Time To Tango (Grill)

Another local restaurant has made   The criteria for said list?  Kid friendly.  Upscale.  Chelmsford.

My family has been to Tango Grill Cafe before, and I’m sure many of you are familiar with their famous breakfast menu, but this time we were on location for a charity event hosted by , with all proceeds going to Table of Plenty.  The event was billed around an open house so residents could meet the new owner, Aric Beck, and sample some of his new additions to the menu.  Add in wine tasting from his new wine menu, a great atmosphere, a TV so I could keep one eye on the 24/7 Bruins coverage, and my wife all but had to drag me out of there kicking and screaming at the end of the night.

For those familiar with Tango Grill before Aric took over ownership in December, you will find that many of your favorites are still on the menu.  Empanadas, chorizo, and paella are still options, while North American entrees and sandwiches were added into the mix.  Aric also tapped into his Pennsylvanian roots and offers up a very unique and mouth watering Philly spring roll appetizer along with a Philly cheese steak option on the sandwich menu.

Some other standouts from the open house were the eggplant rollatini stuffed with goat cheese and topped with capers and tomatoes; chicken, cheese, and beef empanadas with this unreal cilantro dipping sauce; fresh tomato and fresh mozzarella (infused with basil and made in house) drizzled with balsamic vinegar; tender calamari with red pepper remoulade; and seafood paella to die for.

Another new addition by Aric is the expanded dinner hours.  The “old” Tango Grill was only open for dinner on Fridays and Saturday, but now they are open Tuesday thru Saturday from 5pm to 9:30pm.

Something else Tango provides, in my opinion, is consistent with a big movement in town being called - Choose Chelmsford.  While I applaud, support, and agree with the efforts of this growing force, I'd like to see the same attention given to a new business owner trying to put his restaurant on the map.  Free food and free wine on a Thursday night in exchange for a small donation to a local charity should have resulted in a line out Aric’s door, but unfortunately that was not the case.

Rarely do I get preachy as most of the time I’m confused and overwhelmed, but in this case I have to wonder if Choosing Chelmsford is only en vogue when the topic is divisive.

I spent a few hours with the previous owners of Tango Grill on assignment from the Economic Development Commission and learned a lot about the location of this small plaza.  Designated as a historic building, and located at the corner of a busy intersection, business owners here are constantly struggling for attention.  No neon lights, no flags, and no wacky armed inflatable tube men are allowed.

The end result is an Italian Chef statue standing out in front of a South American restaurant with a small sign in his hand.

But, instead of fighting City Hall, I've found out that it's much more rewarding to rally the troops and fight for a cause you believe in through support and positivity.

Chelmsford, I know you like fine food and dining out as I see it all the time when I drive past Fishbones and the place at capacity 24/7.  I can't imagine the location of Tango Grill is that much of a barrier to overcome.  There is plenty of parking on the side and rear of the building, and they even boast a few outdoor tables for your pleasure.

The food is great, the wine is great, the staff is great, it’s kid friendly, it's local, and it's worth your support.

As we pick up the flag for Choosing Chelmsford this summer, please add Tango Grill to your list and let's establish another hot spot for dining out in the center of town.

See you there.

'Brad the Dad' is a parent columnist and can be reached at bradmarmo@gmail.com.  Follow him on Facebook or Twitter @readbradthedad.