Bleu Smoke Bar & Grill is not a barbeque joint, and certainly not a vapor lounge. Though menu selections are varies, customers can find consistency in each dish’s home-cooked quality, complemented by the familial atmosphere.
Located on the corner of Airport and Albon, the former home of the Albon Inn exudes a cozy vibe. Painted wood paneling and French doors are balanced with modern touches—granite bar tops, stone backsplash—creating a pleasant scene to enjoy classic comfort dishes with a twist.
Family ideals
The eatery may be new (opened in September 2014), but owners Charles Kema, Brian Ruff and Chris Zdunski have a collective thirty-plus years of restaurant experience. Avoiding corporate practices is important to these three, foregoing the ease of frozen and lower-quality products, instead favoring real food and real recipes. “If I wanna go out, it’s because I don’t want to cook at home. But I still want a home-cooked meal,” said Kema.
Everyone is greeted warmly, and it’s clear that some visitors are regulars. But the staff prides themselves on listening, even adding an item to the menu (Chili Mac) per customer suggestion. “We genuinely care about the people who come in here, from the customers to the employees,” Kema stated.
Something for everyone
Two friends joined me in the cozy dining room for dinner on a Friday night. In place of conventional bread and butter, bleu cheese hushpuppies were delivered to the table. This Southern treat, accompanied by a sweet and sour sauce, can make non-fans of the stinky cheese reconsider, myself included. We started with Alfredo Nachos ($7.99), a nice juxtaposition between a creamy sauce and crispy potato (yes, potato).
The Chicken Fajitas ($10.99) were served with a mildly spiced sour cream. The signature Teriyaki Ginger Chicken ($10.99) was almost two full breasts with a side of Parmesan potatoes; a good complement to the sweet chicken. The Pulled Pork Burger ($10.99—pictured above) was tender but not soggy, and served on a seeded bun.
The food tasted fresh, and the portions were more than generous. Though we were full, we ordered a slice of decadent cheesecake ($5.99) to enjoy at home. Service was quick, and staff was incredibly friendly, even accommodating, when my friend wanted to switch one of his side dishes.
Bleu Smoke also has a full bar with a constantly changing selection of ten craft beers on tap. And with a DJ on Friday nights, few other places cater to such a wide crowd—though everyone can enjoy an authentic family feel.
Visit Bleu Smoke Bar & Grill at 8165 Airport Hwy. in Holland. 11am-1am Sunday-Thursday, 6am-1am Friday. 567-742-7707, bleusmokebarandgrill.wordpress.com.
