Trend Alert: Modern Seafood Spots

Who can resist clam chowder, fried oysters, or beautifully prepared ceviche? These days, seafood restaurants can take all sorts of forms–not just traditional oyster bars, but venues that put their own spin on seafood dishes of all sorts. Here are 4 to look out for.

Ed’s Chowder House: New York
Within the Empire Hotel, Ed’s Chowder House, “bringing Montauk to the heart of Manhattan,” has a formidable chowder list–New England-style Clam, Manhattan-style Blue Crab, and the signature Ed’s Loaded Shellfish Chowder–as well as entrees such as Peppered Tuna Steak Frites with herb butter.

Blue Fin: New York
In the W Hotel at Times Square, the elegant Blue Fin boasts a bar with floor-to-ceiling windows on the first floor–putting you in the aquarium, with a prime view out onto Midtown–and a menu that ranges from crudo to sesame-crusted tuna to Maine lobster.

La Mar: San Francisco
An offshoot of the Peruvian restaurant group specializing in ceviche–cured raw seafood–La Mar’s Peruvian menu has eight (count ’em) different ceviches and plenty of seafood entrees, along with traditional empanadas and entrees. Don’t miss the cocktails, particularly the classic pisco sour.

Red Fish Grill: New Orleans
Celebrate the culinary traditions of New Orleans in a new, modern way at Red Fish Grill, with BBQ Oysters, Alligator Sausage & Seafood Gumbo, and bread pudding for dessert–in a lively, modern urban setting.