View Full Version : First & last trip to Bluefin
Chatbrat
10-13-2018, 05:22 PM
Went to the Bluefin, sat @ the bar ordered two Grey Goose drinks in martinis glasses, the bar person said they're going to be short. Ok she said any a martini is 2 oz of vodka/gin 1/2 oz vermouth--we said we don't want any vermouth--when we saw she was reaching for a shot measurer-- we said stop-- we're out of here--another patron at the bar said--"you're smarter than we were" Their martini was the shortest pour ever & since we never get happy hour prices @ Fred's joints we bailed --never again
The place is a tourist trap-short & simple
Kenswing
10-13-2018, 05:29 PM
I'm sure there is absolutely no one that is surprised by this.
justjim
10-13-2018, 05:38 PM
Unhappy with drinks should be reported to the manager.
Mikeod
10-13-2018, 05:55 PM
Mais fica
Chatbrat
10-13-2018, 06:03 PM
Its corporate , above the mgr pay grade--the place is a tourist trap
fw102807
10-13-2018, 06:15 PM
I'm sure there is absolutely no one that is surprised by this.
I'm NOTHING but shocked :shocked:
Chatbrat
10-13-2018, 06:21 PM
Its accurate--if you sit at a table you are really going to be short changed, we saw what they tried to pull on us , and we were at the bar-- look @ their other CC's = you should know better by now !!
graciegirl
10-13-2018, 06:25 PM
Its accurate--if you sit at a table you are really going to be short changed, we saw what they tried to pull on us , and we were at the bar-- look @ their other CC's = you should know better by now !!
Why didn't you just ask for a double pour of the high priced vodka you like?
Or perhaps a triple pour of a cheaper one?
skip0358
10-13-2018, 06:25 PM
Your comment doesn't surprise me on bit. Was waiting to hear your opinion now I know.
Schaumburger
10-13-2018, 06:26 PM
Mais fica
Mais fica...love it.
I would love to try the food at Bluefin the next time I visit The Villages. So far Bluefin has a 4.6 rating out of 5 on Google based on 22 reviews and 4.5 rating out of 5 on Trip Advisor based on 19 reviews. Pretty good reviews so far.
Kenswing
10-13-2018, 06:31 PM
Mais fica...love it.
I would love to try the food at Bluefin the next time I visit The Villages. So far Bluefin has a 4.6 rating out of 5 on Google based on 22 reviews and 4.5 rating out of 5 on Trip Advisor based on 19 reviews. Pretty good reviews so far.But those reviews were probably submitted by mere commoners..
skip0358
10-13-2018, 06:34 PM
Happy hour ends at 5 and then goes 8 till close
skip0358
10-13-2018, 06:41 PM
Well this isn’t NY and the other night when we were there the place was packed as was the outside bar. Heard no complaints from anyone except that they had to wait to eat. Friends went yesterday and said the same thing packed in and out.
thelegges
10-13-2018, 06:41 PM
But those reviews were probably submitted by mere commoners..
Or wait staff, it’s common to have staff write reviews to boost ratings. Have to say never read them, what someone else thinks is a great dish, may not be anything I like.
We ate there two weeks ago, staff was well versed on menu. I rarely order wine at a restaurant, that $15 glass is usually what it retails for.
bagboy
10-13-2018, 06:43 PM
Seems like booze is a very big part of some posters lives...
Chatbrat
10-13-2018, 06:51 PM
It s the start of a dining experience, if they can't get it right, its an indicator of whats to come-
Chatbrat
10-13-2018, 06:52 PM
Its your $$, spend it as you like-- this place will never get any of our $$
Spikearoni
10-13-2018, 07:11 PM
Its your $$, spend it as you like-- this place will never get any of our $$
Please share with us your top three or four favorites.
Chatbrat
10-13-2018, 07:15 PM
Arnold Palmer, Cane Garden, & Bonefish--as far as TV's are concerned--we don't eat any place else in TV's --what a shame-maybe Legacy will be resurrected
JSR22
10-13-2018, 07:28 PM
We ate ate at Bonefish the other night and it was not great. Havana, Palmer, Turners and Rose Plantation were much better. I am more into good food than liquor.
