Ruth's Chris Steak House Partners with Wine Enthusiast Magazine and Palm Bay International to Host a Culinary and Wine Tour of Italy

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 20, Ruth's Chris Steak House in partnership with Wine Enthusiast Magazine, and leading wine importer Palm Bay International, will host a culinary and wine tour of Italy at 84 locations nationwide. The five-course dinner will feature five award-winning, highly rated wines, hand-selected by the editors at Wine Enthusiast Magazine from Palm Bay International's extensive portfolio of top Italian wine estates. Each wine will be perfectly paired with regionally inspired dishes.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130226/DA66180LOGO)

"The wines we are featuring along with a traditional Italian liqueur will become tour guides for the evening as guests enjoy vintages from throughout Italy. Each course will not only bring to life the rich history, flavor and culture of Italy, but will also illustrate how ingredients from the same place complement one another – a taste exploration of these varied regions through food and wine," said Helen Mackey, Senior Director of Menu Strategy for Ruth's Chris Steak House.

"We are proud to partner with Ruth's Chris Steak House to provide our readers with an opportunity to explore Italy through their taste buds. From Piedmont through Campania, guests will sample wines from some of the most revered wine regions in Italy alongside Ruth's Chris' outstanding selections– an evening that is sure to score higher than 90 points," said Adam Strum, Editor and Publisher of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

The featured menu includes:

-First Course:Portobello & Herbed Polenta Napoleon paired with Ferrari Brut, Trentino.

-Second Course: Caprese Salad - Fresh Mozzarella, Tomatoes and Basil Oil paired with Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina, Campania. 

-Third Course: Orecchiette Piedmont - Roasted Fennel & Italian Sausage with Shaved Parmesan paired with Fontanafredda Serralunga d'Alba Barolo, Piedmont.

-Fourth Course: Filet Mignon with Sweet Cherry Peppers paired with Bertani Villa Arvedi Amarone, Veneto.

-Fifth Course: Sicilian Almond Cake paired with Bottega Limoncino Liqueur, Veneto and Sicily. 

Wine dinner pricing varies by market with an average price of $95 per person plus tax and gratuity. For a complete list of participating restaurants, and to make reservations, visit: http://www.ruthschris.com/promotions/italianwinedinner/.

About Ruth's Chris Steak House
Ruth's Chris Steak House, Inc. is the largest upscale steak house company in the world, with over 130 restaurant locations around the globe. Founded in New Orleans by Ruth Fertel in 1965, Ruth's Chris specializes in USDA Prime grade steaks served in Ruth's Chris signature fashion ... "sizzling."  Look for upcoming national wine dinners at www.ruthschris.com.

About Ruth's Hospitality Group
Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: RUTH) is a leading restaurant company focused on the upscale dining segment. The Company owns the Ruth's Chris Steak House, Mitchell's Fish Market, Mitchell's Steakhouse and Cameron's Steakhouse concepts. With more than 150 company and franchisee owned locations worldwide, Ruth's Hospitality Group is headquartered in Winter Park, Florida.

About Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Wine Enthusiast Magazine educates and entertains readers about wine and the wine lifestyle in an accessible and user-friendly way. Published 13 times per year, the magazine's readership is more than 800,000. The magazine and its Buying Guide with more than 100,000 ratings and reviews are available online. The magazine hosts signature Wine Enthusiast events for both consumer and trade. www.WineMag.com

About Palm Bay International
Palm Bay International, a dynamic family-owned company, offers one of the nation's most comprehensive portfolios of imported wines and spirits, including over 50 suppliers from around the globe. Among Palm Bay's most valued assets is its remarkable network of long-term partnerships with the foremost wholesale companies in all 50 states, as well as Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. With the crucial collaboration of these partners, Palm Bay's portfolio is able to meet the needs of every level of the industry, from independent restaurants and retail stores, to chain accounts, supermarkets, hotels, airlines, cruise ships, duty-free accounts and U.S. military bases. This impressive roster of brands, accounts and relationships positions Palm Bay as a major source of fine wines and spirits and an industry leader in the U.S. marketplace. www.palmbay.com

SOURCE Ruth's Chris Steak House