By Dan Curd Madison Magazine

The steakhouse and oyster bar are uniquely American creations. Restaurateur Henry Doane of Tornado Steak House and now Tempest Oyster Bar has dabbled with each. The space formerly home to Restaurant Magnus was transformed, rendering it brighter and whimsically nautical. The menu is a litany of fish and shellfish freshly harvested from the sea, including, of course, oysters from both the Atlantic and Pacific. Preparation is imaginative and each choice is more irresistible than the last. The seafood towers, dramatic spires of cold specialties sized to taste, are a must! Tempest is sure to become one of the city?s most original and fun fish dining experiences.

PHOTO: Tempest?s seafood tower is an extravagant way to taste the treasures of the ocean. This one has oysters, shrimp, clams, crab cocktail, mussels and lobster.

Tempest Oyster Bar, 120 E. Wilson St. 258-1443. tempestoyster.com

Read Curd's weekly Small Dishes blog here