A good value lunch at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Dubai

Ruth's Chris In and Out in 40 business lunch menu caters to office workers keen to meet contacts over a quick bite.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse patrons can enjoy a set luch menu for Dh109 and be done in 40 minutes. Antonie Robertson / The National

It was 2pm and time for a late business lunch at Ruth’s Chris Steak House at The Address Dubai Marina.

While my business contact and I were the only ones dining at that hour, the atmosphere was convivial — there was none of that awkwardness that can come with being the only patrons.

Jazz music played in the background at a pleasant, unobtrusive level.

We were there to sample the new Dh109 In and Out in 40 menu – designed specifically for associates to enjoy a quick business lunch.

It’s a set menu and of the four starters available, I chose the calamari with Asian chilli sauce and my associate opted for the chop salad (vegetarian) of spinach, mushrooms and blue cheese. The portions were ample but not overwhelming and arrived swiftly. The calamari were a tad on the dry side while my friend liked the salad overall but wasn’t keen on the crispy onions, which she said tasted oily.

For the main course, my companion chose the grilled Cajun gambas. I opted for the steak sandwich, because Ruth’s Chris is known for its steak.

The prawns passed muster and the mayonnaise was fluffy and garlicky — “pungent in a good way.” The accompaniment was coleslaw, making this a dish geared towards those keen to avoid the carbohydrates that can induce midafternoon sluggishness.

The steak sandwich was delicious: the baguette was crispy and filled with a generous amount of tender, juicy meat. Its pepper sauce was pronounced “five star”. The peppercorns are roasted before being added to the sauce, lending a smoky flavour to its taste. My chips ended up being placed in the centre of the table, with both of us dipping them in the sauce.

Finally, pudding. There are two options: chocolate sin cake and crème brûlée. Both equally tasty. The chocolate cake was smooth and bitter. Likewise the crème brûlée wasn’t too sweet but deliciously creamy. The lunch is good value but we didn’t make it in and out in 40 minutes — more like 90 minutes– though that was no fault of the attentive and efficient staff. We simply had too much to discuss.

Beats a sandwich at the desk

When did Ruth’s Chris Steak House introduce the In and Out in 40 menu?

At the start of January. It’s intended to cater to workers in the nearby JLT complex who want more than just a sandwich at their desks at lunchtime. The idea is to offer a good business lunch, served swiftly to avoid any stress from being away from the office for too long. The previous lunch menu – adapted from the evening à la carte menu – suited neither the diners’ nor the chefs’ needs. The food came in huge portions and was too much for a lunchtime meeting. The chefs cooked everything à la minute – to order rather than prepped in advance – delaying the delivery of food. The menu has been further modified and features a set list of options for the starter, main and pudding, and portions are smaller.

What is the most popular dish for lunch?

For the main course, the Chilean sea bass is a customer favourite as are the more standard selections: a steak sandwich or a cheeseburger.

Ruth’s Chris is famous for its steak, right?

Yes, the chain prides itself on serving up the best USDA prime beef. The calves are grass- and corn-fed and the steaks are grilled at 1,000°C so as to retain their flavour and juices. And before you ask, the chain got its name after a woman called Ruth Fertel bought an existing restaurant called Chris Steak House and added her own first name.