LB Food Review

Kavikas Grill and Bar – Online Menu
95 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 432-8700‎
Make Reservations Online

A new restaurant called Kavikas Grill & Bar had its grand opening a few weeks ago at 95 Aquarium Way (next to Mai Tai Bar).  But before they opened their doors to the public, they invited some other businesses around them to enjoy complimentary food and drinks.  That means FREE!  And that is the end-all-be-all of persuasive phrases for a starving student like me.

Now, to start off my deliciously free dinner I ordered Kavikas’ signature Kalua Pork Sliders.  These Hawaiian sweet bread mini-sandwiches came packed with oven-roasted pork topped with Hawaiian barbecue sauce.  They added caramelized onions, shredded cabbage, smoked Gouda cheese, and grilled fresh pineapples that really complimented the pork’s juices and smoky flavor.

As far as mini burgers go I usually like mine medium rare with the bun’s main job being to soak up the beef’s blood.  These little guys provided a nice change of pace from the artery-cloggers I’m used to.  The pulled pork was juicy and the pineapples were sweet and wonderfully roasted.

My good friend, Arielle, who accompanied me, ordered Kavikas’ seasoned house fries, basically a fancy way of saying garlic fries.  This was the appetizer the restaurant boasted the most, even marking it on the menu as, “Absolutely Delicious and A Must Try!”, so we did.  They served up fresh cut fries tossed in Parmesan cheese, roasted garlic and shallots, which were very similar to what you would get at Le Creperie or other tasty spots.

I grew up in Hollister, CA (not the store, the town…jerk.), and it’s located about a half-hour away from Gilroy, the Garlic Capital of the World.  Yes, the World (notice the caps for emphasis).  So, I’ve had more garlic in my twenty-some years than most will have in their lifetime.  I’ve had garlic on things that should never have garlic put on them.  Have you ever had garlic ice cream??  It’s disgusting.  But I digress.

The fries were good – Arielle liked them more than I – but very light on the garlic.  So if you’re timid with strong flavors and usually steer clear of Pac Bell Park fries (this publication refuses to acknowledge all the telecom name changes) then go ahead and try ‘em.   But if you’re like me and want some serious flavor with your potato sticks, follow me to the Central Valley.

Next was the main course.   My lovely date ordered a Tangerine-Mirin glazed salmon, which was amazingly delectable.  It was served with Yukon gold garlic mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.  The salmon was mouthwateringly light, charbroiled and garnished with scallions and garlic.  The glaze was sweet and with a faint taste of citrus, yet it was not overpowering; it complimented the natural flavor of the salmon very nicely.  I thought that they did a very good job on this dish.

My dinner was Pomodoro Capellini angel hair pasta.  Kavikas added tomato, Cremini mushroom (which is like an underdeveloped Portobello mushroom; more delicate in texture but still has that meaty Portobello flavor), garlic, shallots, bell peppers, and Parmesan cheese.  The mushrooms were a tasty touch, but I wanted more bell pepper.  I would have also liked them crisper, but in all the pasta was good.   It was thoughtfully presented and the smell alone was almost enough to appease my appetite.

Kavikas is a great restaurant with rustic interior, a glass fireplace built into the wall, and a good sized bar.  The lighting is dim and intimate, so it’s not exactly a place I’d go with all my fraternity brothers for a beer and a burger.   But, if you got a date and you feel like trying to impress her I would definitely consider Kavikas down at the Pike.

–Matt Palafox