Far From Mexiwegian: Casa Ramos

Ah, Thanksgiving. Succulent, juicy turkeys, savory stuffing and tangy cranberry sauce adorn every table. We stuff ourselves full of food until we’re comatose, pop that first button on our collective Levi’s and kick back in the La-Z-Boy for a football game that most of us will sleep all the way through.
What better time to write about Mexican food, right?
Casa Ramos, one of the only non-Mexiwegian restaurants in Fargo, took over the old Hooters building in July, much to the chagrin of those of us with a predilection for spicy wings and large breasts. Fortunately, for the spice-lovers in any case, Casa Ramos is not afraid to bring the heat. I was pleasantly surprised to find that their salsa, which to me is the biggest indicator of a Mexican restaurant’s authenticity, was not only chock full of vegetables but had a real kick to it as well.
Add to that an extensive menu which runs from $6-$12 for an entrée, some of the most bizarre and colorful interior design I’ve ever seen, Mexican karaoke covers of “Achy Breaky Heart” and “My Heart Will go On” and an extensive list of Mexican beers: Casa Ramos has the food and the atmosphere down.
Our server, Manny, definitely added to the ambience as well, speaking to us in a mixture of English and Spanish 101 phrases made our dining experience both educational and delicious. Unfortunately, I was unable to sample their myriad array of tequilas and margueritas. I guess this means I’ll have to go back.
All kidding aside, I think Thanksgiving is a great time to write about a Mexican restaurant. Not only are a majority of Casa Ramos’ entrees big enough to induce a Thanksgiving-esque food coma, but the true spirit of Thanksgiving is an exchange of culture through cuisine. It is about the recognition of those who are different from us as our neighbors, and understanding that no matter what culture one comes from, we all love to stuff our faces and pass out.
The original Thanksgiving was a moment where native Americans welcomed immigrants with a show of brotherhood and cultural exchange (although, just what the Pilgrims brought to the table other than starvation and funny hats with buckles on them is anyone’s guess) and helped each other prosper. Bringing a fresh infusion of outside culture into a community enriches it in ways that no one could expect. Who could have anticipated sushi with cream cheese, spicy curry wings or the potato olé? And yet, are we not richer now that they exist?
I am convinced by the size of the burritos at Casa Ramos that on a base level most of us share a love of eating entirely too much food. Just as Squanto and the Wampanoag tribe welcomed the immigrating Pilgrims into their community, so should we integrate Casa Ramos into ours, sharing our respective traditions of overeating, drinking beer and falling asleep with our pants undone.

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INFO:

What: Casa Ramos
Where: 1649 38th St S, Fargo
When: Every day, 11 am - 10 pm
More info: 701.281.1033