CRUISE CUISINE
FANS OF UPSCALE SEAFOOD SHOULD CHECK OUT THE OCEANAIRE

Sitting in the dining room of The Oceanaire, you’re transported to a Jazz Age ocean liner with brass railings and big horseshoe-shaped banquettes. But in reality you’re in downtown Indianapolis, and the closest thing to a cruise ship is Conseco Fieldhouse across the street. But forget all that nostalgia: The Oceanaire is the quintessential upscale seafood house. It features a huge raw bar littered with littlenecks and oysters, and the menu trades typical catches of the day for hard-to-find items like Dover sole, Copper River salmon and blue fin tuna, all flown in daily from around the globe. Midwest locations include Indianapolis, Minneapolis and Cincinnati. For more information, please visit www.theoceanaire.com.

Lamp Chops with Toasted Curry
Prep time: 10 minutes Grilling time: 5 to 8 minutes

16 rib lamb chops, each about
3/4 inch thick
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Vegetable oil

1. In a small skillet over medium heat, combine the coriander, cumin, pepper, ginger, cayenne, cinnamon, and cloves. Toast the spices until the aromas are apparent, about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl and add the turmeric and salt. Blend thoroughly.

2. Remove the lamb from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature 20 to 30 minutes before grilling. Trim the chops of excess fat. Lightly brush the chops on both sides with the oil and season on both sides with the curry. Grill over direct medium heat (350°F to 450°F), with the lid closed as much as possible, until cooked to desired doneness, 5 to 8 minutes for medium rare, turning once and swapping their positions as needed for even cooking. Serve warm. Makes 8 servings

© 2008 Weber-Stephen Products Co. Recipe from “Weber’s Grilling What’s Good for You.” Used with permission.

Rock n’ Room Service
Rest easy at the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago

It’s a good thing to be stuck between the Hard Rock and a hard place. Even the weariest of travelers can appreciate the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, which sits on a picturesque lakefront perch on North Michigan Avenue. While Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Magnificent Mile are all within walking distance, the hotel, which resides in a historic skyscraper built at the height of Prohibition (the architect designed it to resemble a champagne bottle), has plenty onsite. Amenities include spa services, fitness center, and the fantastic China Grill, where the menu covers every continent (try the grilled Szechuan beef). Rates begin at $139. Please visit www.hardrockhotelchicago.com.

BRAND NEW
Introducing House of Carrington:
worldly fashion made in wisconsin

When it comes to country club wear, brands are often as old as St Andrews. So it’s no surprise that when Andy Bell, former executive with Polo Ralph Lauren, decided to start his own retail venture he chose a historic estate on the English Channel as the brand’s namesake. Introducing House of Carrington, the Wisconsin-based luxury apparel manufacturer. Marked by charming patterns and a dignified, timeless color palette, House of Carrington makes clothing for a royal get-together that doesn’t cost a king’s ransom. Three-button Thomas jacket, $795. Double forward pleat pant, $295. Cashmere cable cricket sweater, $275. Polo, $89. For retail locations, please visit www.houseofcarrington.com.