American fare with savoir faire is now easily available to Brooklyn diners, with the opening of Tony Romas just a few steps away from Barclays Center.
Featuring the eaterys renowned Baby Back Ribs, generously slathered with Romas original barbecue sauce, the menu is a compilation of palate-pleasing classics, a sample of which were available on the day before the official opening December 10 for members of the press and local dignitaries to taste. I tried a little of everything that was offered and found it all flavorful and well-prepared. The salads were carefully dressed; the meats, tender; and the desserts, sweet, sassy and satisfying. I started out with the Caesar Salad ($8; $11 with grilled or crispy chicken; $12 with grilled salmon). A savory combination of romaine leaves and croutons, it was beautifully enrobed in silky dressing, amped up by the addition of Asiago cheese. From there, I moved on to several of Tony Romas signature appetizers.Loaded Potato Skins ($7) combined several compelling ingredients crispy, salty bacon; smooth, creamy melted cheddar and the delicate onion flavor of snipped chives atop the quintessential comfort food a perfected baked potato half.Kickin Shrimp ($12) were beautifully battered, deep-fried morsels enlivened by chili-infused cream sauce, while the Boneless Chicken Bites ($9) got their spicy savor from Buffalo sauce.I tried several entrees. The Baby Back Ribs with Original BBQ Sauce ($22 full rack; $19 Roma rack; both include two sides) were falling-off-the-bone tender, sweet and tangy, a testament to the staying power of a classic recipe.The Filet Medallions with Cabernet Demiglace ($25, includes two sides) were soft as a pillow on the inside, nicely crusted on the exterior, hearty and full of beef flavor, with the sweet demiglace providing a delicate contrast that was enhanced by a side of Loaded Mashed Potatoes, masterful, super creamy and flecked with bits of the tubers red skins.The Mojo Chicken with Pineapple Salsa ($15, includes rice and fresh vegetable) was another symphony of sweet and savory, the grilled chicken filets enhanced by a brown mustard-citrus sauce and topped by little cubes of pineapple.Then, there was dessert. I sampled the Raspberry Brownie Royale ($4), a brownie studded with chocolate chips and drizzled with brightly flavored raspberry sauce which should make chocolate lovers sit up and take notice.While Tony Romas has been around for decades the first restaurant opened over 40 years ago in Miami this is Brooklyns first, and Tonys daughter Sarina, a Williamsburg resident, said she was excited to see one debut in her home borough that brings to Brooklynites her fathers proven formula: Delicious food at an affordable price in a place where people could feel at home and hang out.The franchise co-owner, Steve Menexas, concurred. Using Romas original recipes as a foundation, the corporation, he said, has nurtured the menu.We come up with better and better ideas, Menexas explained, evolving a menu that is innovative while still being familiar to Roma fans, and which is as appealing to families as it is to couples out on a date or sports fans who want to watch the big game while they dine. As part of that commitment, the restaurant also offers brunch on weekends, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.Romas daughter summed up the restaurants philosophy and its timeless appeal — Good food with good vibes thats whats important.TONY ROMAS673 Atlantic AvenueBrooklyn NY 11217718-623-TONY (8669)Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-1 a.m.Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.Leave a Reply
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