 |
| The stars of the show -- Chef Rodrigo and family |
R&R had to close today and November 14 to accommodate the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives crew, but the owner Rodrigo Albarran-Torres was allowed to invite a few people to appear as customers. I was honored to get the nod, and I had a great time even though I had to leave while the cameras were still working inside with Rodrigo, Fieri and his guest Joe Theismann.
This was fun like I had fun on a fishing trip where we caught nothing. The sun was beautiful. I talked to the folks behind the Strobist blog and Southern Skies Coffee Roasters. I also chatted with Alberto Flores, who left the first comment about R&R two years ago. (Alberto and his wife recommended a new dish at another spot for me to try -- which set Rodrigo teasing them that they were helping the competition.)We watched Fieri and Theismann film a little piece with the show's signature Camaro at the Shell station's pumps. My favorite moment was watching the two celebrities pose together so that they could each have someone snap a photo with their personal cell phones. Then we stood around talking until I had to go back to work. The crew is subtle enough people had no idea they were filming a show. People kept trying to walk into the restaurant, and a guy had to walk over and explain why the doors were locked.
Let me know when anyone hears when DD&D will air the R&R episode. I'd love to update. This couldn't happen to a nicer guy -- or for better food. This wasn't a PR event. It was bunch of people standing outside because they really like Rodrigo and R&R. Click here for all the posts about R&R and its delicious tacos, ceviche, agua fresco, etc.
Great chatting with you. Don'tcha know that they brought out lamb tacos for everyone only a few minutes after you left!
ReplyDeleteTheismann...? Was he in town to see what had become of his old place?
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the segment!
My boyfriend went in for lunch yesterday and Rodrigo asked him to come back for the shoot since he has been a loyal customer since the very beginning. He said he left the shoot uncomfortably full! I'm excited to see it air!
ReplyDeleteI feel like a awful Columbia resident that I haven't been there yet.
ReplyDeleteI remember the first post about, I've just never had a chance.....
We were there on the 12th and so glad it wasn't closed. We LOVE R&R. We got our usual Tacos Pastor and were sorry they didn't have horchada that day. We'd love to see the episode, so I hope someone posts.
ReplyDeleteugh I hate to be a naysayer, but I wasn't that impressed by the tacos, at least compared to ones I've had outside of MD. There were no toppings (like radishes, salsa etc) or sauces aside from a weird gelatinous hot sauce. The portions were small. The al pastor meat at least was seasoned well, but the steak meat was dry and bland. I still really like the spot though because of its cute divey atmosphere and the extremely pleasant and helpful service. But the food to me is a bit overhyped.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what's going on with R&R, but the past two times I have been there - and I've been a loyal customer for over a year and a half now - I have had subpar meals. Last week my chorizo tacos were burned, and both the chorizo and al pastor had very little meat in the them. My red salsa was essentially gelatinzed.
ReplyDeleteToday I went in at 1, and they had no al pastor meat. They also seemed really disorganized today.
I sincerely hope that these are only minor blips. My concern is that they will be focusing all their energy on their new White Marsh location and neglecting the Elkridge store. Let's hope that's not the case.
I spoke to Rodrigo last week and he said that Food Network would let him know a month before the episode airs. He said he would let everyone know via facebook. Great stuff!
ReplyDeleteJust a reminder that R&R will be on tonight's (Monday, 2/27) episode of Food Networks "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives"!
ReplyDelete