Recently transplanted from Seattle to Baltimore, I like to consider myself somewhat of a seafood connoisseur with a delight for trying new things and definitely a nose for fresh fish! For precisely these reasons, I thoroughly enjoyed eating at the Oceanaire last Wednesday.
Definitely ask for our server, Jackie ? she made us feel like we were the most important people there! She was very helpful in guiding us through the menu ? 4 of us ? instructing us not to over do it, especially since we planned to the next day. We split 2 appetizers: 8 oysters for the table (a tour of CT, MA, and PEI plus 2 she liked from Australia), and the red chili calamari. The oysters were great ? we had the saltiness and the sweet. They didn?t need the cocktail or minuette sauces but those helped the less daring. The calamari must be one of their best dishes ? a heaping plate of tender (not chewy!) and lightly breaded calamari with a great kick of spice in the sauce and bed of veggie slaw.
For dinner, we chose to share 3 entrees, promising ourselves we?d be back to try other specials soon. The signature blue crab cakes: (I had to compare them to our Alaskan King and Dungeness crabs.) They were two huge mounds of lump crab meat and hardly any breading. We were all unbelievably happy. Bigeye Tuna (sashimi style): There were two other options offered with different sauces but we wanted to know if this fish was actually flown in fresh as promised. Wow ? it was like butter melting your mouth! The Arctic Char: Not only a wonderful, fatty and juicy (almost salmon-like) fish but the presentation blew us away. It had been flash fried, and Jackie brings out this whole fish and then debones it at the table. She?s got skills! The fish was amazing and then with a little crunch from the crispy skin ? oh my gosh, so delicious!
PS - Go see Chattin at the bar if you need a break from your inlaws or just want some good company! He makes a mean Manhattan that puts you in just the right frame of mind.
Pros: Unbelievable seafood, attentive and friendly service, happy ambience, sleek/retro feel
Cons: Not really a con - just know how to make the most of your budget
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