Chatbrat
10-13-2018, 07:30 PM
Didn't even give them a chance to pour-if they are amateurs @ making a Martini- the can't be trusted to make an entree
Chatbrat
10-13-2018, 07:33 PM
The trouble with the Rose for us- is the table for two is too small (confining) and the noise level -also going into downtown Leesburg is not in our comfort zone
JSR22
10-13-2018, 07:36 PM
Didn't even give them a chance to pour-if they are amateurs @ making a Martini- the can't be trusted to make an entree
Please stop trashing restaurants because of drink pours. I believe the majority of people are looking for good food. You did not eat there and trashing the restaurant is inexcusable!
Kenswing
10-13-2018, 07:37 PM
Didn't even give them a chance to pour-if they are amateurs @ making a Martini- the can't be trusted to make an entree
How does one have anything to do with the other? I doubt the bartender, after pouring your drink runs into the kitchen to cook your meal.. lol
Chatbrat
10-13-2018, 07:41 PM
It s the whole professionalism of the restaurant-- if the bar persons are drones-- the cook staff will be the same--looked @ some of the entrees on the bar as we were waiting & was not impressed
Aloha1
10-13-2018, 07:42 PM
A 2 oz pour for any Martini is a rip off. should be a Minimum of 3 - 3 1/2 and in good establishments, 4 oz. A standard Martini glass should be almost full, not halfway full. Very disappointing if this is what Blue Fin is doing. A 1.75 liter bottle of Grey Goose runs $44-$48 retail, less on wholesale to licensed establishments. At 60 oz per bottle and 4 oz per Martini at a sale price of $8, that's $120/bottle gross revenue. Assume $35 wholesale cost, that's an $85 gross profit per bottle or a 242% of cost. It's what you get at Bonefish for $10. Being cheap at the bar can kill anything else a restaurant does well and is never worth it.
Chatbrat
10-13-2018, 07:51 PM
When I heard that from the bar person & We saw her reaching for the measuring cup--my wife said "stop" I said we're out of here-- at leas t another person on this forum know a ripoff besides us. stop being suckers and demand real restaurants
Finally another person--gets it
perrjojo
10-13-2018, 07:55 PM
So here is my review for what it is worth. My husband and I have been fortunate enough to have fine dinning experiences all over the world. My husband belongs to a men’s International cooking club. We know good food Btw, hubby drinks Grey Goose. I am not saying these things to brag but to say we know a thing or two about gourmet dinning, fine wine and liquors. We are not foodie snobs. We love Mac and cheese too. We sat at the bar because there was a wait. My husband was quite pleased with his GreyGoose Martini and I complimented the bartender on the best Appletini I have ever had. When we were seated our server was excellent but no, she was not Fine dinning experienced. The ambience was nice. The white table clothes and napkins were very nice. The China and utensils were a little boring. We shared a wedge salad with blue cheese dressing. It was nice. Sorry, I,don’t remember our wine choice. The menu was not as extensive with seafood choices as I would like but it was interesting and adequate. Our food was well presented and quite tasty. My only disappointment was having to keep the same knife and fork throughout my meal. So is Blue Fin a nice addition to Tne Villages? Yes! Is it fine dinning? No. Is it a place that we enjoyed and will return? Yes
Bosoxfan
10-13-2018, 08:01 PM
Seems like booze is a very big part of some posters lives...
I was thinking the same thing...I don't drink and would like to know about the food. Another thing I don't do is base my reviews on cost.
