Dining in Ithaca, New York Public Communications Inc. Ithaca and its surroundings reportedly have the most restaurants per capita of any area in the United States. We're not surprised! But we're pleased to say that food in this area excels in quality, not just quantity. Please join us for a good meal at one of these fine eateries, and let us know what you think! http://dining.14850.com/podcast.html Ithaca and its surroundings reportedly have the most restaurants per capita of any area in the United States. We're not surprised! But we're pleased to say that food in this area excels in quality, not just quantity. Please join us for a good meal at one of these fine eateries, and let us know what you think! en-us Copyright 2008 Public Communications Inc. Mon, 1 Mar 2010 15:46:02 EST dining@14850.com dining@14850.com dining, ithaca, food, restaurants, cornell university, cornell, 14850, eating out No Public Communications Inc. http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining1002BandwagonBrewpubExt.mp3 We're downtown this week for a look at the new Bandwagon Brewpub. This new underground eatery on North Cayuga Street has combined in-house brewing of small batches of beer (because that's all they have room for), a compact but surprisingly well-stocked full bar, and a kitchen that's putting out an ever-changing array of tasty food ranging from pub grub to bistro fare. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:51:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining1002GivingTreeCafe.mp3 Here's the 14850 Dining Report, in Collegetown this week to visit the Giving Tree Cafe. This new Collegetown eatery is in the former home of the ABC Cafe, and like the ABC, Giving Tree focuses on serving fresh, vegetarian-style food throughout the day. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:51:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining1001TasteofThaiExpressExt.mp3 Here's the 14850 Dining Report, this week visiting the new location of Taste of Thai Express on Route 13 in Ithaca's west end. After a long delay, the West State Street eatery has finally moved, but they're still offering fresh, affordable Thai food for dine-in or delivery. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:51:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining1001PrizeDiner.mp3 Join us downtown this week to visit a classic Ithaca diner reborn as the Prize Diner. Right across from the State Theatre, this remodeled eatery is open for breakfast and lunch daily, serving simple, homestyle meals to happy customers. Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:51:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining1001Crossroads.mp3 After several years, the 14850 Dining Report is visiting a favorite old watering hole reopened at the end of North Triphammer Road a few miles out in Lansing. The Crossroads Bar and Grill opened for business in mid December, a family eatery with a full bar and the beginnings of a pub menu. Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:41:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining091220094of4.mp3 As 2009 draws to a close, 14850 Dining marks its tenth anniversary with some favorite eateries that have gone away in the last decade. Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:54:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining091220093of4.mp3 As 2009 draws to a close, 14850 Dining marks its tenth anniversary with some favorite eateries that have gone away in the last decade. Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:53:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining091220092of4.mp3 As 2009 draws to a close, 14850 Dining marks its tenth anniversary. We're going to look back at some of our favorites, and some eateries that have gone away in the last decade. Our favorites are the restaurants we keep coming back to, the ones we'll go to without a second thought. Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:52:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining091220091of4.mp3 As 2009 draws to a close, 14850 Dining marks its tenth anniversary. We're going to look back at some of our favorites, and some eateries that have gone away in the last decade. Our favorites are the restaurants we keep coming back to, the ones we'll go to without a second thought. Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:51:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0912FoodGifts.mp3 The Christmas and Hanukkah shopping season are upon us, but it's not too late to do something nice, and as always, the 14850 Dining Report reminds you that food is a wonderful gift any time of the year. Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:51:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0912CoalHouseCafe.mp3 Here's the 14850 Dining Report, this week visiting the Coal House Cafe, the new incarnation of coffee shop, pastry shop, and sandwich shop that used to be the Queen of Tarts. This small green building was actually the railroad coal office years ago, and was renovated in 2006 into a beautiful, cozy cafe. Thu, 3 Dec 2009 12:51:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0906MahoganyGrill.mp3 This week the 14850 Dining Report is enjoying a meal on restaurant row at Mahogany Grill. This downtown eatery returns a beautiful restaurant space to the traditions started by Plums a few decades ago. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:31:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0906LittleThaiHouseExt.mp3 At the 14850 Dining Report we've talked before about Little Thai House, the quick and inexpensive Thai eatery on Dryden Road in Collegetown. They've appeared on our Year-in-Review lists and Top Ten lists, they're featured in our Welcome to Ithaca feature, and they come up every time we talk about affordable lunch options. But, somehow, we've never given Little Thai House their very own review, until now. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:31:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0906TheNinesExtEd.mp3 The 14850 Dining Report is in Collegetown visiting an old stand-by, The Nines. This College Avenue pizzeria and bar is in an old firehouse building -- the new station number 9 was built next door -- and offers the area's finest deep-dish pizza, plus sandwiches and a few surprises. Tue, 2 Jun 2009 12:31:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0905Tamarind.mp3 This week, the 14850 Dining Report is visiting Tamarind on Route 13. Just one of many Thai restaurants in Ithaca, this cozy restaurant offers good food at a reasonable price. Sat, 16 May 2009 12:31:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0905PitaPit.mp3 Here's the 14850 Dining Report, this week visiting Pita Pit in Collegetown. This quick eatery on Dryden Road makes hot and cold sandwiches to order in white or whole wheat pitas, with your choice of a whole host of veggies. Fri, 1 May 2009 12:31:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0905AsiaCuisineExt.mp3 This week the 14850 Dining Report is in downtown Ithaca visiting Asia Cuisine. We've heard good things about this combination Korean and Japanese restaurant on the corner of Seneca and Aurora Streets not far from the Commons, and we finally got to check it out for ourselves. Tue, 19 May 2009 12:31:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0811ThatBurritoPlace.mp3 This afternoon, we're grabbing a quick lunch at the newly opened That Burrito Place, in its second location on the downtown Ithaca Commons. No fancy tablecloths, no wine stewards, just a counter where you can get fresh burritos and similar fare made to your specifications, in a couple of minutes, and get out the door. Thu, 6 Nov 2008 15:41:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0806MustardExt.mp3 We're back in downtown Ithaca at Mustard. It's the brainchild of the owners of Dijon Bistro, in the South Cayuga Street space you may remember as Dano's or Les Ducs or Lokelani's. While Dijon aims a bit fancier with its French fare and fine service, at Mustard, owners Courtnay and Mark Papera are focusing on that most American of cuisines, the comfort food. Tue, 3 Jun 2008 18:07:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0404Passover.mp3 This week, we're taking a look at the food restrictions surrounding Passover, the Jewish holiday occurring this week. The Last Supper was a Passover dinner. Most of the food restrictions for observant Jews this week stem from the flat bread eaten by Jews during the Exodus from Egypt. Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:07:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0804joes.mp3 This week, we're revisiting an old favourite in Ithaca's West End, the legendary Joe's Restaurant. Reopened a little over two years ago, Joe's labored for a while with the common impression that they hadn't quite gotten it. More recently, the return of a former chef has helped to set things right. