Ocean Primed and Ready to Go #FashionFriday

It had been a minute since I had been to dinner.  Things were closed in Michigan for about three months and before that we had a strange February that led us to not do a whole lot.  It’s hard to cope when things are tough and there is little fun to fill the void. I don’t know how people are coping with all of this in general.  In different ways to be sure, but regardless, I give everyone credit for getting up in the morning and doing their best.

But I digress.  We went out.  We had fun.  We felt safe.  So yay.

With the exception of Dad who has been working at Amazon as an essential hero (yay Dad!), we hadn’t seen other people than each other for real face to face contact in a very long time.  Talking on the phone helps, so did some curbside carry out, but it gets lonely when you are isolated.  So we met up with some friends we hadn’t seen in months for some al fresco dining at Ocean Prime.

The restaurant is taking a lot of precautions that made us feel very safe, and eating outside added immeasurably to that.  It’s a baby step kind of thing, though I don’t know if I know when I’ll be ready to take that next step toward indoor dining.  But that’s okay.  It’s summer, and I want to eat outside anyway.

Or waiter, Chris, his assistant, Alex, and the entire team at Ocean Prime were wonderful.  We ate there a couple times a decade ago and I’m so sad we waited this long to go back.  Though the evening was chilly, you can tell it was beautiful.  You’d never guess on the other side of the shrubs is a busy road.  It feels like we were transported to a secluded California or Florida paradise.

Wine and cocktails were tasty even with a limited menu since the restaurant had been open less then a week.  A couple food items had also run out and it was clear some kinds were still being worked out.  That’s understandable, and didn’t bother us, especially with the excellent way the restaurant handled any issues that arose.

We began with steak tartar, the crab cake, and the goat cheese ravioli.  All three were a huge hit.  Presentation was on point and they were happy to present the tartar with vegetables instead of bread for me.  Though I could have just eaten it with a fork with all the flavor that was packed inside from the capers and red onion.

There was a mix up with the entrees in that they brought lamb chops instead of pork chops for Dad and one of our friends.  But they totally fixed it, and once the pork came, the guys devoured it.  Our other friend’s sea bass looked beyond amazing (I’m totally ordering that on a future visit), and she loved it, raving about the fish and the mashed potatoes.

Mom and I split the bone-in prime filet, which was cooked to perfection and insanely tender.  For sides, the asparagus and hollandaise were my favorite (omg that hollandaise), but the mushrooms were a hit, along with the baked potato and tater tots.  The brussels sprouts needed to be roasted a little longer, but that’s really my only critique as far as the food.

First dinner out in forever definitely meant ordering dessert. Dad went with the carrot cake, a towering masterpiece that he devoured, and Mom and I opted for the creme brulee.  I never miss a chance to order crème brulee, and I am so glad I ordered this one. It the best crème brulee I’ve ever had.  The custard was super thick and super creamy, then the crackly caramelized sugar on top made it totally irresistible.  You guys, I have no words for it.  Just so good!

The entire night was totally awesome.  I am so glad we went, and I hope more nights like that are on the horizon.  More nights at Ocean Prime, I have no doubt.

For the night, I went with a comfortable long sleeved dress since it was a bit chilly.  I also wore my butterfly shoes since they are not super comfortable and I knew I wouldn’t be walking.  Life is all about compromises … at least this was a fun one.

Dress: Giambattista Valli // Shoes: Sophia Webster