There’s a new restaurant in Metuchen offering a Chinese-inspired New American fine dining experience. The Ram & Rooster may not sound like a Chinese restaurant, but the name has deep cultural significance to Owner and Executive Chef Sean Yan.
Specifically, the two animals are his parents’ Chinese zodiac symbols. His mother is the “Ram” and his father is the “Rooster”. The 1,900-square foot space occupies two floors and seats 36 guests. One floor has a chef’s counter that peers into the kitchen. The charcoal gray restaurant has a “modern elegant vibe with warm walnut wood and dark blue and gold accents.”
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A Fine Dining Fusion
The Ram & Rooster is a far cry from a neighborhood Chinese takeout spot. In fact, Sean says it’s a myth that Chinese food is fast, inexpensive, and greasy fare. Instead, the restaurant serves a $128, prix fixe, eight-course tasting menu. Each dish mixes his parents’ culture with his fine-dining upbringing. They pair dishes with nonalcoholic beverages and teas, and are also BYOB.
So far, popular dishes include the corn wontons in black tea broth with local basil. Patrons also enjoy the Hokkaido scallop tempura with crab roe sauce and tofu. However, Sean’s favorite menu item is the grilled black bass with fermented sweet rice glaze and crying tiger sauce.
About the Owner
Sean is a New Jersey native who lives in Piscataway, with over 10 years of experience in the restaurant business. Both of his parents were born in China, and he visits his family there often. Prior to opening Ram & Rooster, he worked at numerous New Jersey restaurants. This includes Mistral in Princeton, Heirloom Kitchen in Old Bridge (as their pastry chef), and Lita in Aberdeen Township.
Ram & Rooster is his first restaurant as an owner, but he feels prepared for the role. “I’ve learned a lot about the ins and outs of how to operate a successful restaurant,” he says. Future plans include hosting collaboration dinners and special events.
Visit Ram & Rooster at 83 Central Ave in Metuchen. Look for them online to learn more.
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Ram & Rooster FAQs
Yes, they take reservations.
Yes, they have gluten-free options.
Ram & Rooster serves vegetarian dishes, yes.
They do not offer takeout, no.
No, they do not offer delivery.
No, but they are BYOB.
They do not offer a kids’ menu.
All Photos: © Lauren Beischer (Provided by Ram & Rooster)
