THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Blues Alley Bistro Cafe

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Blues Alley Bistro Cafe Restaurant Review:

A visit to Blues Alley will have you singing the blues that you didn’t discover this place sooner. Twinkling blue lights, cobalt blue vases, Impressionistic art and silky jazz music set the mood for an elegant, relaxing meal. Chef-owner Calvert W. Johnston is not only a creative chef, but also a skilled carpenter, as evidenced by the attractively crafted bar and other woodwork he designed and made for the restaurant. The atmosphere is suitable for a business lunch or romantic dinner. And the food won’t disappoint. Johnston is one of the areas most innovative chefs, and he’s not afraid to try complex dishes. Flavors melded beautifully in the char-grilled Chilean sea bass on cilantro-scented sticky rice with hot garlic cabbage, scallion shrimp cracker and curry lemon grass broth. A similarly complex appetizer of Thai barbecue duck over soba noodles with daikon threads and curry crème fraîche had an excellent mix of textures and flavors. An apple, fennel and Brie salad sprinkled with hazelnuts and dressed with raspberry oil and roasted apricot vinaigrette was attractive, fresh and tasty. With selections of seafood, chicken, duck, beef, lamb and pork, the challenge is choosing. Lunch offers a few sandwiches and lighter fare along with salads, entrées and side dishes. And don’t skip dessert. Both the Michelangelo Martini, with layers of chocolate liqueurs and vodka, and the Chocolate Truffle Framboise with raspberry and peach coulis were among the most satisfying desserts we’ve tasted. The menu changes seasonally, and this spring Johnston will introduce tasting portions of many dishes along with regular-size portions.