Blue Fin 02-04-2011

Location: 1567 Broadway
Time: 12:30pm
People: FA and myself

Feelings: Fran Lebowitz once said, “If…you run into another New Yorker in Times Square, it’s like running into somebody in a gay bar in the 70’s.” She is right. With this in mind, I ran to Blue Fin. This seafood restaurant is possibly the only spot in the area without any theme, tacky decor or singing waiters, so I didn't feel embarrassed once I got there. Since it was restaurant week, I thought there might be more vast clientele besides tourists and entitled businessmen, but I was wrong. Don Draper of today would definitely choose to close a business deal here.

The service was on the slow side, but we thoroughly enjoyed the starters of Tuna Tartare (with wonton crackers, sesame, ginger, avocado and sriracha) and Warm Baked Goat Cheese (with beets, baby arugula, and balsamic vinaigrette). The baked goat cheese on the salad was a nice addition, and I appreciated the little twist of what would have been an ordinary beet salad with goat cheese.

My Crispy Skin Salmon (with maple roasted butternut squash, brussels sprouts, apple brown butter) was perfectly cooked, and rustic flavor of squash complimented the delicate salmon. FA also enjoyed his Crab Cakes (with sweet and sour cucumber salad, cilantro aioli, toasted peanuts), and they certainly were packed with big chunks of crab. For dessert, I would recommend Chocolate Graham Cracker S'Mores for a little dense chocolate heaven with gooey toasted marshmallow.

Both food and atmosphere are quite elegant here. I just wish the service was more attentive, but it is perfect if you like to be left alone when dining. So next time you run into someone in Times Square, don't be embarrassed. Just say, "I'm on my way to Blue Fin."