Arthur N.
Yelp
On our way to Maine to visit relatives, my companion and I thought a stopover in the peaceful seaside village of Watch Hill, Rhode Island, with dinner at the famous Ocean House, might be the perfect start to our extended weekend.
While the hotel offers several dining possibilities, there is no question in my mind that Coast is their culinary chef d'oeuvre. My dining partner and I found their New England-inspired cuisine to be not only beautifully presented but also absolutely delicious. Throw in an award-winning wine list, friendly & personable service, picturesque view of the Atlantic Ocean, and a most satisfying evening at table awaits.
Be advised, however... What also awaits is a pretty hefty hit on your pocketbook, as our five-course prix-fixe Degustation Menu - with several choices included - was priced at $145.00 per person, plus beverages, tax & gratuity (there is also a similarly priced vegetarian menu). If you want to add the Reserve Wine Pairing, which I did, that will cost you an additional $125.00 per person (Grand Wine Pairing an additional $250.00 per person).
Definitely not what you would call a cheap date. That being said, however, in my opinion - and that of my companion as well - dinner here is well worth the expenditure.
Our first course was the Ninigret Pond Oyster "Pan Roast." Sourced from a local coastal lagoon that is linked to the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound, Ninigret Pond is home to several reliable oyster purveyors. I must confess that I have never been an enthusiastic fan of bivalves in general - and raw oysters in particular. However, the pan-roasted representatives sampled here, smooth & buttery with a touch of sweetness and sprinkled with Royal Belgian Osetra Caviar, were quite good indeed. And the Ruinart Singulier 18th Edition, Blanc de Blancs, Brut Nature, Champagne, (France), proved to be the perfect libationary accompaniment.
But even better was the outrageously delicious Bluefin Tuna Tartare. I have tasted this dish on numerous occasions; however, this particular incarnation was in a class all by itself. Gently caressed by avocado and kissed by golden kiwi and a beguiling carrot ginger reduction, the result was a presentation that was pleasing to both eye and palate, and a highlight of our evening. The 2019 Tegernseerhof Loibenberg Riesling Smaragd Wachau (Austria), of course, added immensely to the enjoyment.
The next course presented us with a rather interesting conundrum... the choice between two equally appetizing possibilities. My dining companion, of course, went immediately for the Seared Scallops & Foie Gras. I, on the other hand, decided to side entirely with the carnivores... Kuro Farms Wagyu Strip Loin. Companioned by short rib, confit carrot, and Sicilian pistachios, this was a winner all the way... as was the wine selection, the 2020 Aslina "Umsasane," an enticing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot from Stellenbosch, South Africa.
The dessert course was especially noteworthy, a Blackberry Sudachi Entremet aided and abetted by white chocolate mousse, lavender, and raw honey sponge. A rather unusual denouement, I must admit, but a lovely presentation and irresistibly scrumptious. And, once again, the wine selection - 2018 Domaine Huet Le Mont Moelleux, a Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, in France's Loire Valley - was right on the money.
The Bottom Line: An exceptionally fine dining experience. Pricey, to be sure... but, in my opinion, worth every penny. A restaurant to which my dining companion and I would gladly return. Highly recommended on all counts.