Bosoxfan
10-13-2018, 08:06 PM
Didn't even give them a chance to pour-if they are amateurs @ making a Martini- the can't be trusted to make an entree
So do you really think the bartender prepares your food🤔
B-flat
10-13-2018, 08:25 PM
Went to the Bluefin, sat @ the bar ordered two Grey Goose drinks in martinis glasses, the bar person said they're going to be short. Ok she said any a martini is 2 oz of vodka/gin 1/2 oz vermouth--we said we don't want any vermouth--when we saw she was reaching for a shot measurer-- we said stop-- we're out of here--another patron at the bar said--"you're smarter than we were" Their martini was the shortest pour ever & since we never get happy hour prices @ Fred's joints we bailed --never again
The place is a tourist trap-short & simple
Reminds me of when I was in my early 20s I tended bar in an upscale restaurant. As a martini drinker back then I knew what made a good one. I purchased an empty perfume atomizer and loaded it with dry vermouth, I then simply sprayed a squirt into the glass before pouring in the gin or vodka. I got many compliments on the martinis I made until the owner found out and threw away the atomizer. Shame to ruin a martini with
½ ounce of vermouth. YUCK!
Bogie Shooter
10-13-2018, 08:26 PM
The trouble with the Rose for us- is the table for two is too small (confining) and the noise level -also going into downtown Leesburg is not in our comfort zone
The “Rose” has moved to Leesburg?
Bogie Shooter
10-13-2018, 08:29 PM
We ate ate at Bonefish the other night and it was not great. Havana, Palmer, Turners and Rose Pavilion were much better. I am more into good food than liquor.
Where is the Rose Pavillion?
tophcfa
10-13-2018, 08:46 PM
If we go to a seafood restaurant we will judge it based on the quality of the meal. If we want a top shelf drink, we will have it at home before we go out to dinner, or better yet, when we get home. At restaurants, we order a couple of Michelob Ultras in a bottle, the bartender can't screw that up and it goes well with dinner. We hope to be stopping by to check out the Bluefin next week, and will judge it then. We love seafood and are hoping for a better option than either Bonefish or the Lighthouse.
I do have a question, does anyone know if the Bluefin takes reservations? That is why we always default to the Bonefish, they take reservations. We like to show up for dinner at the pre-specified time and promptly get a seat. No reservations, no Bluefin for us, especially after the long trek it is for us to Brownwood.
Bogie Shooter
10-13-2018, 08:48 PM
If we go to a seafood restaurant we will judge it based on the quality of the meal. If we want a top shelf drink, we will have it at home before we go out to dinner, or better yet, when we get home. At restaurants, we order a couple of Michelob Ultras in a bottle, the bartender can't screw that up and it goes well with dinner. We hope to be stopping by to check out the Bluefin next week, and will judge it then. We love seafood and are hoping for a better option than either Bonefish or the Lighthouse.
I do have a question, does anyone know if the Bluefin takes reservations? That is why we always default to the Bonefish, they take reservations. We like to show up for dinner at the pre-specified time and promptly get a seat. No reservations, no Bluefin for us, especially after the long trek it is for us to Brownwood.
What is a long trek?
golf2140
10-13-2018, 08:53 PM
Went to the Bluefin, sat @ the bar ordered two Grey Goose drinks in martinis glasses, the bar person said they're going to be short. Ok she said any a martini is 2 oz of vodka/gin 1/2 oz vermouth--we said we don't want any vermouth--when we saw she was reaching for a shot measurer-- we said stop-- we're out of here--another patron at the bar said--"you're smarter than we were" Their martini was the shortest pour ever & since we never get happy hour prices @ Fred's joints we bailed --never again
The place is a tourist trap-short & simple
Hey Chat,
First you rather have home cooking because none of the restaurants meet your taste. The drinks suck, you don't own a golf cart in a golf community, the best thing for you to do is move to Orlando where the prices are higher but you can drive to your new favorite places.
OrangeBlossomBaby
10-13-2018, 09:19 PM
Didn't even give them a chance to pour-if they are amateurs @ making a Martini- the can't be trusted to make an entree
When I was a bartender, a martini was a 1.5 second pour into a metal shaker filled halfway with ice, then tip it with the shaker filter over into a martini glass. Lift the bottle of vermouth, then - without actually pouring any, put it back on the shelf. Add a green olive with the pimiento in it, and serve.
