GREAT EATS HAWAII: TONY P'S DOCKSIDE GRILL

TONY P'S DOCKSIDE GRILL

MARINA DEL REY, CALIFORNIA

We had a group of seven people looking for a meal on a Friday night in Los Angeles. It was around 7:00 pm and the wait at The Cheesecake Factory was 90 minutes. We called Tony P's Dockside Grill from our cell phone and they said they could accommodate us in around 20 minutes. Tony P's it is we said. We arrived to find the place pretty busy with the bar area filled to capacity. The bar area is pretty cool. It is set up kind of like a sports book in Las Vegas. Long tables in front with high tops in the back. All face the bar and a huge array of flat screen t.v.s playing sports. The restaurant area is separated nicely from the loud bar and has indoor and outdoor seating. We were seated quickly outside overlooking the marina. The patio was enclosed with space heaters heating the area. Our waiter was top notch and went out of his way to accommodate by Nephew Robbie who had his jaw wired shut. All his food needed to be blended so he could drink it through a straw. The waiter said "no probelm" and worked with the kitchen to pull off some great food drinks for Robbie. We started with a bunch of appetizers. Tony P's Famous Onion Rings ($7.50). This is a gigantic pile of paper thin sweet onions that are marinated, seasoned and fried. Wow....these were good and a bargain. The Seafood "Guac" Tail ($8.50) was a huge mixture of chopped Florida Rock Shrimp, Blue Crab Meat, Pico De Gallo, Chopped Avocado and Lime. Served with warm corn tortilla chips. Wow again. Another tasty bargain. The Fried Clams ($7.50) was another bargain but there were far more french fries on the plate and not too many clams. The Edamame ($5) was drenched in Sesame Oil which kind of ruined the natural flavor of the beans. The Ahi Sliders ($11) was another Wow dish. You get 8 crisp wonton skins topped with fresh Ahi Tuna and topped with spicy vegetables and wasabi aioli. This would be $20 in Hawaii. I absolutely loved the Ahi Sliders. DELICIOUS!!!! The Not Your Usual House Salad was around $5 for a half portion. The half portion was huge and also super good. We tried a full pound of Alaskan King Crab Legs ($39.95). They cut the crab in half so it is easy to eat. Sweet and delicious. The Crab is served with a Baked Potato and Vegetables. Another great deal. The Wedge Salad was good but not great. The House Smoked BBQ Chicken ($14.50) was a nice portion of chicken served with smoked beans with onions and jalapenos, cole slaw and fries. The Grilled Shrimp Platter ($16.95) was a large plate of grilled shrimp topped with a light citrus bur blanc sauce. There was also a large salad topped with chicken I think. I really liked Tony P's. The service was outstanding. The food was good. Really liked the appetizers and their affordable prices.