MONSTER CRAB

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST LITTLE DINNER PARTIES BY GAIL GERSON OF www.winedineandleisuretime.com SUMPTUOUS SEAFOOD & DAZZLING COMBOS DRAW RAVES FROM CRITICS OF BAYSIDE NY “ZAGAT - Tom Chen’s drive for “fresh” & “top quality seafood” along with the developmen

By Gail Gerson

Congratulations to owner Tom Chen for this much applauded eatery, open since November, of 2022. This new arrival translates into style, casual elegance, luxurious appointments, delicious cuisine, while taking the diner on a seafood culinary adventure & to new cuisine heights. Monster pulsates with the rhythm & energy of the sea & is so perfect for that important event with their iconic lunch & dinner parties. The drinks like my amazing LYCHEE-TINI, & the fine tasting PEAR APPLE TINI ($12), along with their homemade ALCOHOL FREE LEMONADE were an instant hit. The menu includes masterful appetizers such as the FRIED CRAB BALLS ($16), the HUSH PUPPIES (10 pcs @ $5) & the FRIED OYSTERS (6pcs $11) & more, which can be accompanied by a superb wine choice. BASKETS I recommend are the FRIED ALASKAN COD & the FRIED TILAPIA (all with fries $14). The PO’ BOYS such as the flavorsome SOFT SHELL CRAB, CATFISH ($14) & CHICKEN ($13), that come with Clam Chowder or Lobster Bisque & fries are great selections. I will definitely take advantage of the SNOW CRAB SPECIAL & KING CRAB SPECIAL PARTY TRAYS for my upcoming pool parties. Our researchers were very impressed with the PICK YOUR CATCH option. Served in a steaming bag, you choose your seasoning, your spice level, your sauce & also get corn & potatoes. From DUNGENESS CRAB, to KING CRAB LEGS, to SCALLOPS, BLUE CRAB & more, this is the best deal on the planet. Weekly specials such as Monday’s BUY 1 pound of SHRIMP & get I pound free, are unmatched. Other menu choices to look for are THE MONSTER COMBOS from $34, that will surely tickle your taste buds. The pleasing décor, & professional service, invites you to linger, indulge in good conversation, good food & good wine. Every dish tasted was above average in quality, quantity, aroma & flavor. This should be on your “Must Try” list. GAIL SAYS “GO”.

The writer Gail & Host-owner Tom show the spectacular SEAFOOD BOIL with SNOW CRAB LEGS, LOBSTER TAILS, SHRIMP w. HEAD OFF, CRAWFISH, BLACK MUSSELS, CORN & POTATOES. (You pick your sauce & spice level)

GAIL adored the CLAMS & SOFTSHELL CRAB. LEN’S fav the STEAMED OYSTERS w. Lemon pepper & Garlic butter that are Cajun style ($16) & LIANNE chose the sumptuous LOBSTER ROLL ($24) & the SHRIMP COCKTAIL ($12) to recommend.

Margo, the Russian reporter & Abby, the Filipino reporter, love Tom’s luscious FRIED CALAMARI ($12), FRIED OYSTERS ($11) & FRIED CHICKEN WINGS ($10).

Margo’s fav the FRIED OYSTERS

Alyssa loved the desserts