Dan9871
10-13-2018, 09:26 PM
Where is the Rose Pavillion?
The Rose Plantation is in Fruitland Park.
The Rose Plantation - Home (https://www.theroseplantation.com/)
Went there once for lunch. The service was very good but the food was OK, not outstanding... maybe that was just the luck of the draw. We'll go back sometime and maybe draw a better meal.
Polar Bear
10-13-2018, 09:27 PM
But those reviews were probably submitted by mere commoners..
:clap2:
Nucky
10-13-2018, 09:50 PM
But those reviews were probably submitted by mere commoners..
NOTHING but the most common commoner here. I don't drink, my wife has one or two drinks sometimes when we go out. She enjoyed a Florida Blueish/Greenish drink in a Martini glass, several of them. We have been there six times and like it a little better each time. We have no complaints because it meets our expectations. We look forward to going there because it is a nice place with great food and coffee.
I have had the pleasure of meeting Chatbrat one day at Xfinity. We spoke for a few minutes and lived 20 minutes from each other in N.J. I must say he is a very nice guy and I took a whole lot of shots at him before we met. He is in my estimation a good guy who is a tough nut to crack on restaurant issues. It is his choice to take those shots. This is a forum for giving and taking information and opinions. His normally don't align with mine but I do respect him very much after meeting him.
Anyone who served our country gets a pass with me on B.S. issues. What if everyone on here agreed on every issue?
Time to take cover! :popcorn: The Popcorn is Orville Redenbacher Brand, not store brand! :1rotfl:
Bosoxfan
10-13-2018, 09:54 PM
Seems like booze is a very big part of some posters lives...
I was thinking the same thing...I don't drink and would like to know about the food. Another thing I don't do is base my reviews on cost.
Northwoods
10-13-2018, 10:08 PM
I find it amusing that some people move to "the middle of nowhere Central FL," to a retirement community where most people are on a fixed income, yet they are appalled when they can't find the "dining experience" that they demand. I think most people, before they make a move, do their research and define their priorities as to what they want in a retirement community and then decide what community is the best match to those priorities. The Villages may not be the dining experience that some enjoy, but, it is a conscious choice. We consider ourselves "foodies".... but this was our choice. So if we complained about restaurants in The Villages I would think we were reckless in our choice or just pompous in our attitude.
Fraugoofy
10-13-2018, 10:14 PM
If we go to a seafood restaurant we will judge it based on the quality of the meal. If we want a top shelf drink, we will have it at home before we go out to dinner, or better yet, when we get home. At restaurants, we order a couple of Michelob Ultras in a bottle, the bartender can't screw that up and it goes well with dinner. We hope to be stopping by to check out the Bluefin next week, and will judge it then. We love seafood and are hoping for a better option than either Bonefish or the Lighthouse.
I do have a question, does anyone know if the Bluefin takes reservations? That is why we always default to the Bonefish, they take reservations. We like to show up for dinner at the pre-specified time and promptly get a seat. No reservations, no Bluefin for us, especially after the long trek it is for us to Brownwood.Last week when I called for a birthday party of 8 Blue Fin did NOT take reservations and therefore, did not get our business...when they decide to join the 2000's we will re-consider.
Sent from my SM-N920R4 using Tapatalk
Nucky
10-13-2018, 10:25 PM
Last week when I called for a birthday party of 8 Blue Fin did NOT take reservations and therefore, did not get our business...when they decide to join the 2000's we will re-consider.
Sent from my SM-N920R4 using Tapatalk
You called Dunkin Donuts next door by mistake! Wink! :1rotfl: Peace Out Ms. FrauBratgoofy!:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:
Fraugoofy
10-13-2018, 10:30 PM
Actually I do love coffee, but only when I make it at home. It has to be dark roast with all natural cream and no artificial colors and it has to be brewed to exactly 102* and served in a black coffee cup with a sprinkle of organic sugar on the rim. And for fun sometimes I sprinkle cinnamon in the coffee just to mix it up. When I bartend, though, I just serve it black...no fancy sh!t for me... You called Dunkin Donuts next door by mistake! Wink! :1rotfl: Peace Out Ms. FrauBratgoofy!:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:
Sent from my SM-N920R4 using Tapatalk
CWGUY
10-13-2018, 11:36 PM
I'm sure there is absolutely no one that is surprised by this.
