About two weeks ago we made the short trip to Memphis for a little shopping and a celebration dinner with friends. After an afternoon of roaming around Wild Oats Marketplace, Fresh Market and Penzey's, staring and sometimes drooling over all the food options dinnertime couldn't arrive soon enough.
For a number of years I've heard that Folks Folly in Memphis is an excellent steakhouse. I'd heard a few mixed reviews of the atmosphere, but looking back at the sources for those reviews I think I can disregard those as coming from those uninitiated into the foodie world. Despite that, I had high hopes for a delicious meal as I'd heard many good things recently about the food from more reliable sources. Situated in what was once a simple home that has been clearly expanded on numerous times, the restaurant has a relaxed, yet clearly upscale setting. Some areas are divided into smaller rooms thus reducing the noisy background that can occur in open floor-plan restaurants. The toile walls can be a bit nauseating, but soon that vision fades because the food arrives.
The food. I think a summary of "Outstanding" would be an understatement. Everything I tasted that evening was superb, nothing failed to meet my expectations, even set as high as they were. For those who like cheese, the Blue Cheese Mountain will provide a full serving of the day's dairy requirements. The Garlic Parmesan bread as well as all other appetizers we sampled were delicious and in generous portions, so there was plenty to share. Moving to the main course (who eats a salad at a place like this) I had a steak that ranks on par with only one other I've found, and that's at Ruth's Chris. For years I've used the filet at Ruth's as my standard by which all other steaks are judged, and finally found one that ranks in quality and taste. Despite being a steakhouse in name, I would gladly return and sample other dishes outside the beef family. The potato dishes were also in portions that encourage sharing, and were equally good. Desert choices were classic southern, including my always preferred creme brulee, which of course by now it's obvious I'll say, "Yes it was really really good." I only wish I'd saved more room to sample more deserts!
I have to say Mr. Folk and the generations that followed have brought a great taste to the table that didn't cause the restaurant to live up to it's namesake of "Folly." One visit made it clear to me why it's ranked both locally as the #1 steakhouse in Memphis many times over, as well as nationally known and respected. No doubt about it, I'll be back.
Showing posts with label Ruth's Chris. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ruth's Chris. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
A quick weekend in Northwest Arkansas
This corner of the state is growing rapidly and after visiting, I can see why. The area is beautiful and with the size of the overall area, the conveniences of a major city there there too. So is the traffic, not a pleasant thing for the residents I'm sure.
My husband and I stayed at the Hyatt Place in Rogers. I've heard of this chain but not had an opportunity to try one until now. It's the large hotel chain's answer to the demand for a hotel that has more the boutique and upscale feel without being priced vastly higher than your average Holiday Inn. It is a step up in style, quality and the rooms have several well thought-out amenities. A large plasma tv with about every conceivable input to allow you to see your business presentation beyond your laptop, a very comfortable lounging area in the room, stone counter tops and a small wet bar area; just nice upgrades you typically see in a more upscale, 4 star or better hotel room. My only complaint about the hotel was our room location. We were directly across the hall from the ice maker. Ordinarily that wouldn't be too bad, but since it was a slow weekend and the hotel had maybe 12 occupied rooms, the defrost cycle ran every 3 hours and was horribly loud. Inexcusably so. I would recommend the hotel, but check your room location first. Also call for reservations, the rates on the phone were considerably less than online. (Usually it's the opposite.)
Our plan was to have dinner at Doe's Eat Place, a small chain that has garnered rave reviews. Then as I was flipping through a local magazine, I found an ad for it. The first Ruth's Chris in Arkansas just opened in November. Instant change of plans! Dinner was as wonderful as expected, and I sampled a new dish too. The ziti with cheese and caramelized onions was fantastic, good enough that I could have eaten it by itself as a meal. Besides, the Doe's Eat Place location in Bentonville is a franchise, and I think I will save the experience for the original in Greenville, Mississippi.
On our trip home, we stopped at a Taco John's in Russellville. I haven't been to one in years, and after our stop I realized it's a good thing I am forced to avoid them. I would eat there about daily, it's just that much better than the Taco Bells found on every corner at home. I didn't have a single bad item, all hot and very tasty.
It was a great weekend getaway and I'll certainly put the area on my list for a return visit. The scenery is great, the food choices plentiful, amenities are handy but it's also easy to get out of town and find some great driving roads all within a short distance. With all these features, I can certainly see the attraction to the area.
My husband and I stayed at the Hyatt Place in Rogers. I've heard of this chain but not had an opportunity to try one until now. It's the large hotel chain's answer to the demand for a hotel that has more the boutique and upscale feel without being priced vastly higher than your average Holiday Inn. It is a step up in style, quality and the rooms have several well thought-out amenities. A large plasma tv with about every conceivable input to allow you to see your business presentation beyond your laptop, a very comfortable lounging area in the room, stone counter tops and a small wet bar area; just nice upgrades you typically see in a more upscale, 4 star or better hotel room. My only complaint about the hotel was our room location. We were directly across the hall from the ice maker. Ordinarily that wouldn't be too bad, but since it was a slow weekend and the hotel had maybe 12 occupied rooms, the defrost cycle ran every 3 hours and was horribly loud. Inexcusably so. I would recommend the hotel, but check your room location first. Also call for reservations, the rates on the phone were considerably less than online. (Usually it's the opposite.)
