Post your September 2017 Weekend here.
We started with…
Connie & Ted’s
This weather feels like the perfect time for some chilled seafood. I really appreciate the variety and selection Chef Michael Cimarusti & company offer on any given day.
Ginger (Housemade Ginger Syrup, Lime, Soda):
While their “Ginger” is also a fantastic Cocktail, you can order it virgin, and it makes for a refreshing, cool drink to start the day. Connie & Ted’s actually grinds up Ginger and makes this Ginger Syrup from scratch (so it’s not just mass-produced Ginger Beer or something). Excellent!
Rhode Island Coffee Milk (The Official State Drink of Rhode Island, with Selvarey Cacao Infused Rum):
This was a nicely balanced drink, deep Coffee flavor, sweetened and lightly creamy.
A Dozen Fresh Raw Oysters (King Caesar (MA), Clevedon (NZ), Cali Rock (CA), Beau Soleil (NB), Glidden Point (ME), Sweet Grass (PEI)):
Fantastic! Connie & Ted’s continues to serve some of the freshest, most interesting varieties of Oysters around town. As before, their shucking is also great (no random shards of Oyster shell).
My favorites were the Beau Soleil (New Brunswick), which were so briny and meaty, and the Sweet Grass (Prince Edward Island).
Clam Chowder - Rhode Island Clear:
I love all 3 varieties of Connie & Ted’s Chowders, but I think when their Rhode Island Clear is on point, it’s definitely my favorite. True to its name, it’s relatively clear, broth-like, with some porkiness from the Ham / Backfat, and light brininess from the Clams.
Hokkaido Dog (Hokkaido Scallop Sausage, Onions, Smoked Mustard):
I finally remembered to order this recommendation from @beefnoguy, and it looks like it’s back on the Specials Menu.
This is really unique: It looks like a Hot Dog, but when you bite into it, it gives way to a super tender, delicate mouthful of Hokkaido Scallops (no filler).
It’s delicious, but maybe it’s too soft in some ways… mentally I was prepared for some snap in the casing and a “Hot Dog” of some sort? But after moving away from that thinking, it was just a tasty way to enjoy Hokkaido Scallops.
Potato Salad:
I had to order this for @bulavinaka. This is a creamy, classic tasting version of Potato Salad, nice and chilled and delicious.
Wilted Spinach (No Bacon):
We had to get some greens in here somehow. I love their Wilted Spinach (ordered with No Bacon). For QPR it’s pretty good, considering how much Spinach shrinks down when cooked, this is easily 2 - 3 bundles of Spinach cooked down in this serving.
Joanne’s Fish & Chips (Batter-Dipped Cod, Tartar Sauce & Chips):
At this point, Connie & Ted’s version of Fish & Chips are our favorite version in L.A. Crispy, light batter. Not too oily, perfectly cooked Cod within, moist and flaky. Not overseasoned. It’s just everything you want from a great Fish & Chips.
Fries:
We’ve been really paying attention to the Fries we’ve been getting at various places this past year, and after the 7th - 8th visit(?), Connie & Ted’s Fries are not to be missed. Seriously some of the best Fries in L.A.!
It’s double-fried, has that great crunch to the exterior yielding a fluffy potatoey interior. And it’s always cooked to order (piping hot). So good!
Connie & Ted’s remains that great, relaxing place to while away a Brunch / Lunch (or Dinner). Chef Michael Cimarusti’s devotion to getting sustainable seafood and just his love of seafood in general is on display here.
Connie & Ted’s
8171 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
Tel: (323) 848-2722