:icon_wink: I was...... expected it weeks ago!
Cruisy
10-14-2018, 01:24 AM
As a future Villager I can tell you I think I’ll be happy with the restaurants I’ve seen and eaten at there. I may have lower expectations but any time I don’t have to cook or clean dishes I’m happy!
jeriteri
10-14-2018, 06:14 AM
I suggest that you professional restaurant critics visit Village Area Restaurant Review on Facebook. Check out what the norm says about Bluefin Grill and Bar.
thelegges
10-14-2018, 06:17 AM
NOTHING but the most common commoner here. I don't drink, my wife has one or two drinks sometimes when we go out. She enjoyed a Florida Blueish/Greenish drink in a Martini glass, several of them. We have been there six times and like it a little better each time. We have no complaints because it meets our expectations. We look forward to going there because it is a nice place with great food and coffee.
I have had the pleasure of meeting Chatbrat one day at Xfinity. We spoke for a few minutes and lived 20 minutes from each other in N.J. I must say he is a very nice guy and I took a whole lot of shots at him before we met. He is in my estimation a good guy who is a tough nut to crack on restaurant issues. It is his choice to take those shots. This is a forum for giving and taking information and opinions. His normally don't align with mine but I do respect him very much after meeting him.
Anyone who served our country gets a pass with me on B.S. issues. What if everyone on here agreed on every issue?
Time to take cover! :popcorn: The Popcorn is Orville Redenbacher Brand, not store brand! :1rotfl:
What a breath of fresh air post. Something that was an everyday occurrence for years, on this site If you didn’t like what someone posted, it was ok.
After all everyone is entitled to their opinion, without someone telling they they were not bright enough to do research, move to Orlando, or just outright bullying on a post.
Over the years I have read posts that would definitely make a new poster think twice about posting their own opinion.
For those that don’t drink you would have no idea, it’s a short pour. If you put vermouth in a glass it’s either a spray and dump, or pour in a glass swirl and dump. A martini glass should be filled to close to brim of glass either neat or otherwise.
rustyp
10-14-2018, 06:24 AM
What a breath of fresh air post. Something that was an everyday occurrence for years, on this site If you didn’t like what someone posted, it was ok.
After all everyone is entitled to their opinion, without someone telling they they were not bright enough to do research, move to Orlando, or just outright bullying on a post.
Over the years I have read posts that would definitely make a new poster think twice about posting their own opinion.
For those that don’t drink you would have no idea, it’s a short pour. If you put vermouth in a glass it’s either a spray and dump, or pour in a glass swirl and dump. A martini glass should be filled to close to brim of glass either neat or otherwise.
:clap2:
fw102807
10-14-2018, 06:28 AM
What a breath of fresh air post. Something that was an everyday occurrence for years, on this site If you didn’t like what someone posted, it was ok.
After all everyone is entitled to their opinion, without someone telling they they were not bright enough to do research, move to Orlando, or just outright bullying on a post.
Over the years I have read posts that would definitely make a new poster think twice about posting their own opinion.
For those that don’t drink you would have no idea, it’s a short pour. If you put vermouth in a glass it’s either a spray and dump, or pour in a glass swirl and dump. A martini glass should be filled to close to brim of glass either neat or otherwise.
