Southwest Florida diners can be a fickle bunch in the best of times, often turning a cold shoulder to the eateries they deemed red-hot just a few months earlier. But Blu Sushi is one restaurant that has retained its trés chic reputation ever since its 2003 debut. Now with three locations, Blu continues to attract local trendsetters who recognize value and appreciate quality.
The original Cypress Square location in Fort Myers made quite a splash when Courtney Jones, Chris Whitaker, Peter Schmid and executive chefs Billy and Kevin Mak opened for business six years ago. The restaurant’s high-tech interior, innovative sushi menu and imaginative cocktails became an instant hit, prompting the five owners to expand to Naples in 2005 and the Gulf Coast Town Center in 2007.
Each has its own distinctive personality, ample indoor and outdoor seating, and accommodations for private parties. The original Fort Myers location is something of a space-aged Cheers, frequented by locals. The Naples store is on Third Street in an artsy area of downtown, upstairs from SeaSalt restaurant. Its beautiful courtyard gives it a cozy, romantic flair. In contrast, the Gulf Coast Town Center Blu is a place to see and be seen, and is especially popular with college students and other youthful hipsters.
All three have been extremely successful, thanks largely to the culinary talents of the Mak brothers. Over the years, the two have won numerous awards in Lee and Collier counties, including first place at the recent March of Dimes annual Chef’s Auction at Sanibel Harbour Resort. Also, Blu regularly garners local and regional accolades for its inventive sushi offerings as well as its original, exotic drinks.
While getting to the top is one thing, staying there is quite another, particularly during a recession. Owner Chris Whitaker attributes Blu’s enduring appeal to its proactive approach to meeting customer needs.
“We’re constantly evolving, in terms of food, drink and overall experience,” he says. To keep the menu fresh, for instance, Blu’s owners and chefs frequently travel to Europe, Asia and beyond to find interesting and unusual ingredients.
They also stay ahead of the local culinary curve by keeping abreast of emerging trends. Last year, the head chef of Koi (a world-renowned sushi restaurant in Los Angeles) spent several days working with Blu’s chefs, introducing them to new ideas and techniques.
Even the music at Blu has evolved over the years. It now plays a format known as “chill,” which is hard to describe but easy to listen to, regardless of age. More soothing than techno, chill is a “world sound,” designed by its originators “to capture the essence of music at the most fundamental level.” You can hear it played by live deejays on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at all Blu locations.
The menu is much easier to describe. In a word, it’s outstanding. It’s also more affordable than ever at lunch, thanks to the recently launched Blu Bailout. Served weekdays from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., it offers all-you-can-eat sushi for just $9.95, and includes soup and a salad.
Apparently, this is one bailout that everyone can agree upon. “It was Courtney’s idea (and) we decided to go for it,” says Whitaker, adding that he’s grateful to loyal patrons and new customers alike for making the Blu Bailout “a tremendous success.” However, he adds that Blu Bailout diners need to be patient. “Unlike other restaurants, nothing is prepped at Blu. Everything is hand-made, which guarantees freshness.”
To provide additional economic stimulus, Blu hosts a Happy Hour, Monday through Friday, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. During those hours, patrons receive special prices on drinks, including $5 martinis. Blu is famous for its specialty martinis such as its signature Aloha Mr. Edison, although it offers a wide range of creative concoctions.
For example, listed under “Confectionary Cocktails,” you’ll find drinks like Indulgence (a silky blend of Godiva dark and white chocolate liquers and premium Stolichnaya vanilla vodka) and Frank Zappacino (Brinley’s Gold Coffee Rum blended with Dulce Le Leche Liquer and a touch of Frangelico). Blu also serves sake and sake-based drinks, imported and domestic beer, and an extensive list of red, white and sparkling wines, along with some ports and dessert wines.
With all that Blu has to offer, the owners are always finding new ways to make a good thing better. One of the restaurant’s best new desserts is the Peekaboo, a chocolate mousse cake that usually sells out (so order it first, just in case). There’s also a kid’s menu under development with the help of the owners’ children. Poised to debut shortly, it will contain a handful of choices, including fried shrimp and rice cakes.
The restaurant has also introduced a delivery service, Blu-2-Go, at its two Fort Myers locations. The service delivers to homes and offices, day or night, for a modest delivery fee ($25 minimum order). Just call the main number (489-1500) and follow the prompts.
While Blu excels at catering to customers – both literally and figuratively – its owners and staff are equally committed to serving the community. Throughout the year, they stay actively involved in fundraising for a number of charitable organizations, including the March of Dimes and Susan G. Komen Foundation. In October, the restaurant’s Blu Does Pink event raised approximately $10,000 for breast cancer awareness.
In the coming year, Blu Sushi plans to take its concept beyond local borders. Expect to see it expand to other Florida markets and possibly north of the Sunshine State before long.
Blu Sushi is open daily in 3 locations: Cypress Square, 13451 McGregor Boulevard and Gulf Coast Town Center, 10045 Gulf Center Drive, both in Fort Myers; and in Naples at 1170 3rd Street South. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. weekdays and every day at Gulf Coast Town Center, starting at 11 a.m. Dinner is served from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday & Saturday. Gulf Coast Town Center serves until midnight on weekends. Reservations accepted and call-ahead seating is available. Phone: (239) 489-1500 or visit www.blusushi.com
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