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:07:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0804FarmersMarketExt.mp3 Ah, Spring, when a young man's fancy turns to thoughts of ripe and juicy local produce, and with his friends at the 14850 Dining Report, he visits Steamboat Landing and the legendary Ithaca Farmer's Market. Spring is definitely here, and as the world awakens around us, what better way to celebrate than by checking out the fresh vegetables and herbs just waiting to come home with you and become part of your next gourmet meal. Tue, 8 Apr 2008 11:07:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0803MaxiesExt.mp3 Today, we're in Ithaca's west end at the consistently great Maxie's Supper Club. Maxie's brings an unmistakable New Orleans flair to Ithaca in its straightforward menu of fish, seafood, sandwiches, and hearty jambalaya and gumbo; its raw bar and cocktail list, and a fun atmosphere that's always lively and often full of free live music. Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:07:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0803Danos.mp3 This week, we're on the shores of scenic Seneca Lake, visiting Dano's on Seneca. This beautifully designed building evokes the feeling of European wineries which would sell mugs of their new wines, along with a small variety of foods to pair with them. Tue, 4 Mar 2008 11:07:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0802MrBeef.mp3 There's been a renaissance of vegetarian dining in recent years, with nearly every restaurant offering not just an afterthought vegetarian option or two, but a full range of dishes a vegetarian or even a vegan can enjoy. Mr. Beef in Dryden is not one of those places. Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:07:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0802ChiliCookOff.mp3 What's 20 degrees and sunny and full of people? It's the 10th annual downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off, and this weekend the 14850 Dining Report was there, sampling chili, wings, and more from the area's most creative cooks. Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:07:11 EST http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0802LostDogBrunch.mp3 This week the 14850 Dining Report is downtown checking out the new weekend brunch at the Lost Dog Cafe. If you've been listening for a while, you know I'm into breakfast and brunch, so I was delighted to discover this new downtown option as so many other eateries are shelving their weekend brunches. Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:33:11 EDT http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0802BraeLoch.mp3 This week the 14850 Dining Report is up in Cazenovia at the Brae Loch Inn, home of the annual Robert Burns Dinner. Recently the Brae Loch celebrated their 63rd Burns dinner, and the Scottish poet laureate's 249th birthday. You don't have to wait until next January to enjoy this Scottish inn... they have a full restaurant menu all week, and a pub menu for simpler fare. Tue, 5 Feb 2008 14:33:11 EDT http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0801GlenwoodPines.mp3 Here's the 14850 Dining Report, this week darting up Route 89 to the Glenwood Pines, overlooking Cayuga Lake. We've talked about the famous Pinesburger, and another favourite is their fish fry, but believe it or not, the Pines has more than these two items available. Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:33:11 EDT http://dining.14850.com/podcast/Dining0801CaPheHouse.mp3 This week, the 14850 Dining Report is in Collegetown, enjoying Vietnamese sandwiches and coffee at the new Ca Phe House. This tiny Dryden Road eatery serves very few things, but fresh, handmade sandwiches and strong, creamy coffee top the list. Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:33:11 EDT http://wvbr.com/podcast/Dining0707ImperialKitchen.m4a This week the 14850 Dining Report is checking out the new Imperial Kitchen Buffet, on North Triphammer Road in front of the Y. Ithaca has several Chinese buffets, but this one adds a few things we're not used to, and it's the first all-day buffet in the northeast corner of town. Tue, 31 Jul 2007 14:33:11 EDT http://wvbr.com/podcast/Dining0707Letters.m4a It's the 14850 Dining Report, this week in downtown Ithaca visiting Letters Central Hots, a small shop on South Cayuga Street featuring hot dogs and coffee in a beautifully redone space with a gorgeous wood bar and free evening music. Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:34:11 EDT http://wvbr.com/podcast/Dining0706CarriageHouseExt.mp3 Here's the 14850 Dining Report, this week enjoying a quick brunch at the Carriage House Cafe. This lower Collegetown eatery on Stewart Avenue features top-quality foods and baked goods at prices to match for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. With many of our favourite brunch spots closing or dropping brunch from their hours recently, it's nice to have this option on the scene. Tue, 7 Jun 2007 11:34:11 EDT http://wvbr.com/podcast/Dining0703WillowMondays.mp3 Here's the 14850 Dining Report, this week visiting an old favourite, Willow of Ithaca, at the north end of North Tioga Street. We've eaten at Willow a few times lately, focusing on the Comfort Zone portion of the menu that's been expanded as Willow opens on Mondays for the first time with a special Mellow Mondays menu. Tue, 27 Mar 2007 09:40:11 EST http://wvbr.com/podcast/Dining0703FastFoodExtended.mp3 Heres the 14850 Dining Report, this week contemplating that most exquisite of gourmet delicacies... the fast food burger. OK, most of them aren't so exquisite, but there's something to be said for a burger you can pick up quickly and cheaply, and fill yourself up for a few bucks. Extended edition, longer than we had time for on the radio. Tue, 6 Mar 2007 09:26:11 EST http://wvbr.com/podcast/Dining0702QueenofTarts.mp3 It's the 14850 Dining Report, this week on Maple Avenue above Collegetown checking out the new Queen of Tarts coffee and pastry shop. Opened at the end of 2006 by Leslie Muhlhahn from Just Desserts, the Queen of Tarts offers a mouthwatering variety of handmade pastries, fresh bread, Gimme! coffee drinks, and even hot soup. Tue, 1 Feb 2007 10:40:11 EST http://wvbr.com/podcast/Dining0701SmartMonkey.mp3 This week's 14850 Dining Report is on Route 13 at the new Smart Monkey Cafe, focusing on fresh, natural, and where possible, organic food. Tue, 23 Jan 2007 10:50:01 EST http://wvbr.com/podcast/Dining0701HaiHong.mp3 The 14850 Dining Report this week tracks down Hai Hong, which moved last year from its longtime home in Ithaca's west end to Dryden Road in Collegetown. Unlike Collegetown's existing Chinese restaurants, all the food is prepared to order. Tue, 9 Jan 2007 9:20:01 EST http://wvbr.com/podcast/Dining0612JustaTaste.mp3 This week's 14850 Dining Report is on Restaurant Row on Aurora Street in downtown Ithaca, enjoying dinner at Just a Taste. It's been a while since we've reviewed this wine and tapas bar, but we're pleased to see the quality and creativity in the food are still a focus. Tue, 12 Dec 2006 10:21:01 EST http://wvbr.com/podcast/Dining0612Dijon.mp3 This week's 14850 Dining Report is on Ithaca's north side visiting the new Dijon French Bistro. Ithaca has a long history of French restaurants, such as the Greystone Inn and L'Auberge du Cochon Rouge, and this one is a great addition to the tradition. Tue, 5 Dec 2006 9:21:01 EST http://wvbr.com/podcast/Dining0611SebastiansCocina.mp3 This week's 14850 Dining Report is in Ithaca's west end, visiting the new Sebastian's Cocina at 900 Taber Street. It's right next door to the new location of Newark Valley Angus, formerly at the foot of Seneca Street, and it's where Atlantic Harvest Seafood used to be. I'm telling you all this because this eatery is a little out of the way... but it's definitely worth finding. Thu, 2 Nov 2006 12:21:00 EST http://wvbr.com/podcast/Dining0610VivaCantina.mp3 At Viva Taqueria, you can still get a filling burrito for five or six bucks, and a limited menu of other items, but next door at Viva Cantina there's much more variety... and a full bar with a good tequila selection and serious margaritas. Tue, 24 Oct 2006 12:21:00 EST http://wvbr.com/podcast/Dining0609SmokeNBones.mp3 14850 Dining is out looking for a fresh supply of down-home BBQ. Our old favourite rib joints keep fading away... remember Don's Longhorn? Billy Bob Jack's, Bistro Q, and Ralph's Ribs? There are a couple places left in town to find BBQ ribs, but this week we're looking a few miles west, at Smoke 'n Bones, on Route 79 in Burdett. Tue, 5 Sep 2006 12:21:00 EST http://wvbr.com/podcast/Dining0608NYSFair.mp3 Summer's drawing to a close and the 14850 Dining Report is paying a visit to the New York State