Tony Roma's

A few facts:

• Tony Roma's is the largest casual theme restaurant chain specializing in ribs in the world. 
• The first "Tony Roma's" was built in North Miami, Florida in 1972.
• The first international Tony Roma's, a franchise was opened in Japan in 1979, while the first domestically franchised restaurant was opened in 1982 in San Jose, California. 

Last night the Husby and I went out to celebrate and it's funny how Tony Roma's is nearly always brought up.  It's kind of a running joke between us - because really?  Who celebrates stuff at Tony Roma's?  Apparently, we do!

Despite a crowd, we were seated fairly quickly - and noted that it had been a while since we'd been there.  The decor of the restaurant had changed significantly - and according to the husby - it felt less "fine dining" because it's more lit now.  That's right... he thought Tony Roma's was "fine dining"... which explains a lot. 

We started off with their onion loaf  - made of giant hand-cut Spanish onions that were breaded, deep fried and served with their original BBQ sauce.  Which we noted was a little bit more spicy this time around... the Husby thinks that they might have used a different sauce.  I liked it... the spiciness gave it that extra oomph.  **we didn't get a picture cause as soon as it came we cut into it like a pair of starving dogs. ha ha 

We then ordered our entrees... I had their Smoked Tri Tip, with baked potato (sour cream, butter and chives please), ranch style beans and a side caesar salad.  The tri tip came pre sliced into three medallions and were placed on a bed of onion rings.  I was thoroughly disappointed with my meal... the meat was very tough, unflavored and dry.  You also couldn't order it cooked to your liking... it came well-done and I happen to like my meat a little more on the medium-rare side.  But the sides were great... their baked potato (which I mashed into the consistency of mashed potatoes) and their ranch style beans complemented the meal wonderfully.  The caesar salad, which was good... had a little too much dressing, I'll have to remember to get that "on the side" next time around.    

Smoked Tri Tip

The Husby ordered their Baby Back Ribs - Full Slab, with baked potato (Fully loaded - sour cream, butter, no-chives, bacon, cheese, at no extra cost), and their green beans. At first, he claimed that he would be able to eat the whole thing... what a laugh!!  He did make a pretty decent dent by the end of the night, but he left 3 ribs and most of his baked potato on his plate.  

Baby Back Ribs - Full Slab

We were thinking of having one of their desserts, but decided to forgo dessert and give our waistbands a little breathing room.  They do have a nice selection and they even have "mini" portions of some of their desserts.  I know that I'll be having their apple crisp (I'm a sucker for apple anything with caramel & ice cream!) the next time we find something to celebrate!