Bluefin Grill & Bar — Restaurant in Wildwood

While staying at The Villages, for the purpose of viewing various properties, one of which I eventually bought. I had the opportunity to dine at Bluefin Grill & Bar, at Paddock Square, several times. The last being the evening of August 17, 2019. The food was excellent. However, on this particular evening there was to be an employee that made for a very memorable evening. I was seated outside, with my service dog, as I am a Disabled Veteran. The evening was pleasant, if not humid, as is the case at that time of the year in Florida. I asked the very kind waitress for some water for my dog. The hostess came over and informed us both that 'no water was to be provided to my dog'. The waitress, knowing how humid it was, brought my dog water anyhow. I was later able to determine 'she was disciplined' for such an infraction. Also, the hostess (the hostess that evening) came up very close to my face and asked brusquely, twice, before I could answer: "Is that a service dog"? I replied, looking down at my dog with its conspicuous red harness: "Why yes he is". I then continued with a pleasant tasting dinner, albeit under a cloud of acrimony. Upon leaving, I was next to be informed by the hostess: 'this is an UPSCALE PLACE and we(?) want to keep it that way'. I said nothing, just merely looked over at the bar, where a woman was holding a small dog, with its face hanging over the edge of the bar. First, I feel badly for the server who took the risk to bring my dog some much needed water. Second, I have no sympathy for a hostess that is aggressive toward a disabled Veteran or any other patron for that matter. Further, the hostess does not seem to be aware of the American with Disabilities Act and the fines that can be imposed for the violation of said Act; some additional training may be warranted. However, it was her rude behavior, on display for many to witness, that it can only be considered a permanent part of her charm. Since I have moved to The Villages permanently, and as friends and I discuss various restaurants, I never hesitate to tell about this memorable evening I had at the Bluefin Grill & Bar. You can imagine the retelling of this evening at Bluefin Grill & Bar is a 'Very Big Hit', especially when frequenting dog parks. I haven't been back to Bluefin Grill & Bar since that evening. However, I was encouraged to write this review. After all, no such unkind and unpleasant behavior should...

As a foodie and former Chef cuisine of all kinds is my passion. I travel to seek out new culinary experiences and share in newly discovered rising stars. Unfortunately in my travels I am utterly taken back by the lack of quality and blatant “ treat’em and street’em” cooking practices on occasion. Blue Fin was one of those disappointing experiences I loath with a passion. There is only one way to cook and that is too perfection. Nothing and I mean nothing goes over the pass that is not delightfully delicious and expertly presented. Last night to my utter disgust the scallops I ordered were reeking of ammonia. To my horror my wife sampled one. How dare the line cook and Chef allow this dish pass and be served to a guest. Where are your quality controls Chef during prep? In my kitchen the line cook would have been fired. Appalling experience to say the least. As I observed last night there were not many covers going out so the pressure on the line was minimal. I can’t express in words professionally how disgraceful this was for me, my guests and the Host Sylvia. She was exceptional in her demeanor and table etiquette. With her I was impressed. She should train other hosts. Promoted to Head Host or perhaps move on to another restaurant. The Old Fashioned was delightful and the grilled orange slice was genius. My guests enjoyed their food though each dish was average at best. I am disappointed but not surprised. Management was apologetic and comp’d me a drink yet the catalyst for this should have never happened. Scallops Chef are only good for 12 hours off the boat. Next day is unacceptable. If they do not have a slight fragrant ocean air sweetness they are spoiled. If not for my guests I would have had a Gordon Ramsey “ come meet Jesus” meeting in the the kitchen during dinner service. Do it right Chef or surrender your knife to someone who will. One last item. Teach the line cook the proper technique to sauté scallops. Hot pan, minimal amount of garlic oil and butter to coat the pan and caramelize each side. Ensure the scallops have been pressed to removed as much moisture as possible. Taste, taste,...

Poor Customer service right from the start

Horrendous leadership when I went to discuss my concern with a manager I was directed to the "District" manager. He was a "Robot" completely non empathetic and when I asked about what he was going to do about my concern he said he would see.

So, I am updating this review because when the Waitress brought the check, I told her it was not personal cause Reilly was an excellent server, but I told her she would need to seek her tip from her District and Store Managers who really dropped the ball.

I know I hated to do that but I had no recourse because this is not a corporate franchise so the managers think they can deliver poor customer service and product and there is no RECOURSE....

Rude hostess threatening to kick me out because she seated us but then noticed I had an ounce left from the beer from the stand out in front of retirement

I said if you would have said something before you seated us, I would have finished it outside

Instead, I drank it and she tried to throw me and my 90-year-old Dad out!!!

I objected and asked for manager, but he didn't have balls to come and address this issue

Instead, the waitress came and was very nice

I sought out manager, and he was totally rude and no customer service skills so now I understand why the staff is not properly trained!!! (Turns out that was the District Manager Patrick)

when I told the waitress that there was "NO" tip under the circumstances the "Actual Manager" delivered my bill...

He asked how everything was and I recapped the whole situation he said no problem tipping is optional... I said to the waitress loses because management doesn't know how to do their job???

He just walked away

BTW all of our meals were not cheap and really subprime... Not just saying that because I was disappointed with the customer service. The food was really just not "Good" seafood restaurant quality. But they charge top prices We will never return.

Note that I went to restaurant website and told them of this review the same day I posted it.

4 days later they are telling me to go...