if you’re a bottomless pit, its sides of fire-roasted corn with garlic butter, roasted brussels sprouts in honey butter and – my personal favourite – rosemary baby roasted potato will definitely usher you into a deep food coma for the rest of the night.
After a quick trip to the bar and a walk around the restaurant’s outdoor balcony, you’re ready for dessert – if you can manage it.
Dessert
A generous portion of white chocolate bread pudding rounds up your festive experience at Ruth’s Chris. Despite being stuffed by the previous courses, the bread pudding is sinfully delicious, and you will force yourself to inhale every single morsel on your plate. Despite being a dessert-hound, I’m ashamed to admit I couldn’t finish it. Though I have spent many days since that evening thinking about the rich pudding that I turned my back on. :(
The experience sets you back by Dh450 and a 24-hour booking is required in advance.
