Carl and I decided to try the new Water Grill in Orange County before Rick and I hopped on a plane to the NRA show in Chicago. It occupies the old Scott’s seafood location and was completely redesigned into a beautifully elegant yet casual space featuring a massive outdoor patio and bar, a separate chilled seafood counter and impressive main dining area boasting another large cocktail bar. Also, lots of TV’s so we were able to catch the end of the exciting Ducks playoff game.

Trying to decide what to try, amid a huge selection of fresh whole fish, shellfish and interesting preparations was tough. I’ve never seen a Halibut Tail on any menu ever so thought I’d give it a try. It was one of the most creative seafood presentations I’ve ever seen, along the lines of a fish collar served in a sushi bar. The tail was huge, covering a giant platter and surprisingly had enough delicious halibut meat on the end to make about 6-7 tacos! If we had only known, it would have been a great shared dinner. It was flash fried leaving the skin and end of the tail crispy and delicious. The tail between the bones was like eating salmon skin or fish jerky. The meat was tender and moist and just flaked off the bones. It was served with fresh garnishes and salsa, and I couldn’t eat it all. And the price was amazing – only $16! Everything about the Water Grill was fantastic. It was the perfect prelude to our NRA weekend in Chicago that will include eating at some of the best restaurants in town. We’ll definitely be back for more Tail!