The O Lounge

Great food at a convention center is possible! Images of burgers, pre-packaged sandwiches and overall boring and bland foods come to mind.

I recently went to the newly opened restaurant located in the North Lobby at the Ontario Convention Center. Looking more like a small bistro and bar found in an upscale hotel, the O Lounge is certainly a new and exciting destination dining spot. The bistro-like tables and jazz music that softly filters throughout the dining room makes for one relaxing and enjoyable dining experience.

I started with some of their "Small Plates" like the wonderful zesty Southern Fried Chicken Wings served with homemade crispy warm Cajun potato chips served in a cone shaped server with a delicious sausage dipping gravy $7.00, Steak Frits, a small but tender and juicy top sirloin steak with fries and served with a rich and creamy bleu cheese sauce $7.00 and the incredible Shrimp N Grits $8.00, 4 large BBQ Cajun buttered shrimps served over some tasty and creamy Asiago cheese grits with green onions and bacon. All of the dishes were loaded with flavors and were well worth the prices.

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Speaking of terrific prices, the main menu offers five delectable dishes all $10 and under. My favorites were the Lobster Mac N Cheese, real pieces of sweet lobster, crisp bacon, shitake mushrooms and a cheddar cheese sauce mixed with pasta and topped with fresh Parmesan cheese, the classic and beautifully presented Cobb Salad, a juicy 8oz. Angus burger will all of the standard toppings and choice of cheese, and the Cajun Chicken Sandwich, pan seared and seasoned chicken breast with a creole mustard spread, Andouille sausage, lettuce, slices of tomatoes, grilled onions served on a Milano Roll along with fries.

They also have daily specials along with some outstanding soups. On Friday, they offer the most delicious, creamy, buttery rich clam laden chowder I have ever had served in a sourdough bread bowl along with a small salad which changes weekly. The salad I had featured slices of Buffalo mozzarella cheese, heirloom tomatoes with roasted garlic and drizzled with cilantro pumpkin seed vinaigrette. Priced at only $8.00, it has to be the "Culinary deal of the century".

For dessert, I really enjoyed the decadent Chocolate Bomb $5.00, chocolate cake with chocolate truffle.

In closing, I have eaten her two times and have walked away in amazement on how good the food, portions and prices are. I look forward returning again and can't wait for more of their fantastic dishes to be added to the menu.

Great food, all under $10.  Serving small plates, everything we tried was excellent.  Here is the rundown of what we tried:

Lobster Mac and Cheese.  It has mushrooms and bacon, and oh yeah, Lobster.

Cajun Chicken Sandwich.  Caramelized onions, and if chicken wasn't enough, there is Andouille (sp?) sausage on it also.  

Cajun Chicken Wings with Sausage Gravy. After you dip the chicken wings in the gravy, all you are left with is sausage in the bottom of the little cup. No problem, just use the homemade potato chips to scoop up the sausage.  

Grilled Flat bread Pizza. Great toppings, but the crust was too limp, so eat it fast. I just rolled mine up: problem solved.

Then for dessert we had the Chocolate Bomb which was great, and the special which was the Peach Crumble with golden raisins, which I swear tasted like lemons, and it came with vanilla ice cream.

The water served is Cucumber Mint.  

The waitress, Amber was the best.

My only complaint was it was too warm inside. Two walls are 30ft high windows, so the sun must just bake it.  Amber said it isn't always that hot, so hopefully it will be cooler next time.

PARKING TIP -  We went on a Monday when there were no events going on in the Convention Center. Park on the north side entrance where it says "Administration Parking" If the gate is down, just buzz the receptionist and she will let you in.  We tried parking in the south lot, but the doors to the Convention Center were locked.

Bottom line is the Chef here kicks ass. You would never think food this good would be at a convention center. The most expensive thing on the menu is the Lobster Mac n Cheese for ten bucks!!

They are only open Monday thru Friday till 7pm, unless there is a convention going on, then they are open on the weekends. I would call first to be sure.

4 out of 5 stars due to confusing parking, doors being locked, and the temp too high. Food, value and service gets 5 stars.  (We were the only ones there. Like it was our own private restaurant.)