The Oceanaire Closes, Leaving Culinary Mark On Seattle

Restaurant newshound Nancy Leson of the Seattle Times broke the surprising news yesterday that The Oceanaire Seafood Room has shut its doors for good. It turns out their parent company--which has already removed Seattle from its website and closed down its blog, Facebook, and Twitter feed on June 30--filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday, revealing that their new restructuring plan included shutting down four of the sixteen chain seafood restaurants across the U.S. While we typically don't profess our love for chain restaurants, we do have to admire and appreciate Oceanaire for bringing the talented former executive chefs Kevin Davis, 2001-06 (Steelhead Diner), Eric Donnelly, 2006-08 (Toulouse), and Aaron Valimont, 2008-09, into the Seattle food community.

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By Kim P. in News on July 7, 2009 12:45 PM

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ChefValimont

Just a friendly update! I was offered an amazing opportunity to join The Oceanaire crew in Dallas, Tx as their Executive Chef. Although it was sad to say goodbye to the Seattle Oceanaire family, I am looking forward to the adventures that lie ahead and like to believe that a little piece of the Seattle Oceanaire lives on within all of the talented people that graced it's floors. Thanks to everyone for all of their well wishes and if you're ever in Dallas~ look me up! You'll know where to find me: The Oceanaire, Dallas Galleria.