Prime Dining on Indy's Northside

Longing for the elegance and luxury of a classic supper club from long-ago with modern updates of the present? Then Ocean Prime, located at River Crossing, is the place for you. The decor at this Cameron Mitchell restaurant is inviting. There are spaces not only for dinner, but also to sip a hand-crafted cocktail or glass of award-winning wine, while socializing and listening to live music in the piano bar.

When it comes to food, there is something for everyone. The menu features a staggering 67-plus items, the majority of which are made from scratch. Also, Executive Chef Shawn O'Brien uses ingredients that are sourced locally, whenever possible. Meat lovers can feast on filet mignon (ranging in size from 8 to 12 ounces), the New York strip or a ribeye. The filet I sampled was tender, tasty and in no need of steak sauce or additional condiments.

However, for those who like to enhance their steaks, a bleu cheese crust, béarnaise sauce and other options are available. For seafood lovers, diners can choose jumbo lump crab cakes, oysters on the half shell, ginger salmon, and shellfish cob salad (below) just to mention a few dishes.

My personal favorite from the sea was the halibut, lightly seasoned with a lemon butter sauce and accompanied by crisp, seasonal vegetables. The fish was fresh, flavorful and had a firm texture.

As divine as the appetizers and entrees are, the desserts are a must for those with a sweet tooth. I had the chocolate cake, which featured mutliple layers of rich sugary goodness complemented with a scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream.

Not a fan of chocolate? Then consider the blueberry lemon cheesecake, the carrot cake, crème brulée and fresh berries, or a seasonal sorbet with an almond cookie.

As any foodie knows, courteous and knowledgeable personnel are key to a fine meal. That is why the staffers are required to attend hours of training not just on menu items but also on the importance of daily checks of all areas of the establishment, interior and exterior. Customer service is very important, said Greg Sage, Ocean Prime's general manager. "Our goal is to go above and beyond every night." Ocean Prime opens to the public on June 7. Their website is www.ocean-prime.com.