This visit has been a long time coming. Many times, it has been recommended that I check out the Blue Dolphin, and it so happened that today was the day. We went on a semi-business lunch with some of our friends. Time was a bit of an issue, and this ended up being a good choice.
We started with the skordalia for the table. This appetizer is a potato and garlic dip served cold with pita points. When it was delivered to the table, it really looked like a scoop of mashed potatoes. It was an interesting starter to the meal, unlike anything I had ever had before. Note: DO NOT GO HERE ON A DATE! Or, at least, don't order this appetizer if you do! There was a tremendous amount of garlic in this dish. It was tasty. An interesting texture. Something different. I am not sure that it is something I would want to eat all the time, but I am glad we tried it that day. A food adventure, if you will.
Another note: The rolls that they serve while you are waiting for your food are a very pleasant surprise. They are large, airy, and have a sweeteness to them that I can't quite describe. They really were quite delicious. I would be curious to taste some of their other baked goods.
So, the salad was underwhelming. I had heard such good things. It was filling, and pretty big for the price. The Greek dressing was good, a little oily for my taste, but a good blend of spices. The chicken was a little dry, and the lettuce didn't look quite as fresh as I like, but overall, it was alright. Nothing spectacular. I would likely order something else the next time I visit.
The atmosphere of the Blue Dolphin is similar to that of an old dinner that serves a lot of early bird specials. You can tell that it has been there for quite some time. There is a smokiness in the air that hit me instantly when I walked in, and being from Ohio (a smoke-free state), it is something I still can't quite get used to here in Michigan. There is some really interesting decor. But, it also felt a little dirty, I guess. I can't quite describe it. Maybe it was the smoke.
We will go back. Paul enjoys the more complicated Greek dishes they serve. And, for the price, it is a pretty good deal. I will look forward to those rolls!
Oh, and Paul wanted me to point out that the gyros were excellent. Just so you know.
two golden forks out of five
We started with the skordalia for the table. This appetizer is a potato and garlic dip served cold with pita points. When it was delivered to the table, it really looked like a scoop of mashed potatoes. It was an interesting starter to the meal, unlike anything I had ever had before. Note: DO NOT GO HERE ON A DATE! Or, at least, don't order this appetizer if you do! There was a tremendous amount of garlic in this dish. It was tasty. An interesting texture. Something different. I am not sure that it is something I would want to eat all the time, but I am glad we tried it that day. A food adventure, if you will.
Another note: The rolls that they serve while you are waiting for your food are a very pleasant surprise. They are large, airy, and have a sweeteness to them that I can't quite describe. They really were quite delicious. I would be curious to taste some of their other baked goods.
So, the salad was underwhelming. I had heard such good things. It was filling, and pretty big for the price. The Greek dressing was good, a little oily for my taste, but a good blend of spices. The chicken was a little dry, and the lettuce didn't look quite as fresh as I like, but overall, it was alright. Nothing spectacular. I would likely order something else the next time I visit.
The atmosphere of the Blue Dolphin is similar to that of an old dinner that serves a lot of early bird specials. You can tell that it has been there for quite some time. There is a smokiness in the air that hit me instantly when I walked in, and being from Ohio (a smoke-free state), it is something I still can't quite get used to here in Michigan. There is some really interesting decor. But, it also felt a little dirty, I guess. I can't quite describe it. Maybe it was the smoke.
We will go back. Paul enjoys the more complicated Greek dishes they serve. And, for the price, it is a pretty good deal. I will look forward to those rolls!
Oh, and Paul wanted me to point out that the gyros were excellent. Just so you know.
two golden forks out of five
5 comments:
I'm right there with you on the smoking thing. I'm originally from Illinois (another no smoking state). Dining out is so much more enjoyable when we go home...
I went to Papa Pete's, attached to the Blue Dophin. It was filled with fleas, by which I was bitten several times, as were the others at my table. There were dogs in the bar, it was filthy and the bartender was playing video games instead of serving the patrons. The experience was unpleasant to say the least. I will NEVER go there again and will NEVER to to the Blue Dolphin. I can't imagine the bugs stay in just one part of the building!
You should definately try LoDo Company and also Zazios!
I see you have been to Full City Cafe - one of my favorites.
I am surprised you have not been to Saffron since you seem to enjoy middle eastern cuisine. Give them a try - next to Tiffanys on W. Main.
LoDo Company and Zazios are definitely on our list... but we need to start a "Feed the Foodies" fund as our economic situation is not good.
We have been to Saffron and really enjoy it. Check out the blog from July 31, 2008. Paul and I dine occasionally, but, again, can't afford to eat there often. :(
If you have some of the more traditional Greek dishes at Blue Dolphin, you would be pleasantly surprised - I mean, no true Greek salad features lettuce, so try ordering the Village Salad (traditional) instead the next time and keep it traditional! Their saganaki opa is fabulous and very authentic, and they carry some Greek wines that are difficult to get elsewhere. As someone who lived in Greece for a year, I have to say that the food (traditional style!) and the experience of Blue Dolphin are right on the money, and I loved it while I lived in Kalamazoo!
Post a Comment