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Saturday, April 21, 2012

Left Coast Kitchen and Cocktails - Merrick


It’s difficult to say anything negative about Left Coast Kitchen and Cocktails in Merrick. This is a MUST dine at venue, Long Islanders! Its casual atmosphere, reasonable prices, extensive beer and drink list and uniquely tasty menu makes Left Coast Kitchen and Cocktails the perfect spot for a Friday night dinner with friends or the family.

I have been there twice already and cannot WAIT to go back. The menu is so enticing. During my first experience at Left Coast with Alex, we started off with the Pacific Beach Wedge Salad with pico de gallo, bacon, and avocado. We substituted the blue cheese dressing for a ranch dressing. The combination of the pico de gallo, bacon, and avocado was AMAZING. It was definitely a nice size portion to split for two.

For entrees, I was so intrigued by the Root Beer Glazed Pork Chop, I just had to order it. Good thing I did so, because it did NOT disappoint. This juicy, double cut chop was served with harvest yam, a rice salad and crispy onion rings.

Alex opted for the Steak Frites – an angus strip served with truffle home fries, watercress with demi-glace and horseradish cream. He RAVED about it. Even I, who typically refuses to order any type of steak from a “non-steak house,” must admit it was well seasoned and good for the quality/price. Still, I'd probably stick to some of the other dishes over this one (sorry Alex, don't yell at me!)

In subsequent weeks, I returned with my extended family and thus, can proudly say I have sampled most of the menu. Here’s some fast MUST ORDER tips… The Buffalo Turkey Wings are MASSIVE and out of this world!
However, ask for extra blue cheese, they were pretty cheap on the initial portion. The Baja Style Mahi Mahi Tacos are a great appetizer to split.
For dessert, you cannot leave without ordering the Tower of Power! – A larger tower of everything from cupcakes, brownies and cookies galore! It's a GREAT bang for your buck!

Ok, so there must be a few critiques, right? Parking is ROUGH. You definitely have to use their valet service, which is a bit frustrating. Furthermore, the restaurant is tiny, so be certain to make a reservation to play it safe. Left Coast Kitchen is unfortunately not on Opentable (they really need to be). Service was pretty good, but I’ve had a better… Especially my waitress with Alex, she could have checked in a few more times. My mom and aunt both ordered the Classic Lobster Roll, which is highlighted on the menu. However, they both agreed that it pales in comparison to Love Lane Kitchen's Lobster Roll, which is located on Love Lane in Mattituck. Overall, Left Coast Kitchen and Cocktails receives a solid 4.5 out of 5 Mints on the Dinner Mint Scale.
Left Coast Kitchen & Cocktails on Urbanspoon

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