THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Blue Coral Seafood & Spirits

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Blue Coral Seafood & Spirits Restaurant Review:

THIS ESTABLISHMENT IS CLOSED Tucked between high-end chain restaurants like Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Roy's, this buoyant seafood spot at Fashion Island has shades of turquoise and warm earth tones throughout the open space. In the main dining room under giant-shaded lamps, the scene ranges from Old Newport to young, hip guys and gals on the town. The bar's azure-colored banquettes, flat-screen TVs and impressive vodka menu attracts a lounge crowd. The modern American fare features fresh seafood cooked in a variety of ways, like the lemony carpaccio niçoise salad with thinly sliced ahi, or pan-seared lump crab cakes. The rich, smoky New England-style clam chowder is a good way to start the meal. Standout entrées include the lobster en fuego, a deconstructed lobster served with a spicy chile aïoli, and Chilean sea bass cooked in parchment with thyme and tomatoes. There are options for non-seafood lovers, including a few hearty steaks and grilled free-range chicken. Side dishes, like Fuji apple and blue cheese slaw, are impressive; desserts like upside-down apple tart, not so much. The wine list isn't lengthy, but it does offer a good selection of well-known vintages.