Congrats to both of you. You are nice people. I definitely weigh all my words and delete a lot of my posts before I hit submit.
photo1902
10-14-2018, 07:10 AM
I find it amusing that some people move to "the middle of nowhere Central FL," to a retirement community where most people are on a fixed income, yet they are appalled when they can't find the "dining experience" that they demand. I think most people, before they make a move, do their research and define their priorities as to what they want in a retirement community and then decide what community is the best match to those priorities. The Villages may not be the dining experience that some enjoy, but, it is a conscious choice. We consider ourselves "foodies".... but this was our choice. So if we complained about restaurants in The Villages I would think we were reckless in our choice or just pompous in our attitude.
:bigbow:
C4Boston
10-14-2018, 07:18 AM
My wife and I had dinner there last week and both of us gave it 5 out of 5, but we did get wine rather than a martini. Food was great and priced accordingly. If we wanted cheap food we would have gone to McDonalds.
Bogie Shooter
10-14-2018, 07:20 AM
NOTHING but the most common commoner here. I don't drink, my wife has one or two drinks sometimes when we go out. She enjoyed a Florida Blueish/Greenish drink in a Martini glass, several of them. We have been there six times and like it a little better each time. We have no complaints because it meets our expectations. We look forward to going there because it is a nice place with great food and coffee.
I have had the pleasure of meeting Chatbrat one day at Xfinity. We spoke for a few minutes and lived 20 minutes from each other in N.J. I must say he is a very nice guy and I took a whole lot of shots at him before we met. He is in my estimation a good guy who is a tough nut to crack on restaurant issues. It is his choice to take those shots. This is a forum for giving and taking information and opinions. His normally don't align with mine but I do respect him very much after meeting him.
Anyone who served our country gets a pass with me on B.S. issues. What if everyone on here agreed on every issue?
Time to take cover! :popcorn: The Popcorn is Orville Redenbacher Brand, not store brand! :1rotfl:
You seemed to have learned a lot in just "a few" minutes.
graciegirl
10-14-2018, 07:48 AM
You seemed to have learned a lot in just "a few" minutes.
Bonnie told me the same thing, Bogie. I know/knew both of them and both of their opinions have great value to me...……………………………...BUT
We all have been aggravated to death by something, someone on this forum. We only THINK we are all sweet souls and objective in our views. We have all had bad days, hurt somewhere, have recently lost someone, or are just plain annoying and have always been.
We don't have as much time left as we did yesterday and we still have the first amendment rights to make a fool of ourselves in print.
My Daily Run
10-14-2018, 07:56 AM
We had the same issue. We love Rob Roy's, that is our go to drink when we go out to eat at a "restaurant"as opposed to a pub. We ordered the scotch with one drop of dry vermouth stirred not shaken. I didn't see the bartender pour the scotch but I saw that she was holding a double shot glass when she picked up the vermouth and filled the small side 1/2 oz with vermouth. That is a far cry from a drop or 2. She started to shake the drink which killed us but we just smiled. When she delivered it we commented on the amount of vermouth and the fact that she was shaking it...( we both tended bar part time for over 30 years each and we know that shaking a drink adds volume...if I wanted a watered down drink I would order it on the rock) she told us that this was the way that they told her to make them. We kind of felt bad for her as she was just following the rules, so the lesson learned at Bluefin is if we want to enjoy their food it will be a beer or a glass of wine. We can go to Ricciardi 's enjoy a great drink and then go to Bluefin for dinner...
graciegirl
10-14-2018, 08:13 AM
I don't drink either. I was NEVER any good at it and addiction is a genetic quality so I quit. Too many addiction genes present in my family.
However, I am not a look down your nose at those who do person. There are some that the quality of booze and how it is prepared and served matter a lot. I wonder what percentage that would be? Ten %? There are those who have a very refined palate and can tell which side of the hill the basil and thyme was raised and that would be...…..4%?? There would be those who enjoy a well prepared meal not easily done at home and like "going out to dinner" and that would be 70%???
I guess I am impressed by the fine taste of others, but find it easier to enjoy if they don't brag about it. It doesn't take a house to fall on us to understand when someone is bragging and someone is refined. And sometimes they are both, I guess.
I brag too. You want to hear about our grandchildren?
vBulletin® v3.8.11, Copyright ©2000-2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.