Contact: SMITH & HEMINGWAY
(407) 738-3313

smithem@semo.net

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOLIDAY LAUNCH FOR BLUEFIN
Soft Opening planned for Mid-December

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Dec. 3, 2004)- The long-awaited Bluefin will open mid-December at 135 S. Main, at Peabody Place, in downtown Memphis. This is the latest in restaurateur Jimmy Ishii's group of highly successful restaurants, and he chose the location because of Belz' success in the area.

Bluefin's global cuisine, in a hip, casual setting, features both local and exotic ingredients with a menu created by chef partners Danny Ikelman and Minh Nguyen. *(Please call first before coming to the restaurant to make sure it is open.)

Bluefin will be sure to raise the bar for Memphis dining with its sensual cutting edge cuisine and trendy, relaxed décor. Picture such extraordinary ingredients as foie gras, razor clams, duck confit, salsify, sea beans, squash blossoms, truffles, and a complete range of exotic mushrooms --all in memorable culinary creations -- not to mention the Late-Night Sushi Bar, Lounge and Billiards Room.

Chef Danny Ikelman comments," We want to open up a new level of cuisine, while at the same time creating a fun, relaxed ambiance. This is a tall order, but it's a challenge we are gladly taking. We're going to be good, but not stuffy or pretentious."

Some of the more remarkable menu items include Foie Gras with Fuyu Persimmon, hazelnut johnnycakes and Scotch bonnet caramel; Lobster and Soba Noodle Salad with sea beans, grape tomatoes, tarragon and shiso; Bluefin Tuna Tartare with fried capers, quail egg and American Sturgeon; and Wild Mushroom Pizza with mushrooms, pancetta, caramelized red onions and smoked Gouda.

Exciting entrées include Seafood Hot Pot with simmering broth, fresh seafood, house made rice pasta, exotic mushrooms and vegetables (for two); Potato Crusted Bluefin Tuna with roasted butternut squash, braised pork belly and warm frisée salad; and Crispy King Salmon with crushed celeriac, tomato, saffron and asparagus puree, tomato, micro-greens and caviar salad. Desserts such as Flourless Chocolate Cake with Kahlua Ice Cream and Glazed Cherries; Fig & Gorgonzola Tartlet with White Balsamic Gelato; and a Trio of Crème Brulées in orange & ginger, vanilla & green tea and chocolate & espresso will appeal even after many courses.

The backlighted cocktail bar is directly opposite the front door you as you enter the free-flowing restaurant. Stop here first for fine wines, cocktails, premium sakes, domestic and imported beers. Immediately to the right and up a step is

Bluefin's Sushi Bar, designed by Kousaku Maehata of Miami, is your opportunity to let Sushi Chef Minh Nguyen will amaze you with his unique offerings. At least twenty sushi fans can graze at the bar while more can sit at tables around it. And the best part is that it will be open late - perfect for after concert or theatre patrons.

The central part of the restaurant is the Bluefin (Sushi) Lounge with comfy sofas and armchairs --and booths dotted around the perimeter. Facing the Lounge is Bluefin's wide, open kitchen where Chef Ikelman pulls off his nightly "cooking theater" for patrons to enjoy as they sip cocktails on the sofa, or dine in a cozy booth. The long, oval-domed ceiling is backlit with blue lights and on the walls, Bluefin logo sconces add a cool note.

Adjacent to the Lounge, is Bluefin's Billiards Room with traditional green felt tables and subtle, indirect lighting. Two suede "niches" provide seating for onlookers. The Billiards Room adds fun before or after dinner, during cocktails, or for late-night get-togethers.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, a "DJ" will provide music after 9 p.m. Once things are underway --and if there is demand-- a DJ will entertain more often.

Bluefin will be open Monday-Friday for Lunch 11:30-2:00 and from 5:00-10:00 for dinner. From 10:00 until midnight the Late-Night Menu goes into effect with a large selection of the restaurant's regular menu items - except for entrées. The Late-Night Sushi Bar will be open until Midnight weeknights and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. The restaurant will be closed on Sunday. All major credit cards will be accepted.

When you dine at Bluefin and park at any Peabody Place garage, your validated parking ticket will cost you only $1 for up to 3 hours parking -- any additional time will be charged at posted rates. If you have prepaid your parking at a Peabody Place garage, a portion of the fee will be refunded with validation. Please note: The garage closest to Bluefin is across the street at 110 Peabody Place.

Stay tuned for Bluefin's New Year's Eve plans… this will be one of the city's "in" places to celebrate.

For information or reservations, please call: (901) 528-1010.