Ocean Restaurant: WOW!!

I am in love with Ocean. Everything about this restaurant is appealing and alluringly hedonistic. The fact that we dined there on a very snowy night when most right-minded Denverites were smart enough to hang by the fire and order pizza made its cool, flowing interior all the more appealing.

The restaurant is divided into sections, each with its own architectural features. No bland, ventilation duck encroached ceiling here. Above us was an arched and vaulted ceiling, smooth and tinted like a tropical sky. From it hung curvaceous lights that floated like balloons. For private dining they have the Captains’ Room with a large table, seating for twelve, a window on Cherry Creek and a looming painting of a pirate in red.

I ordered a nice Oban that came in a mind-numbing grog sized portion. I do hate paying ten dollars or more for something I can swallow in one gulp. The golden liquid warmed my throat instantly and made me forget about the subzero temperatures outside.

The amuse bouche was a small wonton wrapped in a delectable sweet and spicy sauce. The bread was crusty and either French or raisin. The table shared a seared ahi tuna appetizer and some spicy miniature lobster tacos. The menu was so vast we had a hard time deciding what to order. It is also al a carte, so you need to consider your vegetable accompaniments as well. Two of us ordered the macadamia-encrusted ono that came with a tangy bell pepper and red lettuce salad, one the seared scallops in a plum port reduction, and another the salmon. For sides we tried the lobster mac and cheese, baby carrots, risotto, double baked potato, and asparagus. By far the best entrée was the scallops. I am not sure the Lobster Mac was worth the $15 price tag but it was fun to indulge none-the-less. Dessert was a chocolate cake, a passion fruit sorbet, and a strawberry and whipped cream pound cake. In all the flavors were varied, distinct and complimentary and the presentation appealing. A blissful experience I long to repeat.

On a final note, the service was fine but not sophisticated and the valet parking was convenient but expensive.