In celebration of its 50th anniversary Ruth’s Chris Steak House held a pairing dinner with Veuve Clicquot on March 19. The upscale dining chain’s event was shared by some 3,200 people in 101 cities.
The featured menu started with Salmon Tartar on Crisp Cucumber paired with a Grand Marnier Smash cocktail. The first course, Chilled Jumbo Shrimp with Honeycrisp Apple, Haricot Vert and Dijon Vinaigrette, was paired with Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label.
The next matched Lobster Bisque en Croute with Veuve Clicquot Rose, while the entrée, Filet Mignon with Black Truffle and Foie Gras Butter, severed with Pan Roasted Cremini Mushrooms and Garlic Mashed Potatoes, was paired with Veuve Clicquot Vintage 2004. The final course, Pear and Almond Tart with Chamomile Tea Whipped Cream, was paired with Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec.
Why Veuve Clicquot? For one, Champagne a great way to kick off the celebratory series, said Helen Mackey, Ruth’s Hospitality Group’s vice president, menu strategy and innovation, at the New York dinner. Mackey also noted that both Ruth’s Chris and Veuve Clicquot celebrate female entrepreneurship.
For instance, Ruth’s Chris Steak House was founded by single mother Ruth Fertel nearly 50 years ago in New Orleans. The Orlando, FL-based company now has more than 140 restaurant locations worldwide.
Madame Clicquot, who became a widow at age 27 in 1885, began began running the Reims, France, Champagne house owned by her in-laws shortly after. David E. Cohn, Champagne specialist for Moet Hennessy USA, said at the New York dinner that Veuve Clicquot’s signature orange label was the widow’s idea—she wanted the bottle label to stand out in candlelight.
The Veuve Clicquot dinner was priced at about $120 per person; pricing varied by market. It’s the first in a series of Ruth’s Chris’ Golden Anniversary pairing dinners planned this year.