Located at 49-12 Queens Blvd in Woodside NY, this gem can be easily missed if one is not attentive. It is indeed quaint but sincerely welcoming. We entered to find our host rearranging tables to accommodate a larger group. She quickly motioned for us to take one of the vacant tables and get comfortable. We did just that feeling settled quickly as we took in the clean, modern furnishes and the refreshing scene of a family at each table. It seemed like the perfect place for us to be on a Sunday night.
The menu was filled with delicious sounding dishes...one after the other. Who could ever choose? Yvette (I hope I'm spelling it correctly) came over to take our order and I quickly seized the opportunity to explain our purpose there and get her expert advice on what we should sample. With a bright smile she went right into the specials of the night as well as the famous Filipino must haves. "Adobo", she said. "You must try our Adobo" and with that said we went to ordering.
Our appetizers were Camaron Rebosado (Fried Shrimp) that was served with a special sauce and Nilagang Baka a wonderful Beef Soup with Asian Veggies. The generous serving of large shrimp were hot, fresh and crispy. The batter was seasoned just right with a slight tangy goodness. It was devoured at once!
The soup was a dream. It was perfection in a bowl. The beef was tender and bursting with flavor. The vegetables just right...al dente and the broth, well...it was as close to soup heaven as one could get. It was a delicate, yet bold and a savory lover's delight.
While waiting for our main course we sampled an unusual treat; Avocado Shake. it was light, smooth and a palate cleanser. A refreshing drink to have especially on a Summer day. We also tasted what appeared to be a Filipino style Sweet Tea with colored Tapioca Pearls. It was served with shaved ice and thoroughly enjoyed.
Our entrees were Pork Adobo, Grilled Milk Fish, and Manok Sa Gata (Chicken with Coconut Milk and Ginger) all served with steamed White Rice.
The Pork Adobo was succulent! It was served in a zesty, dark, rich sauce with a strong flavor of ripe tomatoes. It was really delicious and the generous portion appreciated.
Manok Sa Gata was next to be sampled and it did not disappoint either. It had a rich but not too heavy creamy sauce with spinach, ginger and potatoes.
Then, the star of the night arrived... The Grilled Milk Fish (A Filipino tradition) was served wrapped in a Banana Leaf with a pickled Bitter Melon Salad. Yvette unwrapped it and gently sliced it down the middle to reveal the vegetable stuffing on the inside of the boned fish. It was delicious. Mild in flavor but delivering a satisfying punch when paired with the Bitter Melon (which stole the show with my dad and sister).
During the meal, we were made to feel extremely comfortable and welcomed. We laughed and were merry.
Our desert of choice was Halo Halo, a melting pot of goodness. At first we were a bit skeptical, after hearing the ingredients of Sweet Banana, Beans, Taro, Coconut, Ice-Cream, Cream and Shaved Ice but the final product was the perfect way to end the night. It was sweet but smooth even with the Shaved Ice. We were instructed to mix it all together and that we did to happy mouths and contented hearts.
Dinner at Tito Rads was thoroughly satisfying. The service was great, the food superb and the atmosphere welcoming. There's no doubt that we will be back to savor even more of the Filipino flavor that is Tito Rads Grill and Restaurant. We happily award an outstanding A to this establishment and urge you all to take a taste of the Filipino gem.
**There was the cutest baby at the table to our left, who could not get enough of her parent's Avocado Shake. She would protest every time the glass was moved across the table to her mom. Absolutely adorable :-)
