Ruth's Chris Steak House (222 S. Tryon St. and 6000 Fairview Road) will tell you that a $100 gift card is appropriate for a "sizzling" dinner for two, but that may not cover dinner since the Porterhouse for two is $83 — and then there's the warm apple crumb tart. But buying a gift card at the Ruth's Chris in Charlotte has an added advantage since the local Ruth's Chris are franchises, not corporate. For every $100 gift card bought on-site (not the website), the buyer receives a $25 promotional card valid at the Ruth's Chris stores in Charlotte, Savannah and the soon-to-open Ruth's Chris in Asheville, N.C.
I haven't met a dessert I didn't like at Bar Cocoa in The Ritz-Carlton (201 E. Trade St.). Desserts include their signature "Bar Cocoa" with praline and gianduja, the hazelnut dacquoise, and the Grand Cru chocolate soufflé with Grand Marnier crème Anglaise. Holiday flavors in the pastries are available. Desserts can be pricey: $6 for a piece not large enough to share. Holiday gift boxes start at $35. But to celebrate decadence, give a gift card for Afternoon Tea, available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily ($32 adult, $10 child under 12). Tea includes finger sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream, petits fours, tea, and Valrhona Manjari hot chocolate. Ritz-Carlton gift cards are available in denominations from $25 and can be used throughout the hotel and spa.
The heady and expensive wines of Bordeaux are favorites among wine aficionados. But better than buying one bottle, buy a tasting flight within a course. Total Wine (1600 E. Woodlawn Road) is offering any five wine classes for $100. Classes, featuring wines from around the world, are taught on Saturdays and include the tasting of eight wines and discounts on the wine purchases.
Looking for a food you can't find? Or do you know of other food items unique to the Q.C.? Whether it's regional foods or international, talk to me: tricia.childress@creativeloafing.com or 704-522-8334, extension 136.