bleu {Lunch Date with Hannah Sayle and Mary Cashiola}

As much as I know about restaurants in hotels, it’s pretty much guaranteed you’ll get the highest caliber of food and service. For my first visit to bleu restaurant at the Westin, I was thrilled to be accompanied by an inspiring pair of Memphis advocates - Memphis Flyer food and style writer Hannah Sayle and the media and communications manager for Mayor Wharton's office Mary Cashiola. Obviously, their full time jobs make them advocates of Memphis, but it soon becomes apparent they truly enjoy living and contributing to their city.

The last time I sat down with Hannah and Mary almost a year ago, we were discussing ideas to emphasize that Memphis’ culinary world is “Beyond BBQ.” Even as barbecue week is underway, it’s understandable that the thing to crave when in Memphis is of course barbecue, always familiar and satisfying. Then you look through the lens of fantastic local chefs taking a chance on something different. They produce dishes just as satisfying and crave-able if only given the chance. That was where our volunteer “Beyond BBQ” group took root, continuing our already devoted mission as writers, photographers and bloggers to promote Memphis’ culinary diversity. The leading example of our efforts was the Food Truck Fare in Court Square which began last year. Who knows what the group has in store for the future, but individually we haven’t stopped promoting Memphis.

Thanks to Hannah’s suggestion, bleu was the perfect new spot to try. The lunch atmosphere was very relaxed but the menu items catered to the quick business lunch. Unique to bleu’s menu was the b.y.o.– build your own sandwich, where you pick the bread, filling, cheese and dressings.

Although we didn’t get to see head chef Robert that day, we surely wanted to rave to him about our favorites of the meal. While I continue to suggest to people the sweet potato fries with honey mustard as a must, the sweet Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil Dip as the complimentary piece was the surprise favorite and culinary showcase. Mary said it best when she said, “I might have wanted to take a little swim in it.”

See what we tasted below and what we were eyeing to try next time.

Tasted
{All} Complimentary Rolls and Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil Dip
{Hannah} Memphis Farmer’s Market Salad with Grilled Shrimp
{Mary} Turkey Melt Sandwich with Sweet Potato Fries
{Sophorn} Build Your Own Sandwich – Portabello Mushroom Sandwich with Sweet Potato Fries

To Be Tasted Next Time
Mac & Cheese with Smoked Gouda Cheese served in a mini skillet
Chef’s Daily Specials – Salmon and Asparagus offered during our visit.

Thanks to our server and the manager for the excellent service.

bleu restaurant and lounge
Westin Hotel
231 S 3rd St
Memphis, TN 38103

Photos by Sophorn.