I finally got around to stopping into Blue Fin to check the place out, and to see what sort of menu items we could expect to find. The restaurant is about two weeks away from opening – barring any sort of permit of code compliance issues. Upon examining the ‘kitchen starters’ I found some standard Japanese fare such as edamame, shumai and gyuza… the items that we have come to expect at Japanese restaurants. While the Ika Maru (grilled squid served with spicy mayo sauce) piqued my interest, I was disappointed to see Chilean Seabass (or Patagonian toothfish) on the menu. With so many great fish options I find it hard to believe that there are still restaurants out there putting these overfished varieties on the menu (steer clear of this fish, please). If you’re wondering what fish are recommended eating at this time, click here.
Blue Fin has more Japanese selections on the menu than Southeast Asia and Chinese. The non-Japanese dishes, though limited, should go a long way towards appeasing families and couples who have hard time deciding where to go for lunch and dinner. There’s a Southeast Asian spicy mango chicken with jicama that sounds good, and you can never go wrong with a General Tso’s chicken (if it’s ultra-spicy). Maybe mix it up with Lo Mein, Pad Thai or Yaki Udon (also Soba) depending on your mood. I guess that’s really the overall point – stop in, sit down, and then decide what it is that you’re in the mood for. As for the sushi-lovers, there are plenty of options ranging from sushi pizza (one of Bashar Issa’s favorites) to salmon tartar – yes, a salmon tartar. The Blue Fin Royale Roll consists of crunchy spicy tuna, spicy salmon, avocado, masago, and mango wrapped in soybean paper. Plenty of sashimi and nagiri to choose from.
The interior of Blue Fin is slightly reminiscent of Brodo, with enough departure that it works to the restaurant’s advantage. Brodo was a very well designed eatery and incorporated some beautiful modern lighting features that remain today. It’s still a wonder to many why it closed at all, though the opening of Brodo to Go is still on for Main Street in Downtown Buffalo (for those who still miss the food).
Blue Fin Asian Bistro
765 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo NY14222
716-886-1886
(Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week)