I’ve shared my love of Michael Mina’s restaurants before by telling tales of our meals at American Fish, Stripsteak, and Nobhill. Michael Mina at Bellagio is fantastic, as well. However, it was Seablue that lit this spark and forever changed the way I dine. Prior to Seablue, I always preferred turf to surf, but that was no longer the case after I sunk my teeth into fresh delicious halibut. I recall our server asked how I was enjoying it… “Excellent, it tastes like it was caught this morning”, I said. “That’s because it was”, he replied. My appreciation for fresh seafood began that day. It’s only grown with time; I have not met a creature of the sea that I haven’t liked.

That’s not to say Seablue is strictly seafood. I’ve had fabulous pork, steaks and lamb there, as well. The tasty goodness is endless really. From the naan that whets your appetite to the dessert that seals the meal with a kiss, it’s all wonderful. Earlier this year, I learned why. You see, not only do they use the freshest ingredients and unique cooking techniques; the executive chef at Seablue is Stephen Hopcraft. Any Top Chef fan will recognize the name from Top Chef: D.C. that aired this summer on Bravo. Regrettably, rumor has it he will be leaving Seablue soon and will be found at Cosmopolitan when it opens December 15. With or without Hopcraft at the reigns I have faith that Seablue will remain the award winning restaurant it currently is. It has been honored with excellence awards from Wine Spectator, AAA and Forbes.

There are a few ways to enjoy Seablue. Clearly, you can order a la carte from the menu and sample any of the delicious options from the wood burning grill or tagines. There is even a Top Chef Tasting menu. However, if you’re looking to pinch some pennies the happy hour and seasonal menus are the way to go. Sunday – Friday in the bar area, Happy Hour is offered from 5:30pm-7:00pm. This special menu offers oysters and shrimp (by the half dozen) for a buck each. The oysters and shrimp are both fresh and delicious. The shrimp are not shrimpy in the least bit, either. They are meaty. Other appetizers are half-price, you have your choice of lobster corndogs ($7.50), salt and pepper calamari ($5.00) or chermoula chicken skewer ($3.00). The corndogs sound a bit odd, but they are fantastic. The corn crust is a little salty and the lobster is tender and sweet, it’s only made better when dipped in the whole grain mustard crème fraiche. The calamari is decent, but I prefer FiAMMA’s (practically next door). Then, you can wash down these treats with Stella Artois or Bass Ale drafts ($4.00), or Seablue Sangria ($15 pitchers). The seasonal tasting menus change a few times each year, the current selection is the fall tasting menu ($49). The first course offers your choice of yellowtail jack crudo, steamed Manila clams or chicken and chorizo empanada. For the main course you choose from paella, flat iron steak or Arctic char. Finally, dessert offers chocolate peanut butter mousse or devil’s food cake with caramel ice cream. Additionally, there is a wine pairing available for $35 per person.

That’s not all; special attention is paid to locals. Mention “Locals Offer” to your server and present a valid Nevada ID to redeem complimentary dessert and after-dinner drink with a purchase of a regularly priced entrée (management has discretion of complimentary selections). It’s also worth a mention that this promotion is offered at FiAMMA, L’atelier de Joel Robuchon, Nobhill Tavern, Pearl and Shibuya.

Seablue is located in the MGM Grand its hours are Sunday – Thursday, 5:30pm – 10:00pm; Friday & Saturday, 5:30pm – 10:30pm.