Ruby’s mixes modern tastes with old-time flair
Greer Wylder
Childhood friends Doug Cavanaugh and Ralph Kosmides restored the
run-down building at the end of the Balboa Pier and have turned it
into a sensational retro diner. On Dec. 10, 1982 (after much hard
work), the first Ruby’s Diner opened at No. 1 Balboa Pier. It served
a simple menu of burgers, hot dogs and malts.
Today, 39 Ruby’s Diners and two Ruby’s Dinettes in airports have
spread across the country. The diner was named after Cavanaugh’s
mother.
Inspiration for Ruby’s 1940’s theme came partly from the former
bait shop’s architecture and to Balboa’s golden era. That’s when the
seaside resort attracted the Hollywood crowd, including Humphrey
Bogart, James Cagney and Errol Flynn. Balboa’s main attraction was
the Rendezvous Ballroom, the “in spot” to dance and listen to big
bands. Today authentic memorabilia, white Formica tables, red vinyl
booths, chrome accents and piped in swing and big band music add to
the diner’s charm.
Now Ruby’s menu has expanded. There are omelets, tacos,
sandwiches, vegetarian meals, entree salads and still some of the
best burgers in town.
Breakfast served daily until 11:30 a.m. You can’t go wrong with
eggs Benedict ($7.89) -- two perfectly poached eggs smothered with a
light Hollandaise sauce, sliced ham placed on an English muffin.
Those with a sweet tooth can order a cinnamon roll French toast combo
($7.99). The griddle combo comes with two eggs any style and a choice
of meats: bacon, sausage, ham, veggie sausage or lean turkey sausage.
Watching your weight, or just want a light meal? Order the skinny
eggs ($5.39) -- a plate of two scrambled eggs with fresh salsa, low
fat cottage cheese, dry wheat toast and fresh fruit.
Kids have great choices too: pigs in a blanket, silver dollar
pancakes, French toast and a combo plate with an egg, toast and
sausage or bacon. Crave breakfast? Ruby’s now serves a Ruby’s
scramble all day ($6.99) -- scrambled eggs with chopped bell peppers,
potatoes and a choice of meats: turkey sausage, ham, beef or even
chorizo.
One menu covers lunch and dinner. All-time favorites are the beach
burger, served on grilled Parmesan sourdough with generous melted
Swiss cheese.
Everyone loves the chili fries, shoestring potatoes smothered in
mildly spicy chili, finely grated cheddar cheese and green onions.
Worried about fat content? Substitute regular fries for Lite Fries --
40% less fat. The potatoes are covered in a mystery coating, so oil
can’t absorb completely when fried. Two more top choices are the
Rubyrings ($3.99), onion rings fried in batter and served hot; and
Zippity Zucchini, breaded sliced zucchini served with ranch dressing.
As far as burgers go, the Rubyburger ($5.39) continues as the most
requested. It comes with a choice of beef, lean ground turkey or a
vegetable patty. A grilled chicken breast can be substituted for an
additional $1.20.
Stray from burgers. Treasured sandwiches are the albacore melt
($6.59), albacore salad on the delicious grilled sourdough with
American and Swiss cheeses; and the fresh roasted turkey breast
sandwich with lettuce, mayonnaise and cranberry sauce on a soft roll.
Surprisingly the best salad is the Chinese chicken ($8.39). Fans go
for the combination of fresh lettuces, grilled chicken breast, green
onion, celery, red bell pepper and creamy sesame dressing. Other
favorite salads include the Cobb and Mediterranean.
Classic shakes and malts, Ruby’s signature drink, also come in
deluxe flavors mixed with Oreos, Butterfinger’s or mint wafers.
Old-fashioned soft serve sodas offered in classic flavors and
flavored Coke: cherry, lemon, chocolate and vanilla. Dessert choices
include a double hot-fudge brownie sundae, a rich hot chocolate-nut
brownie covered in a hot fudge sundae with sliced almonds and cherry,
fresh baked apple pie, RubySundaes, and “for kids,” darling
mini-cones with soft serve vanilla ice cream.
Each Ruby’s keep its own hours: The Balboa Pier location, (949)
675-RUBY, is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; and from
7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
There is also one in Corona del Mar, at 2305 E. Coast Highway,
(949) 673-RUBY; which is open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; and
two in Costa Mesa: at South Coast Plaza at 3333 Bear St., (714)
662-RUBY, which is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and
from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; and at 428 E. 17th St.,
(949) 646-RUBY, which is open from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to
Thursday and from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
*
The Yard House, at Triangle Square, has one of the best local kids
menus: a certified Angus beef burger with natural cut fries or fruit;
fish and chips with natural cut fries or fruit; an all-beef hot dog
with natural cut fries or fruit; fresh chicken breast strips with
natural cut fries or fruit; made-to-order cheese or pepperoni pizza;
buttered egg noodles. All meals priced at $5.95.
Meals include a 12-page activity book, a “kiddie-kooler” beverage,
and a whole fruit frozen strawberry bar.
The Yard House is at 1875 Newport Blvd. in Costa Mesa. Call (949)
642-0090.
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