Fair. Sure, there are rides and horse shows and cute baby animals, but admit it, you go to the fair for the food. Tue, 29 Aug 2006 11:56:00 EST We're in downtown Ithaca this week to dine at the Ithaca Ale House. This Aurora Street eatery features a wide selection of beers on tap, still more beers in bottles, and good food in a relaxing environment. Tue, 22 Aug 2006 11:56:00 EST This week, we're visiting Fabio's Italian Restaurant in Cortland. It's an authentic Italian eatery with a fantastic variety of pasta dishes, steaks, seafood and chicken, and even dinner salads and sandwiches. Tue, 27 Jun 2006 14:59:00 EST This week, we're going camping and bringing along some good food. Hot dogs are OK, perfect for keeping the kids entertained, but there's no reason to leave your taste in good food behind when you toss the tent in the car. Tue, 20 Jun 2006 14:14:00 EST This week, we're paying another visit to Rogue's Harbor at the crossroads in Lansing. This 1830s landmark features a porch that's perfect for dining on a spring evening, a spacious bar that often has live music, and a comfortable restaurant that we're pleased to see is offering a blend of old favourites for regulars with new items when you're in the mood to explore. Tue, 30 May 2006 14:12:00 EST We're visiting Simply Red Village Bistro once again. This Trumansburg eatery never fails to impress us with a warm and inviting atmosphere, friendly and professional service, and some of the best food in the area. Chef Samantha Izzo has blended the favourites from her southern comfort food menu with fresh fish, sandwiches, vegetarian burgers and entrees, and a creative array of appetizers and side dishes to create a perfectly balanced menu. Tue, 16 May 2006 17:53:00 EST This week we're eating in the new dining room at Papa John's Pizza, at the corner of Route 13 and Third Street. Right across from the Farmer's Market is a good place for this franchise pizza shop that prides itself on using fresh ingredients, including local produce. Tue, 9 May 2006 17:53:00 EST This week we're looking at Ithaca's burger scene. We've talked about finding the perfect hamburger before, but the scene has changed a bit. Still available is the famous Pinesburger, at Glenwood Pines on Route 89. There's a new class of burger in town, though, the ten-dollar burger we've talked about a couple of times. It's big and juicy, and when done right, is served on a solid bun that doesn't fall apart before you're done eating. Tue, 2 May 2006 17:53:00 EST We're in Downtown Ithaca this week to visit Kilpatrick's Publick House on the corner of Seneca and Tioga Streets. It's a new Irish pub with a legacy going back a hundred years. Tue, 25 Apr 2006 17:53:00 EST We're taking a jaunt up Route 13 this week, visiting Pita Gourmet in downtown Cortland. Pita wraps and sandwiches are just a small part of the menu at Pita Gourmet, which specializes in fresh and inexpensive Lebanese food in a casual atmosphere. Tue, 11 Apr 2006 17:32:00 EST This week, we're visiting Napoli Pizzeria in downtown Ithaca. Napoli moved from their old shoebox of a building to attractive new digs in the Gateway Building over a year ago, and they still make some of the best pizza, wings, and Italian dishes in town. Tue, 4 Apr 2006 17:32:00 EST This week, we're taking a look at St. Patrick's Day food traditions and your options here in town. When you think of St. Patrick's Day you probably think of corned beef and cabbage, but you may be surprised to know that most folks in Ireland wouldn't be interested. Kilpatrick's Publick House is getting ready for their grand opening, and chef Sean O'Brien at Willow reaches back to his roots each March. Tue, 14 Mar 2006 17:32:00 EST The problem with being a legendary restaurant is trying to live up to your reputation day after day. And the problem with trying to recreate a legendary restaurant that's been closed for five years is that you have to live up to everyone's fond, hazy memories. That's the challenge facing Joe's Restaurant, recently reopened in Ithaca's west end. After a few weeks of coming up to speed, Joe's is doing a great job serving delicious Italian food and creating some memories of their own. Tue, 21 Feb 2006 10:35:00 EST I'm exercising my diplomatic immunity on sovereign ground... at the Rongovian Embassy to the USA. This Trumansburg bar, night club, and restaurant has been open and closed in various incarnations since 1973, and new owner Mike