First and foremost, eat here for the complimentary garlic bread! The Man thought it was the best…read moregarlic bread he's ever had and wanted me to make sure to mention it. Thought I'd lead with that tip.
Ramando's reminds me of the place my grandparents used to go to when they came to MB every year for their annual vacation. The decor is old-school, and could stand an update. The food is quality products, and could stand an update. Even the music playing is solid (who doesn't love 90 minutes of the Rat Pack?), and could use an update. All that said, other than updates, I have no notes.
Arriving, the outside looks, well, like it needs an update, if not just some regular maintenance. Outside there were vine engulfed European garden statues. Overgrown plants. Walking through the front door felt like walking into the late 70s or early 80s. Giant ship's wheel light fixtures. Multilayer and multicolor table cloths under a plexiglass topper. Complete with what looks to be throwback paper placements with all the classic cocktails listed out. And... appropriately lit, clean, open, inviting and smelling lovely. We were curious.
It wasn't busy, but it was also already close to 8 pm. Granted it was a Saturday night, and shoulder season in this family beach resort town, so we didn't judge. I can't help but wonder if a few updates to the food and decor might not help though.
After we were seated our server greeted us promptly. Magdalena (sp?) was lovely. Big smile. Warm greeting. Drinks and water arrived in good time. My Cosmo was made with Rose's lime juice. Not my favorite, but I also know that if a bar isn't doing enough business it's difficult to keep fresh juices on hand without waste. Even with the Rose's, it was well-made, my well-balanced and tasty. The Man's Manhattan was good. Solid, was the word he used. He had wine with supper. I would have had a rosé, but there wasn't one by the glass.
For dinner I ordered the Chicken Ramando's with gluten free pasta. Everything was well seasoned and prepared, although the pasta was a little over. Not a big deal in my book. I'd rather that than under.
This is where I think a little update could help. Chicken Ramando's is billed as pan sautéed chicken with fresh tomatoes, mushrooms, carrots and feta cheese over pasta. I was thinking it would have a nice, light lemon and wine sauce, almost like a scampi or maybe finished with a little butter for richness. Keep it light and fresh, but still luscious.
The chicken was cooked perfectly. (They prepared mine without what would apparently be the usual flour and breading.) it was laid over the pasta and then smothered in a cream sauce and the feta. The veggies were super sautéed (maybe prepped earlier and recooked to heat resulting is super duper sautéed?) and laid alongside either side (think rows, like a Cobb salad). I don't want to say the veggies were hammered, because they were still moist and juicy, but I almost forgot there were supposed to be carrots in there until I realized one of the shapes didn't match the others.
And don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad. It was okay. I gave it 4 stars because it's being exactly what it's always been and killing at that. It was, just unexpected.
Unexpected because it's a beach resort area. It's a lot of families with kids. While grandma with her walker is also here and wanting to relive happy memories, there is room to cater to both. Maybe have two versions: traditional and modern?
I get wanting to hold onto the traditional recipes too. I've watched way too much Gordon Ramsey that I can hear chefs in my sleep shouting how everyone loves the food! But let's be clear, a lot of the time they're being polite because they don't want to get into an uncomfortable conversation.
If I were cooking this dish at home, my modern take, if you will.... I'd have the bed of pasta (it would also be killer over an orzo or rice pilaf), as they did, but I'd lay the sautéed chicken breast over it and then top it with a skilleted mix of freshly sautéed to al dente veggies with garlic, (chile pepper flakes, if you're so inclined), lemon juice, white wine and finish with butter. I'd pour that over the whole shebang pasta and sprinkle some feta over it along with some parsley for garnish. Maybe some finishing olive oil. Done. Same dish, but lighter and super flavorful where I could identify each veggie and taste them as well.
With just a couple tweaks here and there, Ramando's could have a renaissance. I hope they're able to find their way there. The area needs them and their cuisine.