Our plan was to have dinner at Doe's Eat Place, a small chain that has garnered rave reviews. Then as I was flipping through a local magazine, I found an ad for it. The first Ruth's Chris in Arkansas just opened in November. Instant change of plans! Dinner was as wonderful as expected, and I sampled a new dish too. The ziti with cheese and caramelized onions was fantastic, good enough that I could have eaten it by itself as a meal. Besides, the Doe's Eat Place location in Bentonville is a franchise, and I think I will save the experience for the original in Greenville, Mississippi.
On our trip home, we stopped at a Taco John's in Russellville. I haven't been to one in years, and after our stop I realized it's a good thing I am forced to avoid them. I would eat there about daily, it's just that much better than the Taco Bells found on every corner at home. I didn't have a single bad item, all hot and very tasty.
It was a great weekend getaway and I'll certainly put the area on my list for a return visit. The scenery is great, the food choices plentiful, amenities are handy but it's also easy to get out of town and find some great driving roads all within a short distance. With all these features, I can certainly see the attraction to the area.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Top 40
Today I was reading an article about the Top 40 Restaurants in the US. Most were in or near major cities and were places I'd either heard about only in passing or not at all. While I'm not extremely well traveled, I do like to think I've not been limited only to a tiny speck of this planet and have been beyond the borders of my home state. Given that I also enjoy a very good meal as much as the next self-proclaimed "foodie," it seems that limiting to just 40 great restaurants out of the entire US is a tough feat. On top of that, what makes a restaurant "Top 40" material? Must it be swanky, oozing with the trendiest looks or have an extraordinarily elegant ambiance? Is is the quality of the food only? Are we limited only to restaurants that are stand-alone, no chains or franchises? Could it even be... fast food?
Here's some of my picks for Top restaurants in the US. I won't commit to 40 as I know there are too many good ones out there to stop there; at the same time I'll get tired of writing and you'll be sick of reading my opinions before I can ever make it to 40. That said, let's get on with the list.
In no particular order...
Ruth's Chris Steak House - One of my all-time favorites. I avoid going on the weekends as it's busier then and service has on occasion suffered because of it. Usually it doesn't, but it has happened. Then again, "bad" service at Ruth's Chris is better than fabulous service at many other restaurants. Locations worldwide.
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company - The food is excellent, the menu diverse and presented with a touch of humor and the atmosphere is the most fun I've seen anywhere. Asheville, NC
The Melting Pot - I know it's so cliche because of the fondue theme but for something different, or maybe a girls night out it's just what you need. The intimate environment gives you privacy that I've not found in any other restaurant. Locations nationwide.
Jameson's By the Sea - Some of the best fresh seafood I've had anywhere, period. Very casual setting, choose a table outside for the view. Located in Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii.
Mama's Fish House - Again some of the best fresh seafood ever. With the name you'd expect a laid back affair, but this is far from it. It's a much more gourmet presentation of seafood. The menus are printed fresh daily to incorporate which fisherman caught what items, even going so far as to tell you the name of the boat. Yes, that ahi tuna was caught by John Smith on his boat The Fair Lady. Located just outside of Paia on the Hana Highway in Maui, Hawaii.
BJ's Pizza - This was some of the best pizza I've ever tasted. The Blue Hawaii wasn't bad either. I blame this place for introducing me to POG and thus leaving me permanently in search of an equally good fresh fruit juice combination to rival this one. Locations throughout the US.
I'll end my list here for now, but those are just a few of my clearly biased favorites. What's on your list of best dining? Are they ones you reserve for special occasions or is it the place you go every Friday for lunch? Is it the food, the atmosphere or everything all in one?
Here's some of my picks for Top restaurants in the US. I won't commit to 40 as I know there are too many good ones out there to stop there; at the same time I'll get tired of writing and you'll be sick of reading my opinions before I can ever make it to 40. That said, let's get on with the list.
In no particular order...
Ruth's Chris Steak House - One of my all-time favorites. I avoid going on the weekends as it's busier then and service has on occasion suffered because of it. Usually it doesn't, but it has happened. Then again, "bad" service at Ruth's Chris is better than fabulous service at many other restaurants. Locations worldwide.
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company - The food is excellent, the menu diverse and presented with a touch of humor and the atmosphere is the most fun I've seen anywhere. Asheville, NC
The Melting Pot - I know it's so cliche because of the fondue theme but for something different, or maybe a girls night out it's just what you need. The intimate environment gives you privacy that I've not found in any other restaurant. Locations nationwide.
Jameson's By the Sea - Some of the best fresh seafood I've had anywhere, period. Very casual setting, choose a table outside for the view. Located in Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii.
Mama's Fish House - Again some of the best fresh seafood ever. With the name you'd expect a laid back affair, but this is far from it. It's a much more gourmet presentation of seafood. The menus are printed fresh daily to incorporate which fisherman caught what items, even going so far as to tell you the name of the boat. Yes, that ahi tuna was caught by John Smith on his boat The Fair Lady. Located just outside of Paia on the Hana Highway in Maui, Hawaii.
BJ's Pizza - This was some of the best pizza I've ever tasted. The Blue Hawaii wasn't bad either. I blame this place for introducing me to POG and thus leaving me permanently in search of an equally good fresh fruit juice combination to rival this one. Locations throughout the US.
I'll end my list here for now, but those are just a few of my clearly biased favorites. What's on your list of best dining? Are they ones you reserve for special occasions or is it the place you go every Friday for lunch? Is it the food, the atmosphere or everything all in one?
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