ANNOUNCER: Just finishing up a needed remodel, the Bleu Note in Lakewood is the South Sound place to be if you're looking for a selection of upscale comfort food and feel-good R&B music. Dutch and Jackie head out this week for a relaxed night out with live music, friends, and some great food in a "like grandma used to make" style.
DUTCH: With local live musicians on Fridays and Saturdays, it's the perfect place to support the local arts and get your groove on to some blues in a small venue that still has plenty of room for dancing. Add a few signature cocktails to your evening, and you can sit and chat late into the evening while feeling a little classy.
JACKIE: If you pop by on a Sunday, you'll catch a live show with dinner, too. A sampling of classic R&B and hip-hop executed with finesse accompanied my feast. If you're feeling saucy, you could sign up to sing with the band. But ya better bring your pipes, some of the talent wowed.
DUTCH: I couldn't resist the staff suggestion and ordered the catfish plate. Three strips of beaded catfish are fried to a crispy, crunchy finish and placed atop a generous portion of steak fries with a side of cole slaw. The fish is moist on the inside while maintaining a solid outside texture that doesn't crumble when dipping in the tarter or house sauce. Additionally, I appreciated that the strips weren't over-seasoned allowing me to grab a bottle of hot sauce and adjust to my own spicy needs.
JACKIE: Feeling indecisive, I opted for the Seafood Platter. A smorgasbord of grub appeared -- catfish fillets, a crab cake, plenty of fried shrimp with a healthy dose of steak fries. I can understand why the catfish is a house favorite; everything you say is true Dutch. And it's hard to find a well-executed catfish dish -- those on the prowl will not be disappointed. The shrimp were equally fantastic, nice ‘n meaty with a light breading that didn't overwhelm the shrimp. The crab cake was a highlight; it held its integrity and remained rich and tasty with whispers of Old Bay Seasoning. This dish is easily shareable, or makes for plenty of leftovers if you, too, are feeling like you need a bit of it all.
DUTCH: Be advised that there's an enforced dress code on Friday and Saturdays. You will not be admitted if you're wearing athletic gear such as tennis shoes, hoodies or hats. As their sign states . . . "Dress to Impress!"
JACKIE: Dutch, you always look dashing. Oh, let me not forget, the platter came with Hush Puppies. These pups had the perfect golden-brown crunch that yielded into a warm cornmeal center. Yes, the entire plate (save for the cole slaw) was deep-fried but didn't feel too heavy or greasy and I have zero regrets.
BLEU NOTE, 5-10 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Friday and Saturday, 6008 Mt. Tacoma Dr. SW, Lakewood, 253.433.3974, thebleunote.com