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.