The Oceanaire Seafood Room
This entry was posted on 2/11/2007 3:18 PM and is filed under Seafood, Casual Chic - Jeans Allowed.
We dropped by one Thursday evening, without a reservation, and were a little surprised to find a wait. You never know how a national chain located in the Galleria (formerly the Lord & Taylor space) will fare. The bar is very pleasant and the bartenderess couldn't have been more accomodating, letting us sample the wine. You can eat at the bar, which sits right next to the oyster bar.
The restaurant's decor and menu style reminds you of a steakhouse focusing on seafood. There isn't much of a nautical theme, just white tableclothes and a sleak wood and brass motif. There are a couple retro touches -- oyster crackers on the table and a gratis relish tray with celery, carrots, peppers, and pickled herring.
The menu has alot of choices, with everything ordered separately. The menu appears to be printed daily, with the available fresh fish and seafood noted at the top. We started with the calamari (of course), which we had heard was wonderful. It lives up to to its billing -- crispy with a tasty crust, tossed with peppers. We liked the remoulade sauce much better than the pickapeppa goo.
After the calamari, we didn't have room for entrees. So, we tried a selection of oysters and the tuna tartare tower. Not being oyster afficianados, particularly of the Northeast variety, we can't recall all we tried, but they were very good and fresh, particularly the ones from Nova Scotia. The tuna tartare was also very fresh, with a nice spicy flavor, in a healthy portion. As a side order, we couldn't resist the truffled mac and cheese -- just as decadent as it sounds. The service was quite accomodating, from the hostesses to the busboy. Our water glasses were filled regularly.
This isn't a place for casual dining. The prices are comparable to other upscale restaurants. And don't expect a hip crowd or pulsating dance music. At least on a weeknight, there was a business crowd. But we could actually hear ourselves talk. And there were a number of items we'd like to try, so we'll be back.
5061 Westheimer Road
832/487-8862
http://www.theoceanaire.com/
