Tony Roma's - The Place for Ribs

The world famous Tony Roma ribs were created almost by accident. One weekend back in the '70 Chef David Smith and Restaurateur Tony Roma decided to coat a couple of baby backs with David's own secret barbeque sauce just to see how they would taste. Something chefs like to do when they aren't too busy. It was never intended to change their style of cooking and they thought that by Monday they would be back to doing things they way they always had done at their small place called Tony Roma's Restaurant in North Miami Florida. But this was an era of change and as soon as the customers had tasted the rib they immediately convinced the pair to change their plans. And so the Tony Roma culture for ribs and wholesome American cooking was born.

Diners in Bangkok first got taste the world famous ribs when the restaurant opened it doors on 17th December 1994. Ever since it has been taking the tables with both local and foreign customers. Anywhere that claims to have to have the best ribs has to be worth checking out.

As I walked into the restaurant off of Sukhumvit Road my first impression was that restaurant was smaller than I had expected. But in fact I was just in the bar and reception area. It wasn't until I climbed the stairs to the first floor that I full appreciated the size of the restaurant with seating for 230 customers.

No visit to Tony Roma's would be complete without trying their unique Onion Ring Loaf. I was expecting some kind of bread but was arrived was a stack of crispy fried onion baked in the style of a loaf. It's great fun to pick off the rings and dip them into a tangy barbeque sauce. Eating here is very casual so don't be afraid to get your hands a little messy.

Next I was eager to try their Baked Potato soup. It's rich and creamy with piece of baked potato topped with Cheddar Cheese, bacon and green onions. Their unique blend of flavours works well, a non-conventional soup that fits perfectly with the Tony Roma concept.

The Santa Fa Salad is a work of art - an oversized tortilla chip stacked high with mixed green lettuce, grated Cheddar Cheese, crispy bacon and fresh tomatoes, topped with crispy coated cold sliced chicken breast. For anyone counting the calories, this could be a meal on it's own. It was so neatly arranged I was reluctant to disturb the display. But foods for eating and not for just looking so I tucked into this generously portioned salad. There are still another nine salads on the menu that I've yet to try.

Now its time for the America's Rib Grill - The Original Baby Back ribs. As their signature dish it was a must but there are five other ways they serve ribs. The lean tender meaty ribs have been cut from the choicest tenderloin and basted in their original barbeque sauce. The meat was so tender it took just a nibble rather than a bite to get it off the bone. There is no way you can eat ribs with a knife and fork, just pull them apart with your fingers. A little messy but great fun and there is finger bowl at the end of the meal to wash your hands.

As a side order I had a Baked potato with sour cream and their tangy Ranch Style Beans

At a time when a lot of restaurants in Bangkok are boasting the finest meats imported from the States it good to know that Tony Roma's can find Chicken and Pork Ribs of the right quality here in Thailand. The only meats they do import are the steaks, naturally from the US.

For anyone who is not a red meat eater there is a choice of four chicken dishes and three seafood selections

During meal I enjoyed a couple of glass of current house wine the Esterelle Merlot pieced at Baht 900 a bottle.