Loading ...LaBan Reviews The Oceanaire
Posted by Foobooz on April 30th, 2007
Craig LaBan boards the Oceanaire Seafood Room for a meal basking in the retro vibe of grand old cruise ship.
And despite a “de-bell-able” offense with the lobster, LaBan finds the staff is hitting its stride with its more modern dishes.
The Oceanaire aims to serve it both ways, with a dual-concept menu that nods to unadorned chowder-house standbys, but also presents numerous dishes inspired by a considerably more contemporary feel. And it has a swimming chance with a chef like Anthony Bonett, a Striped Bass and Tony Clark alum who made his lasting lead-chef impression as a modernist at Opus 251.
One gets a quick sense of his skill with a dish like his almond-crusted halibut, a thick slice of luscious Alaskan fish posed over a zesty white gazpacho made from blended cucumbers and romaine. A sliced asparagus and roasted marcona-almond salad on top lends the final Spanish touch. A seared scallop special was equally stunning, the juicy white rounds paired with lentils and bittersweet candied kumquats scented with orange and cardamom.
Two Bells – Very Good
The Oceanaire [Philadelphia Inquirer]
The Oceanaire Seafood Room [Official Site]
Related Tags: Center-City-East, Craig-LaBan, Oceanaire, Reviewed, Seafood
January 27th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Went there….service was poor…and they where not even busy..the salads came out by twos…with time in between….the coffee came out 15 minutes after the desertand never even offered refills….food bland….though a pretty room but….not worth the time and $$$.