Romeo,
Oh Romeo!
DON ROMEO’S: 120-20 Queens
Blvd., Kew Gardens, 263-6767
HOURS: Mon. to Thurs., 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.;
Fri., 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sat., 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sun, 10:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.
CUISINE: Peruvian
HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE: Yes
CREDIT CARDS: All major
One meal at Don Romeo’s, and you’ll deny your
father to go there again.
Queens’ tribute to Peruvian cuisine is practically the
real thing. The knowledgeable staff could be mistaken for mestizos; the coffee (eight
flavors) is to die for; and twangy ethnic singers melodize the background.
We started with a platter of Don Romeo’s Tastings
($15.75): ceviche, diced fish filet sliced with calamari, octopus and shrimp; tamale,
tender white chicken wrapped in creamy corn and papa a la Huancaina, or sliced potatoes
covered in a creamy cheese sauce.
The ceviche, tossed in a spicy lemon sauce and served with
sliced potatoes, sweet yams and Peruvian corn, was fantastic; we knew at once why Peru is
the world’s finest country in fish. The potatoes were flavorful, served in a variety
of sauces, and the tamale had a corny, tortilla-like coat.
Tempted by the chicken and fish in our entradas, we decided
to go for more. The Picante de Mariscos ($13.95): shrimp, clams, octopus, scallops,
calamari, and mussels sautéed in beer, sounded like an interesting bite; and the Pollo a
la Parilla ($10.95) was recommended by our waitress.
Seasoned with Peruvian spices and grilled to perfection, my
chicken was muy delicioso. It went well with the onion-diced potato salad, and satisfied
my healthy requirements. The Picante de Mariscos, or "pieces of the sea," could
rival any Amazonian catch. And my amphibious guest was mad for the spicy-hot sauce.
Knowing that sugarcane is another major export from Peru,
we left plenty of room for dessert. We tried an imported Italian Tiramisu ($4.25),
delicious in a crusty shell with cold Zabaglione (whipped egg and sugar) and mascapone
cheese; and a slice of Cappuccino Cake ($4.25), also creamy with layers of cinnamon and
chocolate sauce. Flawlessly brewed cappuccinos ($3.25) washed down the sweets.
But should you be more carnivorous than me and my guest,
Romeo’s prides itself on having "the best ribs in Queens." Baby Back Ribs,
cut from the choicest tenderloins; Spare Ribs, selectively cut from pork; and Beef Ribs,
served big and juicy, are available in Dinner Orders ($12) and in Full Slabs ($14). And
you can choose from Romeo’s three special sauces: the House dressing, Sweet Honey,
and Texas Style Spicy.
We also recommend what Romeo calls "Queens’ Best
Feast": A combination of Baby Back Ribs, Beef Ribs, Barbecued Chicken, two corn on
the cob and two potatoes for $28.95.
So make a stop at Don Romeo’s: the Peruvian Don of
Queens cuisine.
– Jennifer D’Angelo |
