Coastal's the new concept at the Atlantic Hotel & Spa

I always think it's great when a restaurant gets a makeover, decor, menu and sometimes even the name. That's what they've done with Coastal, the new restaurant concept at the Atlantic Hotel & Spa in Fort Lauderdale.The location couldn't be better, right on A1A across from the beach with a bar that greets you as you walk in and then a cozy, well-laid out restaurant with a casual atmosphere.The Italian-inspired Mediterranean menu was conceptualized by Executive Chef Rocco.On a recent visit, my friend Monica and I met there and enjoyed a delicious meal.We started off with the fire-roasted chicken wings with herbs parmesan and garlic chips. They were tender and perfect as a starter. And we couldn't pass up the opportunity to try the signature meatball made the traditional Italian way with pork, veal and beef topped with San Marzano red sauce and fresh ricotta. Moist and packed with flavor is the perfect description for this meatball.Then it was on to the entrees. Monica opted for the linguine a la vongole with little neck clams in olive oil, white wine and garlic with a sprinkling of fresh parsley which gave it a nice pop of color and freshness. I chose to try the chicken milanese, a thin chicken cutlet lightly breaded and topped with a generous portion of peppery arugula, parmesan cheese, tomato and shaved onion. Let's just say we took some of each home, the portions were quite generous.As a final treat, you can't go wrong with chocolate or mousse so why not do both, which is why we ordered the chocolate mousse cake served with two scoops of hazelnut gelato and sauce anglaise. Heaven, pure smooth chocolate heaven and a lovely presentation too.And this is just dinner, they serve a full breakfast menu Monday- Saturday from 7-11:30 a.m. and Sunday 7-10:30 a.m. and the options look just as scrumptious.Coastal at The Atlantic Hotel & Spa, 601 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., (954) 567-8020 http://www.eatcoastal.com