The 32-ounce bone-in tomahawk steak, above, is for the adventurous, while the velvety cream of lentil soup, below, is not to be missed at Ocean 362.
Chef Ramesh Pillai and Ocean 362 is filling the large culinary shoes left at Gallows Point Resort when ZoZo’s relocated to Caneel Bay.
With a deft hand and the perfect amount of spices, Pillai has proven more than up to the task. The restaurant still boasts some of the best sunset views on the island and with cool blue lighting and original artwork by Love City’s Elaine Estern, the Ocean 362 crew has made the space their own.
The restaurant hosted it grand opening on Wednesday evening, November 13, and unveiled its menu of contemporary American dishes. Anyone who hasn’t stopped by yet should head over this Monday, November 25, through Wednesday, November 27, to enjoy a 20 percent discount for locals.
Grab one of the coveted seats at the upstairs bar and watch the sun sink below the horizon over Pillsbury Sound while tasting some of the veteran chef’s many delights.
Sunset and ocean views abound at Ocean 362.
Start the night with Pillai’s showstopping soup. The silky cream of lentil soup with pancetta dust and a drizzle of truffle oil is not to be missed. The chef is also offering a cioppino brimming with local fish, lobster and shrimp in a tangy, garlic, tamarind and tomato broth.
Other starters include a brushetta with Italian Saga cheese and baby argulua with a raspberry and mango vinaigrette and a salad of local organic greens with heirloom tomatoes in a creamy French boursin dressing.
Diners of all tastes are sure to find a tantalizing appetizer from the varied menu at Ocean 362. Pillai’s ceviche will change nightly depending on the fresh catch of the day, but will usually feature a presentation with shallots, chives, cilantro, green chilles and coconut oil.
Other tempting appetizers are the garlic masala shrimps served with turmeric yucca mash and a sauted herb marinated jumbo sea scallop served with creamy spinach.
Looking for some Far East flavors? The spicy Asian BBQ pulled pork dumplings look enticing. Or try the luscious plum duck taco served with a five spice cilantro chimichurri sauce.
Other appetizers at Ocean 362 include a tuna tartar with spicy lime yogurt aioli and a Prosciutto de Parma with port poached figs served on herb toast with creamy garlic cheese.
Pillai also features great variety in his entree offerings, which include several fish options, duck, veal, lamb, pork and an over the top beef dish.
Local mahi mahi is being served with cashew tamarind basmati rice and a tequila, lemon, cilantro and yogurt dressing. Or try a whole roasted bronzino served over a white bean, chickpea and vegetable ragu.
Pillai is also offering a lobster risotto with Parmiganno-reggiano, pancetta and asparagus as well as a spice crusted, seared sashimi tuna dish features a lemon pilaf and a coconut lobster curry cream. The malabar shrimp curry with cumin pilaf, veggies and lentil crisp is another must try.
Meat eaters will have a difficult time choosing between the duck confit, the Aspen Valley double cut lamb chops, veal osso buco, stuffed pork tenderloin and the tornadoes of beef tenderloin. The adventurous out there will want to try the 32-ounce, bone-in tomahawk steak being offered for $96.
Be sure to save room for dessert as Pillai’s sweet offerings are just as enticing as his savory combinations. A full wine list and exciting cocktails await as well.
Dinner is served nightly with the sunset lounge opening at 5 p.m. Dinner service begins at 5:30 p.m. in season and reservations are recommended. For more information and to book at table at Ocean 362 call (340) 776-0001.