• Cake Sampler (Crab, Walleye, Trout and Crab) $10.95 (shared)
• Shrimp Char Siu (five large shrimp, saffron potatoes, asian slaw) $25.95
• Chocolate Mascarpone torte $6.95

Biscayne Bay had everything going against it. We couldn't find any recommendation for it, not the city pages, not the star trib, not even the pioneer press. It is in an airport hotel, next to a park n fly. We arrived a bit late about 8:40 or so and there was no one at the "wait to be seated" stand and we had to wait ten minutes to for someone to notice us. I was sure this was going to be good. However, it was and actually quite, but I wouldn't go back. Let me explain.

I think it comes down to the fact that I am a suburb restaurant snob. Rarely can I find a restaurant in the suburb that there is not a equal if not better one in the city. And since I live in the city, I would rather go there then to drive out to the suburbs. I am not proud of this, but it is me and I like to try to be honest with myself and understand who I really am. And while there are many pieces I still am in denial about, this is one I have come to terms with.

Biscayne Bay's comparable in the city is Oceanaire. I really didn't think I would find a seafood restaurant that was comparable in the metro area, but it has been done. I don't think the atmosphere is quite as good, but as far as food quality, taste and presentation, they are right on par.

The cake sampler was a cute idea and it was very good. Every version was very well prepared and the entire plate as very beautifully presented. The shrimp were the same way. The shrimp were cooked to perfection, which seems difficult for restaurants I have ate my fair share of overcooked shrimp. It had a nice bbq sauce on it and the accompanying mashed potatoes were great as was the slaw, although it was cooked which was a bit unusual but very tasty.

The dessert was like the other dishes beautifully presented and it was very good tasting, in fact it was one of the best chocolate cakes I have had in some time.

So if you can get past driving out to the desolate areas surrounding the airport, past all the runways, past all the park and ride and to a airport hotel, I say go there and give it a try.

• Seafood Boursin $24.95

Biscayne Bay is a restaurant to which we reluctantly have to give an excellent rating. We are not huge fans of hotel restaurants because they’re usually mediocre and overpriced to take advantage of hotel guests. Not to mention that Biscayne Bay is at an airport hotel next to an off-site airport parking ramp, a rather remote location (kind of spooky, like the scene from Fargo). Biscayne Bay is high priced, to be sure, but the food is good enough and presented so well that it outweighs the higher price.

I enjoyed the concept of the cake sampler. It was fun to get three different kinds of seafood cakes in one appetizer. They were each good, but I wouldn’t say excellent. The crab cake was probably the best of the three, but they needed a kick, like an interesting side sauce, to make them sing.

I was worried that the Seafood Boursin was going to be an overpriced disappointment. It turned out quite the contrary. The shrimp and scallops were perfectly done, the sauce was thick and rich, and the pasta was great. From top to bottom, it was fantastic.

The mascarpone torte was also very good. It was priced on the high end of desserts we’ve had recently, but the extra presentation and accompaniments made it worth the money. It was a standard chocolate cake, but they did an excellent job with it.

Overall, I think other seafood restaurants do more and do it better. But Biscayne Bay does a great job with their seafood menu. I hope they keep their commitment to high quality food despite their location.