The ocean remains a foreign place in land-locked Tucson, a land of bean burritos and taco shops, driven by fast food desires and unhealthy urges, where the closest attempt to authentic seafood is usually only found at Red Lobster.
Saint House Rum Bar, a three-month-old downtown restaurant, breaks free of the Mexican food mold and brings the Caribbean a little closer to home.
When I first walked into the restaurant, I was immediately greeted by a friendly waitress, which added an additional level of comfort to the already comfortable sun-lit and spacious setting. The dark wood floors and sleek chairs were juxtaposed with shades of orange and green, coupling modern aesthetics with the traditional hues that come to mind when you think of a day at the beach.
Although the tables were adorned with cloth napkins, Saint House had an air of casual afternoon dining, providing the perfect place to converse over the weather during an awkward first date.
For the appetizer, I ordered coconut shrimp which was coupled with the restaurant’s signature sauce. The jumbo tiger prawns were floured and fried with grated coconut, balancing sweet and delicate flavors with a salty crunch. Unfortunately, the sweetness of the sauce — made with a pineapple base, habanero powder and lemon juice — was a little overwhelming. However, my next dish didn’t disappoint.
I ordered a traditional Caribbean meal, the stew del mar ($18 plus tax), a brightly-colored coconut curry dish topped with mussels, bay scallops, poquito shrimp and pacific whitefish.
The curry was flavored with a perfect combination of tangy lime and subtle spice, giving zest to the dish. The seafood was fresh and cooked until it was tender, but I was exceptionally impressed with the mussels, which sent my taste buds straight to the Atlantic coast.
The dish was garnished with thin slices of red bell peppers and crisply fried basil leaves, balancing the spice of the curry with refreshing vegetables.
While prices are a little steep, entrees ranging from $15-$20, the food was worth every penny spent. Although Saint House Rum Bar finds its niche in its excessive drink menu and large bar, this restaurant’s menu and atmosphere provide a dining experience for people of all ages. Venture away from the Italian and Mexican food over the break, and journey downtown for a Caribbean delight.
Follow Casey Knox @Knox_Casey
