Surf vs. Turf: Survival of the Fittest

The Decor:
The Oceanaire is decorated like a 1930s ocean liner, but luckily without the stench that comes with the sea. The deep, dark woods and subtle, smoky mirrors give this place a classy feel. Each table has a perfectly starched, white tablecloth to give it that extra "umph" that we just love. Houstonist loves to be wowed like that.

Del Frisco's also went with a lot of dark woods, but lightens it up with beautiful marble accents. It has that classy, steak house feel that just takes your breath away. Yes, the bar area is a bit smaller, but they also don't have that awkward entrance from the mall that takes away from the experience like at The Oceanaire.

Round One: Oceanaire 0; Del Frisco's 1

The Service:
The Oceanaire won the award of "Best Service of 2007" by the Houston Press. Need we say more?

Del Frisco's service was a bit on the nervous side (which actually made them quite adorable) and you could tell they tried extra hard for their opening night (we were asked by six SEPARATE people if our meal was okay). After some kinks are worked out, we're sure that they'll be giving The Oceanaire a run for their money. The plan is for the Houstonist to go back for another visit in six months to reevaluate the service.

Round Two: Oceanaire 1; Del Frisco's 1

The Appetizers:The Oceanaire has a revolving menu that changes daily. Though they have staples (the shrimp cocktails are a whole meal itself), their clincher lies within their oyster collection. Houstonist's pick (besides the obvious oysters) is their clam chowder soup which is definitely big enough to share.

Del Frisco's has a surprisingly "down to earth" item that just captures the heart of Houstonist--onion rings. A mountain of perfectly fried and crispy onions that are impossible to finish by yourself--it is a surefire way to make friends quickly.

Round Three: Oceanaire 1; Del Frisco's 2

The Entrees:
The Oceanaire's fish collection is gorgeous. Since the menu changes daily, you don't have to worry about getting fish that past its prime or a little on the . . . fishy side. They also carry a smaller selection of land animals for non-pescatarians. The best part about the entrees--the sea salt fries.

Del Frisco's is a steak house. And they know steaks. They have a wide variety (though Houstonist will always recommend the titular Double Eagle) and they take the time to broil the steaks at 1500 degrees (no, that isn't a typo) until it is at the perfect level of pinkness and then pan sear it to lock in the flavor and juices. This ain't your daddy's backyard steak . . . not that there's anything wrong with your daddy's steak . . .

Round Four: Oceanaire 1; Del Frisco's 3

The Desserts:
The Oceanaire has plenty to choose from and the portions are enormous. Houstonist's favorite has always been the crème brulee and it comes in a cute shell shape which is obviously there to enhance the flavor (duh). Plus, they don't skimp on the powdered sugar--nothing says refinement like powdered sugar, right? Right.

Del Frisco's has a somewhat smaller selection in goods and we mean that both in variety and general girth of the desserts. Sure they let us special order sorbets that weren't even on the menu, but we're in Texas--size matters.

Round Five: Oceanaire 2; Del Frisco's 3

The Bar:
The Oceanaire's bar has become the Houstonist's favorite happy hour joint. The service is impeccable, they have a great selection of liquor, they replace our drink when we clumsily spill it everywhere after ONLY ONE SIP, and they have all sorts of specialty cocktails that are fun to play around with. There's plenty of room to sit at the bar and they give the regular menu instead of some pansy bar menu to decide from.

Del Frisco's bar is decently stocked, but much too small. The bartenders are friendly, though a little on the green side. What they'll soon become known for is their extensive wine list that so overwhelming that it took us double the time to pick our wine than it did to pick out all the courses for our meal. Don't be surprised if their wine list is bigger than your high school year book. Fair warning.

Round Six: Oceanaire 3; Del Frisco's 3

Overall Value (aka The Best Bang for Your Buck):
The Oceanaire can get pricey--especially if you're anything like the Houstonist who loves, loves, LOVES cheap oysters (yep, they have half priced oysters during happy hour). However, with the huge portions, Houstonist has found a way around spending an arm and a leg. Find someone you'd like to split a meal with and go fifty-fifty on each of the following: half a dozen oysters, a bowl of the clam chowder, the shrimp cocktail appetizer, and an order of fries. You'll be hard pressed to finish it all even when you're splitting it. You'll have those delicious fries to take home with you and they're fantastic when they're cold.

Del Frisco's tries to help cut costs by doing their sides family style, though it can still be quite spendy. If you're anything like the Houstonist, you'll want a meat to side ratio of 1:1 which means that if you're splitting a side to go with a 26 ounce steak, there will be plenty more meat that potato--and if you're not a math genius like we are, let's just say that it doesn't add up to a 1:1 ratio. The problem with the Del Frisco's menu lies in that there is very little you could subsist on for cheap. Each steak (though generous portions) will put you back more than a few euros, so be prepared for a hefty bill.

Round Seven: Oceanaire 4; Del Frisco's 3

Yes, Oceanaire did squeak through in our ever scientific rating system, but both would be great choices for a night out. Yes, it is mall food, but we have a feeling that this will change the definition of "mall food" forever. (Don't forget that you can valet to save yourself the agony of parking at the Galleria.)

---Photo: flickr users Bethany L King and clkao