The Fairmont Southampton Resort has opened a new seafood restaurant in place of the old Whaler Inn.

The 2,000 square foot restaurant, The Ocean Club, will feature seafood with an Asian twist and will seat 200.

“We wanted a more contemporary South Shore feeling for the restaurant,” said Kim Ooi, maitre d’, at the Fairmont Southampton. “We worked with our chefs to create an exciting new menu and with our interior decorator on the décor and the uniforms.”

A Boston design firm was brought in to decorate the new restaurant, and The Ocean Club includes new tables, chairs, tulle curtains, and modern triangular lampshades to create a fresh, turquoise seascape.

Dishes include items such as Scallion Encrusted King Prawn Tempura and Seared Sea Scallops Wrapped in Applewood Smoked Bacon. Diners have the option to sit inside or dine al fresco.

“We know Bermudians love new food experiences and we wanted a modern, signature menu that differs from other Fairmont Southampton restaurants,” says Ocean Club sous chef Kimberley Dean. “Infusing Asian flavours with seafood is a great way to enjoy these delectable ocean tastes.”

Premier and Minister of Tourism Ewart Brown congratulated the Fairmont on their new restaurant.

“With the ongoing revival in the tourism industry, it is exciting to see one of our local hotels continue to upgrade their product,” he said.

“Everyone loves a new restaurant and we wish the Ocean Club every success.”

Sous Chef Kim Dean opened Bacci at the Fairmont Southampton in 2004 and was known for continually upgrading the menus at this ever-popular restaurant. Prior to that she worked at the Five-Diamond Newport Room, following a year as chef de partie at the Waterlot Inn and a year at the Whaler Inn. Ms Dean is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of Canada.

The Ocean Club is open seven nights a week from 6 to 10pm. For reservations, please call 238-8000.