Added selection makes Ruby Tuesday worthwhile

Published 12:00 am Friday, August 17, 2007

After a complete reworking of its menu, I’m happy to report that I would whole-heartedly recommend Ruby Tuesday as a satisfying dining destination in Bowling Green. A positive span of new choices has led the way to change.

To begin with, there’s the range of drink choices. I had the hotly advertised mojito and my dining companion had a traditional strawberry daiquiri. Both drinks were mixed well, and my drink came with a large stick in it. My waitress informed me it was a sugar cane and that I could chew on it for sweetness if I wanted to, but she didn’t advise it.

For an appetizer, we chose the jumbo lump crab cake served with a sweet and spicy chili sauce. It was one of the most interesting sounding appetizers, yet was just as it sounded, a lump of crab served without any crackers or bread and was barely enough for two. It was an unimpressive and expensive appetizer, costing as much as my main meal.

This is where range comes in again. The price range overall was affordable, but let the buyer beware! Pay attention to the dishes that will provide you the most for your money.

For instance, the peppercorn mushroom sirloin with portabella mushroom slices and a parmesan cheese sauce my dining companion had was priced in the mid-teens, but rivaled any I’ve ordered lately that start in the low 20s. The meal was served with steamed broccoli and a baked potato.

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As I said, my meal was the same price as the appetizer, but was one of the best deals on the menu. I had an avocado bacon turkey burger that was not only so big I had to take half of it home, it was delicious. The “handcrafted” turkey burger patty – which can be tricky to get just right since it competes with the much higher fat content and juicy beef burgers and the uniqueness of bison burgers – was moist, tender and complemented the condiments better than beef! Of course, it’s also better for you.

Also better for you – the quaint, quiet atmosphere. The deep natural interior colors were soothing. The decorating theme did vary. I glanced at a wall in the bar to see a grouping of random pictures that seemed out of place.

Not out of place – for the most part – was our waitress, who was quite personable. She was there when we needed her, was quick-witted and practically read our minds, knowing what we wanted before we voiced it. This may have been, however, due to a similar problem I had a few weeks ago at a Chinese buffet. Our waitress and other wait staff hung around close to their tables and chatted with each other. The attentiveness was appreciated, but the hovering with dialogue was awkward.

On the other hand, perhaps because she overheard how full we were, she was especially helpful with dessert. Ruby Tuesday desserts range heavy to light. Like the taste-bud-satisfying chocolate tall cake with chocolate mousse, caramel and chocolate sauces, ice cream and whipped cream. Tonight, though, we had the light, fresh strawberries and vanilla ice cream the waitress recommended after having eaten so much for dinner.

The most welcomed span for this former late-time eater were the range of hours it is open. The restaurant stays open at least an hour later than most local restaurants, so even though the price ranges, the theme ranges and the service can vary, the evening was well within the range of an enjoyable dining experience.

Ruby Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday

2925 Scottsville Road

Bowling Green, KY

393-8242

Hours: 11-11 Monday- Thursday, 11-12 Friday and Saturday, 11-10 Sunday

Cuisine: American

Specialties: Burgers and salad bar

Price range for dinner: $6.50 to $16.99

Libation situation: Full bar

Smoking: Yes