Trip to St. Louis - Bar at Ruth's Chris

In St. Louis tonight on Business.   Staying at the Hyatt Regency at the Arch and there is a Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in the lobby, so I ventured down for an early dinner at the bar.  This is a really special restaurant; the atmosphere is very hip and the views of the St. Louis Arch are amazing as you are literally seated at the base of the massive structure.   I was greeted by the bartender, Katy, who took great care of me.   I looked over the wine list and settled on a 2007 Faust Cabernet for my dinner.   Faust is a Napa Wine made by winemaker Agustin Huneeus, who is best known for creating Quintessa, one of my most favorites.    I was introduced to Qunitessa back in 2002 by my good friend Mike Edwards, from Lubbock Texas.  


The Steak was perfect.   And after talking to Katy about wine all night she insisted that we try some of the other wines.  She said she would pour me some tastings and suggested I try a 2008 Murrieta's Well - The Spur Mertiage.   I looked this wine up after dinner and was really surprised that it is under $20 in the store.   It was great.   A really well balanced blend with a lot of body, even following the earlier Cab.  P.J. is the beverage manager in the restaurant and before we were done her was in on the fun.    He poured me a taste of the 2008 Argyle Reserve Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, where some of the great Pinots are born.    I have had the 2007 non-reserve from Argyle and was not expecting great things, but it was pretty good.   Not too earthy and well balanced.   Although i have to admit, it is hard to taste a pinot noir after the Faust Cab.

Bottom line is that this Ruth's Chris Steakhouse here at the Arch is great; great atmosphere, great food and really, really great staff.    It was great hanging out tonight.