"We were really excited to be getting more fine dining venues in Birmingham. Disappointed. First of all it was dark, just plain dark. I got enough light off of my phone screen as to not have to launch the flashlight app to read the menu. I had already read the menu online, and had made a selection, but then I was told that this offering was not available. No reason was given, just....no. There were some little candles at the tables, maybe they were supposed to help you read the menu. problem there was the fact that you smell burning wax all through your dinner. We had oysters rockefeller as an appetizer. That was devine. Any fine restaraunt in any big city would have been proud of that. For entrees, Cheryl ordered redfish, and I ordered scallops. Our meals were served shorltly, the waitress was very pleasant and helpful. However, they might have served us plates from the next table, and we may not have known. Couldn't see it. The old saying is that the eyes eat first. A skillfully presented plate of food can surely be lovely. So the eyes eat first? I was starving by the time we left. My scallops were very good. I would rate them 4.8 stars. Cheryl kept picking about her redfish entree. She didn't seem thrilled with it. I asked, and the waitress asked, but she was kind of noncomittal. I kept offering to switch plates with her, then finally we agreed on that. So, I guess this was the redfish, and there were some sides. I really couldn't see it though. The first bite or two seemed alright, until the spiciness startd to kick in. I like spicy food pretty well. I love Chinese, Thai, Mexican dishes that are seasoned with some chiles. This was just ridiculous though. My scallops had some really nice and subltle nuance of flavors. They were very savory. I couldn't enjoy any flavors from the redfish. All there was to taste were peppers. I was ignoring my wine. I needed water. We were winding up our meal, and Danielle asked if we would care for desert. I said no, but then she graciously offered bread pudding, on her tab. Happy birthday! she said. I think the bread pudding was probably pretty good. However, it just smelled like candle wax. My mouth was burning from the fish, so nothing would be pleasant after that. I took Cheryl's word, that it ws quite good. I guess it was indeed bread pudding, but I could not see across the table. So there was my $200 birthday dinner. I don't think I finished my wine. I'm surely glad that we didn't order a full bottle of wine for a hundred or so. I just kept guzzling my water. I got my phone back out so I could see to add a tip to the bill. I don't want to go back there at all. Pay $200 for that??? Frank Stitt should be ashamed of that. I would not reccomend Blueprint to anyone. Next birthday I'll go to Pizza Hut. Finis."
Smoked Tuna Dip
