It was nice to see the space vacated by Restaurant Magnus filled with a seafood restaurant in Tempest Oyster Bar. For one, we obviously don’t have many of these types of restaurants in Madison, and two, I’m glad we didn’t add on to the already numerous Italian, pub or Mexican places we have around the Capitol Square.
My first visit was after 11 p.m. on a Monday night. I was surprised to see it was still open this late. However, owner Henry Doane was there, and he told me he wanted to establish a late-night presence like he did at another one of his restaurants, the Tornado Room.
That night I enjoyed a Batida ($8.50), made with cachaça, passionfruit, tamarind and sugar. I followed that cocktail with the Willapa oyster shooter ($4.50), which was basically an oyster in a Bloody Mary. I thought it was a bit too spicy and drowned out the oyster. Next time, I’ll try the Marsielle (with sparkling wine) and the Coquimbo (with cilantro vodka).
On a recent dinner visit, I went all-out. My starter was six west coast oysters and six east coast oysters ($2.50-$3 each). All were very fresh and perfectly shucked and cleaned, unlike some other places. I also sampled the Coho Salmon ($23), which was flaky and delicious, as well as the Fish & Chips ($14). Folks, I have to say that may be one of the best pieces of fried haddock I’ve ever had. I would pay $20+ to have an all-you-can-eat serving of that crispy and perfectly flavored fish.
My entree was the 1.5-pound live Maine lobster ($20/lb), my favorite seafood dish that I unfortunately only order on rare occasion due to price and availability. This lobster certainly did not disappoint. When you get it this fresh, you don’t need to dip it in butter. I felt like the character Madison from the movie “Splash” while devouring it (no, I didn’t bite through the shell).
From the dessert menu, I tried the Chocolate Bundt Cake ($8), which came with cherries and toffee. The latter was a nice an unexpected touch.
Tempest is open every day for dinner. You may be lucky to find a meter spot in front; otherwise, the parking ramp is adjacent to the building.
