THE PLACE: Places like Ramro did not exist in Astoria when I lived and hung out in this neighborhood decades ago. This is an intimate high-brow restaurant bordering on fine dining with a focus on an under-represented cuisine outside of Queens (Filipino). The service here is top-notch and the few tables are close together, yet there’s a hushed quality where each table is studying both themselves and the food.
THE MENU: In addition to a tasting menu, there is an a la carte menus that showcase Filipinos flavors, ingredients and dishes but in many unexpected ways. The Ramro noodles were very surprising slathered with banana ketchup and made of ube. I have to say that the food here was a bit hit or miss for me (I found those noodles to be a bit too precious and overly acidic) and I found it wildly expensive for the portion sizes. However, it was a memorable experience and there was one bite that was really spectacular.
THE DISH: I do wish there was more than just one bite of each of the Beef Longanisa skewers. At $12 for two, I’d have a difficult time ordering them again. Yet the quality and flavor of the skinless grilled meatballs was impeccable. Seared to perfection and kissed with an umami bomb of garlic and a rich sweetness, these wagyu beef sticks were frustratingly addicting. Price: $12
| RAMRO |
| 30-93 38th Street (between 30th Avenue and 31st Avenue), Astoria, Queens (347) 507-1418 |
| ramronyc.com |
