Oceana Grill

[Occasional Cook]

The Family, including five grandkids, 5-14 y/o, went restaurant hunting in the Quarter after touring the Insectarium two Saturdays ago. First stop was Bourbon house, but the wait for a table for nine at 4 PM was at least an hour, so we went across the street to the Redfish Grill; plenty of empty tables. Problem was, it is closes from 4-5 PM.

Daughter-in-law suggested Oceana Grill on Conti St. They put three four-tops together and the food was pretty much the same as I remembered it a few months after Katrina. Very reasonably priced ($12-$18 entree range).

I had the Redfish "Amer", which is a pan sautéed redfish filet. It was moist and fresh, topped with a mushroom and crawfish cream sauce. Pretty good. DIA had the crabmeat cakes (2) as an app, which were also fairly good. One granddaughter had the crawfish ettouffee, which was generous but subpar. Other kids had pasta dishes, burgers etc. I got out for around $160, which isn't bad after dropping c.$120 for tickets at the Insectarium.

The place had a neighborhood-Quarter atmosphere (ya know, a bit dumpy)and it looked like mostly locals were there for the 4-5:30 PM time that we were there.

My biggest complaint (same thing at Mr. Ed's on Live Oak yesterday) was that they had the cheap, flat, institutional (prison!) forks. But hey, Kid friendly and no complaints from the crew.

OC



http://www.oceanagrill.com/

[Blue Cross Sux]

Same owners run the kitchen at the Alpine on Chartres (?)

Nothing outstanding, by ANY means. But large portions, reasonably priced, in a good location.

They're a participant in a coupon related website called restaurant.com where you purchase a $25 coupon for $10. That's how I ended up there. Kind of a peculiar gimmick, but it does save you $15. Other participating restaurants are Vincent's, One, the Flaming Torch, and a few others that may surprise you.

[Oyster]

I like Romoulade, which is a casual offshoot of Arnauds'. The oyster apps come right out of Arnauds kitchen, and they have an oyster bar. Also, some regular menu items for the yanks and kids.

Walked by Oceana thousands of times, but never ducked in. Just something about it, I guess.

[Blue Cross Sux]

Walked by Oceana thousands of times, but never ducked in. Just something about it, I guess.

Your instincts are correct. The place has a real tourist trap vibe to it. I'm not recommending the place. But if you like the Alpine, you'll like Oceana. I believe it's close to the same menu. Some of the dishes even had the same name if I remember correctly.