Food

Inside Connie and Ted’s in West Hollywood

One of Southern California’s most talented chefs opens a clam shack.

A calamari starter is carefully grilled. It's good too with the restaurant's herb crust.

A calamari starter is carefully grilled. It’s good too with the restaurant’s herb crust.   (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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Connie and Ted's restaurant

The New England-style seafood restaurant from former Providence chef Michael Cimarusti has a raw bar.   (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Steamers

Steamers are clams served with drawn butter and clam broth.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Connie and Ted's restaurant

Cimarusti’s restaurant reflects his Rhode Island upbringing.   (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Connie and Ted's restaurant

The cocktail list includes a drink made with coffee milk, Rhode Island’s favorite refreshment.   (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Connie & Ted's restaurant

Fresh oysters are featured on Connie & Ted’s menu, such as Sweet Petites, Naked Cowboys, Kumamotos and a dozen other kinds.   (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Wild white Mexican shrimp

White Mexican shrimp is marinated and grilled.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Lobster roll

The lobster roll can be served hot or cold with mayo. Connie and Ted’s lobster roll is basically lobster and mayo on bread.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Connie and Ted's restaurant

The restaurant is at 8171 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Connie and Ted's restaurant

Manager and owner Donato Poto greets a table of customers. The atmosphere reflects the relaxed attitude of a Rhode Island clam bake.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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