From the day that it opened last January, Blu Sushi has been one of south Fort Myers’ hottest and trendiest dining spots. Tucked away in a corner of Cypress Square, the diminutive sushi and cocktail bar is located just across the sidewalk from the Prawnbroker restaurant, an area landmark. Judging from Blu’s first year in business, landmark status is probably in its future, as well. Between its style and substance, Blu has won rave reviews from patrons of all ages. In fact, the restaurant’s exceptional food and festive bar have made it so popular that until recently, its only real problem was accommodating its clientele. Now, thanks to a late-fall expansion that doubled the seating capacity, customers have twice the chance to find a place to perch inside or out on the patio. By design, owners and local entrepreneurs Courtney Jones, Chris Whitaker and Peter Schmid ditched the usual pseudo-Oriental look in favor of a much more metropolitan motif. Often, its style is compared to that of the hip, South Beach establishments favored by in-the-know trendanistas. However, you needn’t be under 30 to appreciate Blu’s electric appeal.Beyond the ocean-blue walls, contemporary pendant lights and neon-rimmed windows, the sleek décor contains two indoor water features. One is a curtain of water that helps separate the bar from the main dining room and sushi bar. There is also a large, saltwater aquarium built into the wall behind the sushi bar. Filled with colorful, tropical fish, the aquarium offers a touch of tranquility to an environment in which the volume tends to reflect the high-energy atmosphere. The large, u-shaped liquor bar is a centerpiece, decoratively and socially. Its illuminated top and blue mother-of-pearl tile are stunning when they are visible. However, the bar is usually obscured by a sharply dressed crowd, eager to partake of Blu’s “Outrageous Cocktails,” featured on a separate menu. In addition to dozens of unusual martinis and various other concoctions with vodka, gin or rum, libations include sake and sake drinks, as well as wine, and domestic and imported beer. Although the main attraction is sushi, Blu offers much more than most first-timers suspect, namely a single menu that features considerably more than just raw fish. According to manager Heather Holt, approximately half the restaurant’s items are cooked, as clearly indicated on the extensive menu. These items, along with rice bowls and veggie rolls, are especially attractive to those reluctant to try sushi, as well as families with children, whose tastes tend to be picky if not discriminating. Blu also features a nice selection of specialty rolls, including some that are deep-fried or cooked. For instance, the Volcano roll, (chopped crab, smelt roe, mayo and hot sauce) is baked. One of the most-ordered items is the “Find What Baby” roll, a nod to one owner’s affiliation with the successful Ft. Myers-based business, FindWhat.com. The roll contains salmon, green onions, asparagus and cream cheese, and is deep fried and topped with eel sauce. The Blu Special is another roll that appeals to sushi veterans and neophytes alike. In addition to crab, cucumber and avocado, it has cooked scallops, shrimp and mayo on top. Other rolls containing either eel, crab or smoked salmon are also popular with beginners, who typically graduate to more exotic, raw offerings. Upon request, executive chefs Billy and Kevin Mak (who are also brothers and part owners of Blu) will make any creation or hand roll of your choice. Also on the menu: miso soup, several salads, numerous appetizers, and a wide array of sushi and sashimi by the piece or by the platter. To take the guesswork out of ordering, all of the rolls and appetizers are thoroughly explained in English. Further, the exemplary freshness of Blu’s seafood ensures that every bite, raw or cooked, is delicious. Prices start at around $4.50 for sushi and sashimi, with specialty rolls averaging in the $8-$10 range.Diners may eat at the sushi bar, bar/lounge area, or at a table in the dining room or on the patio. Also, thanks to the expansion, Blu now has space to accommodate small, private parties of 10 to 15 people as needed. While menus may be customized for on-site parties at a per-person charge, platters are available for pickup. Because of its overwhelming success during its first year in Fort Myers, Blu is opening a second location. This summer, the owners plan to open a 150-seat restaurant on Third Street South in Naples.

(Blu Sushi is open daily in Cypress Square at 13451 McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers. Lunch is served weekdays from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Dinner is served from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday & Saturday. Weekday happy hour with 1/2-priced cocktails from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. No reservations, but call-ahead seating is available. For more information, call (239) 489-1500 or visit www.blusushi.com)