Osaka Korean-style Grille has returned to the heart of South Campus, in the form of Blu Bistro. Located at 3112 Main St., Blu opened in September 2003, with a menu and d?(c)cor geared towards college students and the younger residents of the Buffalo region.
According to David S. Juh, the owner of Blu Bistro and "O" on Sheridan Drive, Blu has fused together the best of Asian and European delicacies.
"Blu has reformatted and reopened offering an eclectic bistro menu with a European flair and Korean cuisine specialties, while serving a trendier, younger crowd," said Juh. "The food is more comfort oriented and less expensive."
Blu Bistro's location was strategically chosen in order to maximize the potential for success, Juh said. He explained how he searched for the most diverse area in the Buffalo region, and University Heights fit the bill due to the assortment of people who make up UB's student body.
"This location enables Blu Bistro to serve the local progressive, multi-cultural population that is usually found in the vicinity of college campuses," said Juh.
Fusing European and Korean culinary styles is a delicate and intricate process that requires a talented chef, according to Juh, who credited this need for talent as the reason Mike Latona was hired as the head chef of Blu Bistro.
Latona, who graduated from Paul Smith's College with a degree in culinary arts, worked as the sous chef at the Palm Restaurant in Philadelphia before moving back to Buffalo.
"Being in a huge city really made me appreciate the closeness of Buffalo and I missed it," said Latona. "But I loved the experience I got from being elsewhere. I like to treat every dish like my own; as if I would be eating it or serving it to my family."
Blu Bistro's eclectic menu has an assortment of options that satisfies all kinds of appetites. Latona has taken many normal dishes and tweaked them to fit the alternative atmosphere of Blu. An example of one such dish is the five-onion French soup prepared with assorted onions and vegetable stock. Another unique dish is the Pepper Tuna Skewer Cocktail prepared with citrus soy vinaigrette, with a sea green salad on the side.
Though boasting a variety of dishes, Blu Bistro primarily offers Korean-based cuisine, with native dishes such as the Stone Bowl Rice Pots and stews prepared with kim-chi cabbage, daily special vegetables/pickles and a selection of sauces including red pepper, curry, and teriyaki.
In addition to their Korean-style dishes, Juh and Latona have offered a nod to their hometown by including Buffalo wings with slight variations. Wings fans can add a twist to the ordinary with Blu's teriyaki, Cajun, honey garlic and barbeque chicken wings.
At night, Blu Bistro transforms into a Japanese sake bar with a terrace. The sake bar offers wine, beer, and Sake, and will soon serve liquor, once Juh secures a full liquor license.
Acknowledging the support of UB's student population, Juh said that Blu is open for rental.
"Blu will be available for private bookings for fraternities or sororities, Student Association, or any group that wishes to rent a private room with revolving DJ's," said Juh.
In another nod to college students and their tight budgets, Blu Bistro celebrates Monday Night Football every week by offering 25 cent wings from 8 p.m. until the end of the game.
For information about Blu or booking the lounge, students can call 831-0443.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
