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| - After so many hyped-up recommendations from friends and family to dine at Blue Point, my husband and I returned from our dinner slightly disappointed. Actually, friends and family were a little surprised that we had not yet visited Blue Point, especially knowing that we enjoy trying new restaurants - to the point where we often begin planning our trips with the restaurants we plan on dining at while visiting that city. It may have been the hyped up recommendations that perhaps set our expectations too high.
Location: What can I say - Blue Point has it made with their location.
Service: Service was great. Our server was extremely friendly, taking a few moments to provide small talk in between visiting her other tables and trying to make appropriate recommendations for us based on what she thought we'd enjoy. Kudos to her - unfortunately, can't remember her name at the moment. Also, the valet was attentive and prompt.
Atmosphere: My husband and I typically enjoy laid-back restaurants with courteous service, a great wine list and well-prepared food. As soon as we walked into Blue Point, the first thing we commented on was the noise level. Although we weren't dining there to celebrate Valentines Day (visited February 13), we were anticipating a somewhat quiet dining experience. If you are visiting Blue Point for this experience, don't. It's partly the loft-like structure of the building that resulted in the poor acoustics. And, sitting upstairs may have lent to the extreme noise, as all chatter seemed to gravitate toward our table. At one point our server had to ask us to repeat our order because it was so loud. Now, there appeared to be a group of after-work diners - all busily texting away on their Blackberrys - behind us, so that may have been part of the noise issue. The ambiance seemed to be one of "the place to be seen", which isn't an ambiance my husband and I go out of our way to partake. The decor was nice and cohesive, though.
Food: Tasty, but for the price and ambiance the restaurant was trying to portray, under whelmed. This was a clear example of where "less is more" would've done the trick for Blue Point. We ordered the calamari appetizer after an enthusiastic recommendation from our very friendly server. What arrived at our table was just shy of being a family-style portion you'd expect to receive at Buca de Beppo. And, the bold flavors of the calamari - although pleasant for the first few bites - quickly became overwhelming and the spiciness just lingered in your mouth, not allowing for any flavor of the tender calamari to shine through. I will give credit as they sprinkled some toasted cashews into the mix, which added a nice texture amidst the somewhat soggy breading. When our server returned, she seemed surprised with the surplus and said she'd bring a box. We kindly declined as it's rare calamari is ever good-tasting heated up. Our entrees arrived shortly after and there was the momentary "ahhh, filet and lobster", quickly followed by "wow, that's a lot of food". I'm big on presentation, and that's one thing Blue Point was lacking. Rather than an elegant plating of a petite filet, lobster tail and sides, my large dinner plate was filled brim to brim with a mound of mashed potatoes, which served as a perch for the lobster tail. The filet was resting by the lobster tail, and surrounded by green beans. While I can't fault Blue Point for giving you great value for your money, I couldn't help but feel like I was getting a heaping plate as if I were at a seafood bake in New England - just shy of receiving the half corn on the cob!
We'd likely return, if accompanied with good company. Food was good - not top-notch for the prices - and nothing to complain in terms of service. But, based on some reviews I've read that boast that Blue Point is "the best (seafood) restaurant in town", I'm still a little puzzled by those claims. If you're looking for top-notch seafood, for the same - if not lower - prices as Blue Point, make sure to dine at The Club at Hillbrook in Chagrin Falls. Sure, you don't get the convenient downtown location, but I'd be quite surprised if you don't enjoy the food and the beautiful scenery.
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