Barry has brought the Rongo back to life with a familiar and comfortable flavor. Tue, 14 Feb 2006 10:00:00 EST We're back at Ralph's Ribs on Route 13 in Ithaca's Southwest. I love Ralph's for hot food in cold weather, and you may remember I mentioned their delicious commodore chowder a few weeks ago when talking about soup. Ralph's chili, topped with chipotle sour cream, plus a piece of corn bread, makes a really satisfying winter lunch. And we're intrigued by the upcoming Valentine's Day dinner at Ralph's, $25 for two. Fri, 03 Feb 2006 11:22:00 EST This week we're checking out the new winter menu at Willow on East Falls Street. I'm always a fan of starting a winter meal with some hot soup, and the new green tea and coconut broth with rice noodles at Willow hits the spot, reminiscent of Thai coconut soups. And we tried the olive oil marinated manchego, a Spanish cheese marinated in extra virgin olive oil and served with a baguette. Tue, 24 Jan 2006 11:22:00 EST Dinosaur Bar-B-Que got its start in Syracuse over 20 years ago as a traveling BBQ vendor at fairs and festivals, and for over 15 years they've been on the corner of Franklin and Willow in Downtown Syracuse... a combination BBQ joint, blues hall, and biker bar. They've been in Rochester for seven years in the old Lehigh Valley train station on Court Street, right by the Blue Cross Arena, and this week marks the first birthday of Dinosaur in New York City, at the corner of West 131st and 12th Avenue. Tue, 29 Nov 2005 11:22:00 EST Always on the lookout for affordable lunches, I'm Mark Anbinder, with WVBR's 14850 Dining Report. This week we're checking out Pita Pit on Dryden Road in Collegetown. The low-carb craze has made pitas and wraps popular, and that's what Pita Pit does well. Actually, it's pretty much all they do, not counting the salads, but with enough variety that just about anyone can find something to eat, hot or cold. Meantime, we're preparing our annual list of holiday hours. Thu, 17 Nov 2005 11:12:00 EST Do you remember when you first ate at Centini's Restaurant? I can't remember my first visit. Angelina Centini's Italian Ristorante opened in 1934, and chances are, if you've been in Ithaca for a while, you've had a special meal or two, or twenty, at Centini's. I'm sad to say that Centini's closed its doors after dinner Tuesday night, but I'm happy for the memories of lunch with Lisa, dinner with Alan, Laura's birthday gathering, and lots of other visits. Thu, 10 Nov 2005 13:12:00 EST With WVBR's 14850 Dining Report I'm Mark Anbinder, looking at some favourite food spots in New Orleans... eateries I'm hoping will reopen in the wake of Hurricane Katrina's devastation of that wonderful city. This feature was inspired by seeing a photo taken last week at Crepes a la Cart, one of the places I ate in New Orleans this past spring. Sun, 23 Oct 2005 03:12:00 EST We're back in Trumansburg for Monday night Southern Night at the Simply Red Village Bistro. Chef Samantha Izzo is South African, but it's the southern US that lends Simply Red its Monday night cuisine. Tue, 4 Oct 2005 11:11:00 EST WVBR's 14850 Dining Report checks out some of the affordable lunch options around town. As so-called "lunch specials" climb to $6.95, $7.95, $8.95... or the infamous ten-dollar burger... it's nice to know your choices aren't limited to brown-bagging it or hitting the vending machine for a $2 sandwich that's been there for two days. Wed, 24 Aug 2005 11:49:00 EST WVBR's 14850 Dining Report pays a visit to downtown Ithaca's newest eatery, Little Tokyo Japanese and Vietnamese restaurant. Wed, 19 Jan 2005 10:30:00 EST Here's the 14850 Dining Report, this week wrapping up our Top 10 eateries of 2004. Keep in mind that numbers ten through six are great places to eat, too... still among the cream of the crop. Wed, 05 Jan 2005 20:30:00 EST Here's the 14850 Dining Report, this week offering our Top 10 eateries of 2004. Coming up with this list was difficult... in fact, we had to whittle down the Top 10 list from thirty or so of our personal favorites and listener suggestions. Thu, 31 Dec 2004 10:45:00 EST This week we're paying a visit to Ruth's Chris Steak House, the legendary steakhouse chain started 40 years ago by Ruth Fertel, with a $22,000 mortgage on her house. Mrs. Fertel also invented the chain's special broiler that cooks the steaks at 1800 degrees. Somehow I doubt I can outfit my kitchen with one of those. Tue, 26 Oct 2004 11:12:00 EST