I've never been to Ruth's Chris but I was told by a "reliable source" that Kiva's prepares their steaks in the same manner. Kiva's has the best spaghetti sauce in the universe. The also have an incredible chicken & sausage gumbo. Kiva's is operated by Ken Guidroz, former maitre d' from the old Village on Airline, I hear he's semi-retired now (he won't give up any recipes). Salvatore's is a small hole-in-the-wall place in a strip mall on O'Neal Lane, just below Old Hammond Hwy. It's operated by the guy who had Maggio's on George O'Neal Rd. They have some really good food.
Vincent's on Essen is now closed (Thank God). That place was a pimple on the butt of the original in New Orleans. My personal fav is Nino's on Bluebonnet. It is south of I-10 next to Buffalo Wild Wings just before Perkins. IMO, the best italian in BR. It hardly gets mentioned because of location and size (which I love since I can get in just about any night of the week). They have an excellent wine menu,too. Reservations are recommended. Gino's for traditional italian fare is very good. DeGuilio Bros. on Perkins near the Perkins Rd Overpass has excellent food, but no reservations, and generally a 1-hr+ wait (this is the only drawback to an otherwise excellent dining experience). Kiva's is very nice, I just don't ever think about it. Ruffino's is my least favorite of the "nice" italian places. I don't recommend any of the chains, since you can eat at those whenever you want.
I enjoyed it immensely when it was in the old Giovanni's (now Tigre's) location on Highland. I'd never been to the New Orleans location.
Giovanni's was excellent. Then it became Vincent's in the same spot and it was decent. When it moved it Essen, it totally tanked and disrespected the name.
Portebellos Carrabbas Olive Garden Havent tried some of the other restaurants mentioned yet though. Portebellos is very good.
The location where Vincent's was is a graveyard for restaurants; location in terms of access is just horrible. Bad "fung sui". Even very good restaurants such as Tomato Grill couldn't make it there:nope: I was not too impressed with Vincent when I went to the Essen location once.It did seem like it was better while at the Highland Road location. I like Carrabas and Nino's. ________ Drug test kit
