By Auburn Scallon

Upon entering Ocean Grill (384 Columbus Ave at 78th Street) one is overcome with an incredible feeling of tranquility and elegance.  Ascending the dark mahogany staircase surrounded by cream-colored walls, the hustle and bustle of the outside world seems to disappear.

The dining area has a cozy feeling, with soft candlelight supplementing the natural light as the sun makes its descent below the horizon. Every inch of wall space in the dining room is covered with framed black and white photographs of beach scenes, making you feel as comfortable as if you had just stepped in to your own seaside cottage after a dip in the ocean. The music was the perfect blend of energetic and relaxing, as if Enya went into the recording studio after drinking a double espresso.

Our server appeared promptly to enthusiastically describe the specials and offer us a drink, maintaining a polite and professional demeanor that left us feeling we were in good hands. We began dinner with one of the signature cocktails, the Vespa, a delightfully green blend of gin, lillet, and cucumber water with a sea salted rim. While it may sound light, this martini packs a powerful punch of flavor, allowing it to be sipped and enjoyed slowly throughout the meal.

The Vespa provided a fine accompaniment to the milder flavor of a Maine Lobster and Shrimp Ceviche tossed with peaches, pablano peppers, and pistachio oil. Presented alone, this appetizer was devoured quickly, and the basket of fresh bread was used to scoop up any leftovers.

Our next course was the Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese & Roasted Beet Salad. The thinly sliced red and gold beets were served with baby greens and grape tomatoes tossed in just enough sour cherry dressing, and topped with a generous goat cheese medallion, my main inspiration for choosing the salad. The combination of tart and fruit flavors with the creamy texture was sensational, and had me worried about saving enough room for the main course.

Luckily, my Crabmeat Crusted Mahi Mahi rejuvenated my hearty appetite. Garnished with shaved carrot and parmesan and laid over coconut-pineapple rice, the flavorful foam sauce and delicately soft fish had me struggling to lay down my fork. Even non-seafood fans can enjoy the faire. My date was completely satisfied with a hearty 14 oz. Ribeye served with charcoal grilled asparagus and roasted fingerling potatoes, topped with a spicy chimichuri sauce.

No good meal is complete without dessert, and the Strawberry Shortcake with fresh, ripe strawberries, vanilla ice cream, and crisp shortbread cookies did not disappoint. Neither did the rich cappuccino topped with cinnamon that was served alongside.

With a menu full of grilled seafood dishes, sushi and sashimi, a raw bar of local and imported shellfish, and delectable meats, Ocean Grill’s menu should satisfy any palette. Open for lunch, brunch and dinner, with prix-fix menus for afternoons and pre-theater dining and both indoor and outdoor seating, diners will leave so satisfied they will even overlook being nowhere near an ocean.

Ocean Grill
Type of food: Seafood
384 Columbus Ave
New York, NY 10024
212-579-2300
www.brguestrestaurants.com/restaurants/ocean_grill/index.php

Romantic—4                              Child Friendly–2
Girls’ Night Out—4                   Solo Dining—3
Business Dining—3                   Visitors Welcome—4
Dress Code—Business               Budget—Expensive
Casual