Ocean’s — CLOSED

It only took one lunch on Sunday for me to fall in love with Ocean’s. Swing open the French doors and enter the garden patio, with a fountain flowing and a spectacular view of this newly renovated French Tudor home.

The exquisite garden resembles many of my favorite restaurants in Cuernavaca. I felt that I should be wearing a sun dress & heels, sipping on a margarita, while lounging on a couch outside.

Bistro Vino previously occupied this location. After 24 years of business, they closed their doors. Residential development was expected to begin, but Montrose dwellers soon heard the Alvarez brothers, from Mexico, were opening Ocean’s… specializing in authentic ceviche.

Um, the owners… Jorge & Isaac Alvarez… are in a different dreamy league of their own. Jorge lived abroad before moving to Texas. He traveled to Houston with his family throughout his childhood and attended military school in Mexico…Ouch!

In his 30’s now, he and his brother are both intriguing entrepreneurs. Isaac is a chef that helped create the menu. It would be a crime not to give them both a Double Mexican Wow. Por Favor y Gracias.

The upstairs is romantic with fantastic lighting…The wrap around bar, wood floors, and comfy couches are ideal for any business or social gathering.

After reaching the top of the stairs, several areas with plush seating can be seen. French windows wrap around the room, giving a spectacular view of the garden patio below.

A small ceviche bar is located downstairs by the dining room, giving guests the opportunity to watch as the ceviche is prepared by the chef.

The server is…Veronica.

A dream come true for the restaurant industry, Veronica is a delight and success story in the making. Until a few days ago, I thought she was the manager. Her skills are that of a GM, or even further up the restaurant chain of command.

Surprisingly, Ocean’s did not seem to have ample business during my occasional visits. This reminds me of restaurants that make most of their money from private parties & events. Considering the sophisticated beauty inside and out, this location is ideal for parties during the holiday season.

The portions are small and light, as well as the limited menu being on the expensive side. As a lover of dining in restaurants with an incredibly beautiful atmosphere… It’s worth it!

Enjoy the upscale dining experience… $16 Lobster Sope… sipping on a margarita… daydreaming about two Mexican developers? Sounds good to me…

Veronica brought two margaritas for me to try during lunch. The first was the signature margarita, with the second being strawberry. Ocean’s margaritas are fresh in flavor, as well as being shaken & served… without a mixer or Splenda. Exciting!

The Lobster Sope consists of grilled lobster, black beans, sour cream, olives, mesclun, shaved parmesan & olive oil. This is on the appetizer menu and, yes, it is a whopping $16.

Upon arrival, the shell of the lobster tail is sitting on the plate…empty. This is presentation I’ve never seen before. Wow. My prediction is some like and others…not so much.

The Ocean’s Tostada consists of a 4 ounce lobster tail, topped with creamy chipotle sauce, black beans & avocado. You also have the option of the Ocean’s Taco, with the same ingredients, served on a flour tortilla with pommes frites.

Ocean’s offers five fish ceviche items on the menu…

Ocean’s… red onion, olives, manzano chile, orange juice, avocado, cilantro and extra virgin olive oil

Sinaloa… red onion, olives, chiltepín chile, white vinegar, house sauce, avocado and extra virgin olive oil

Rasurado… serrano chile, white onion, avocado, chipotle sauce, house sauces, cilantro and extra virgin olive oil

Oriental Ceviche… cucumber, chives, ginger, orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar and sesame oil

Vegetarian Ceviche… white onion, tomatoes, cucumber, yellow pepper, olives, crimini mushroom, manzano chile, avocado, white vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and cilantro

The two kinds of fish available were salmon & tuna. The presentation is elegant. I enjoyed sipping on my margarita & eating ceviche hidden beneath the trees on the deck… Ocean’s truly is the best restaurant for outside dining in Houston.

Ocean’s offers two desserts which are fantastic. The Tres Leches is my favorite. This is an authentic Mexican recipe, with vanilla cake, covered with sweet velvety cream. It is exactly as good as it sounds. Delicious!

Ocean’s also offers the Tropic 43° which is a generous portion of fresh orange, mango, red grapes, and strawberries. This includes freshly squeezed orange juice, Liqueur 43, Grand Marnier, topped with vanilla yogurt & roasted pistachios.

Sous Chef Margarito Andrade (left) and Chef Abel Franco (right) were cooking when I visited Ocean’s last Sunday. Whether it be the food, service, or ambiance… Ocean’s is hands down the best place for ceviche & outside dining in Houston.

Ocean’s is a place where you feel beautiful just because of your surroundings.

FIVE: High 5!
FOUR: Please & Thank You
THREE: Yada
TWO: Double Wow
ONE: Wow + Ouch = Wouch


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