Blue Coral Seafood & Spirits

09/13/08

tough love from a top 10

by thedinnerdiner at Citysearch

I went to Blue Coral a few days ago, a thursday before going out with my friend for drinks elsewhere. we came and saw the amazing vodka bar, and sat down at the lounge for a quick pre-party cocktail. Unfortunately, the server thought that we didnt deserve the cocktail because it took them at least 10 minutes to get to our table. Finally a really pretty girl came to the table and apologized and it was okay; they seemed a little busy (I think) and I excused her. it was pretty close to opening also, so I figured they are still setting up. After we got our drinks, which were EXPENSIVE I decided that my friend and I should grab some food. Im a total food lover and so I wanted to try some good fish and the menu looked like it could satisfy my appetite. So I went to the host and they were nice about seating us, and took us back to a good booth. Our menu was torn in like five places, I couldnt believe it. So then again, another little while and someone left us some biscuits which were good. We didnt want to pay for more drinks and wine was suuuuper expensive compared to Blue water grill and other restaurants around the area so we held off. Our server was good, really nice and pleasant, not really attentive but sweet. But what the heck is up with the manager? Aside from being completely awkward at our table, dressed really casual for such an expensive restaurant, I think that I herd them mutter something about me and my friend when we were leaving. I was shocked. Needless to say I wont be going back as long as rude managers are working there... and so long as I dont have to pay an arm and a leg for service that I could really get at Denny's. Oh wait, last time I went to Denny's the service was awesome. Looks like Blue coral management needs to take a lesson.

Overall? good food, so so service....big improvements needed.

• Pros: Good food, sea bass was super tasty
• Cons: weird vibe... and country music.

04/12/08

great service

by jadaoc at Citysearch

My husband and i happened to walk into blue coral the other night with no reservation and we had no idea what to expect. From the moment we walked in everyone was so nice and the restaurant was beautiful! we were seated right away. When we sat down and looked at the menu we were slightly overwhelmed at first..there were so many choices of wine and cocktails.. not to mention a ton of vodkas.. we didnt know where to begin. Our waitresses name was Danielle, and she was great!! She started talking to us and got a feel for what we normally drink... we decided to each take her recommendations for cocktails. I had some blueberry vodka mojito and it was best drink ive ever had. My husband wanted to try a new vodka.. Danielle brought him one from iceland that we have never heard of and he loved it! We had the goat cheese appetizer to start, For dinner I tried the spicy lobster fuego dish and my husband the swordfish oscar style. Our waitress picked a nice sauvignon blanc for me to have with the fuego and a ferrari carano blend that my husband had with the swordfish. Everything was so amazing we can not wait to go back! It was so nice having this kind of personalized service! Danielle was there guiding us and was able to answer any question we had without being intrusive. She even surprised us by buying us a dessert at the end, a very flavorful creme brulee. What more could we ask for? We can not wait to dine at Blue Coral again soon and will be telling all our friends.

• Pros: service, ambience, food, seated right away w/o reservation,
• Cons: so many choices! you need a waitress like ours who knows everything!

03/23/08

What a turn around! This is my new favorite restaurant in Newport Beach.

by funandfrolick at Citysearch

Flashback to last Summer. Let's say it politely. "I had a bad experience". Service, Cuisine; hospitality? Were all lacking. I vowed never to return to put it bluntly. However, return I did not without hesitation. My Boss insisted that we all go out to dinner at his favorite restaurant Blue Coral. I wanted to laugh,but hey it's the boss. So away I went.

The cuisine was remarkable. Fresh, flavorful, and the chef was very accomadating for some modifications we needed. Amazingly enough the menu was easily adjusted to meet my training needs for an upcoming triathalon.

The Service? Now I dine out a lot, and knowing my reservations because of my last experience? I was very critical,but I have to a give it to the folks at Blue Coral. They have reinvented themselves. The host and hostess were polite and sincere when they greeted us, our server was attentive but not hovering, and the other staff were very supportive in keeping our table clean and beverages refreshed without ever asking. I think our Server's name was Sean. So ask for him for sure he's great. The manager even stopped by our table periodically to provide wine service and he made several recommendations for our wine choices. The St Valery Grand CRU and the Martin Codax Albarino were spectacular. The only reason though we even remember is because the manager or sommelier wrote them down for us as well for future use.

Bottom line...I was blown away by our experience.

I spoke with the host on the way out and asked how this place has turned around so much, and he said it was due to his new management team. Apparently, they have an entire new team of professionals in there putting it together right.

Attentive, hospitable, fun, and great food. So great job Blue Coral! You've won back a loyal patron for life.

• Pros: Service, Service, Service
• Cons: Busy on weekends-make a reservation