CONNIE AND TED'S (West Hollywood, CA)

Connie and Ted's
8171 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
www.connieandteds.com
323.848.CRAB
$$$ ($30-$45)
Tues, 08/08/2014, 7:30pm reservation
    (4 Piglets)

Situated on what seemingly resembles a hangar on bustling Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood is Michael Cimarusti's seafood restaurant (yes, that chef from the luxurious 2 Michelin star restaurant Providence in Los Angeles). The restaurant boasts a little bit casual with a little bit of New England flare. The large bar/counter area accomodates those without reservations and offers a look into their fresh seafood display. If you're lucky, you can see one of the guys shucking away at the mouthwatering oysters.

RHODE ISLAND CLEAR ($9.00 BOWL):The bowl was hot that it burned my tongue. It definitely hit the spot if you're in for a taste of fresh clams in a light broth on a cold winter night, or in my case, a hot summer night in LA.

GRILLED CALAMARI ($12.00): The calamari did not have that rubber-like texture found in many that are grilled. It was actually cooked with just a bit of chewiness and sweetness provided by the San Marzano tomatoes. The garlic breadcrumbs rounded out the dish to give the dish the crunchiness it desperately needed.

HOT LOBSTER ROLL ($26.00): Imagine a perfect amount of cooked lobster with hot drawn butter sandwiched between two pieces of perfectly toasted buttered bread. This was exactly what I found in this dish. It had the right amount of lobster to bread ratio and to top it off, fries. You have the option of having the lobster with cold mayonnaise and a side of cole slaw, but I prefer my dishes hot! I feel you can taste the lobster better this way. Just sayin...!

BLONDIE ($9.00): My favorite dish. No matter how full you are, order this dish. You won't regret it. It's that dessert that's supposed to be a brownie but without the chocolate. This dish oozes warm goodness provided by the warm blondie (made in-house) and salted caramel sauce. If you need something to cool it down, don't worry; a scoop of vanilla ice cream (also made in-house) is served.

Overall, from the starters to the main dish, to the dessert, this place is worth a try.