Barbara’s Bits and Bites: Taking a second look at Ruby’s Dinette
It’s been a while since I’ve checked in with my restaurant column, Barbara’s Bits & Bites, which continues to discover and rediscover fun places to eat in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.
I’ve had a bellyful of politics from covering the last election cycle, so it’s time to get back to food fun.
Recently I took a second look is Ruby’s Dinette, 428 E. 17th St., in Costa Mesa. Readers may remember I wasn’t thrilled with this place back in September.
The original Ruby’s Diner had been one of my favorite doggy-friendly spots with my little rescue dog, Stasha, but this new concept wasn’t that friendly.
Though Ruby’s Dinette still welcomes dogs on its patio, the self-service format made it difficult if a furry friend was in tow.
I’d have to leave Stasha unattended at a table outside — then go inside to order — unless I had someone else dining with me.
On my initial visit I had my husband with me so he stayed with the dog while I ventured in to order.
I was disappointed to see the dinette menu was far more limited than the original Ruby’s. And though there were only a few people ahead of me in line, it felt like forever before I got to the front.
And when I did, the restaurant was out of several selections I wanted. At that point I left after spending the better part of a half an hour trying to order lunch.
After the column ran, I heard from Doug Cavanaugh, founder and CEO of the Ruby Restaurant Group.
Cavanaugh and I go way back. I was happy to hear from him, though he wasn’t happy with what I’d written or experienced at his restaurant.
He was determined to change my mind — and he did!
Over lunch we discussed my doggy-dining issue and other things that could make the dinette more user-friendly.
Cavanaugh’s been in the restaurant biz for 30 years, and his success is directly linked to good food and listening to his customer base.
As we ate, a steady stream of patrons passed our table. Cavanaugh chatted with those he knew, and some he didn’t, asking each about their dining experience.
Customer feedback is important to him, and he’s sensitive to his costumer’s needs, he tells me.
I asked about the dinette concept , and if all the Ruby’s 50’s Diners are to be transformed to dinettes.
Cavanaugh explained the original Ruby’s is certainly popular, and he’s not throwing out the concept. Current restaurants in Corona Del Mar, Huntington Beach, Balboa and Laguna will remain as is, but it’s time to freshen the brand and expand.
The economic climate also was a factor. The self-serve-order-at-the-counter concept considerably decreases labor costs.
And the ‘60s-themed décor of Ruby’s Dinette is a popular one with baby boomers as well as millenials, he says.
But he concedes there’s room for improvements in the dinette concept — like what I was complaining about.
Cavanaugh says he’s got plans in the works to make the patio server-optional. So seniors, or folks with dogs, don’t have to order at the inside counter; they can request waiter-waitress service.
This should be implemented within the next few months, he says.
And he’s even thinking about starting a “Yappy Hour” for dog-lovers.
But how is the food?
Though the menu is slightly different than the original, the food is creative and quite good.
Cavanaugh ordered several items we shared so I could have a complete Ruby’s Dinette experience.
The Peppadew Burger (beef patty, sweat Peppadew peppers, Boursin cheese, Montreal seasoning, with lettuce tomato and Rubysauce) was delicious.
Getting Figgy With It (cheddar cheese, roasted garlic and fig jam on a burger) is an explosion of taste.
The Roast Beef Dip (roast beef dipped in au jus, served on a buttered grilled baguette with creamy horseradish on the side) was yummy.
And for those non-burger lovers, try the Ahi Burger (ahi steak seared rare with Asian slaw and house-made Sriracha mayo served on a wheat bun).
Shoestring fries have been replaced with thicker more traditional French fries, which I found even tastier.
I’ve always been a fan of salads on the original Ruby’s menu, and though paired down a bit, the Dinette doesn’t disappoint.
Chopped salads are ample portions and menu items include Cobb, the new Kale Caesar, Greek and Chinese Chicken Salads.
Got a sweet tooth?
The ice cream menu of 20 flavors is impressive.
I sampled the chocolate chip cookie dough, coffee, vanilla and mocha, which were amazing.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Ruby’s Dinette is worth a try.
Cavanaugh is a great guy, and Stasha and I had a fun with him at lunch. He’s created quite a restaurant empire with stores now in California, Texas, New Jersey and more. He’s now got his sights on Europe for the Dinettes.
Though he has a restaurant at McCarran Airport in Las Vegas, I suggested he look at the new mega open-air shopping center, which debuted in October, Downtown Summerlin.
That was purely for selfish reasons since I share my time between Newport and Summerlin these days. Stasha and I don’t want to miss out on our Ruby’s fix.
Cavanaugh says he is looking into it.
BARBARA VENEZIA, whose column appears Fridays, lives in Newport Beach. She can be reached at bvontv1@gmail.com.