Several years ago Blu was just a concept. Actually, Blu was La Playa. Now for you non-Milwaukeeans and non-Spanish speaking folk, La Playa means beach. But the bar known as the beach was far from a walk on one, if you know what I mean. Perched atop The Pfister Hotel, La Playa was a seedy kind of joint. (Okay, seedy is a bit strong. Cheesy? Without class? Kinda strange and out of place in the otherwise beautiful Pfister Hotel? Ah, it doesn't matter how one remembers La Playa. Out of sight, out of mind.)
"There was always a question as to what to do about the old La Playa disco," says John Williams, general manager of The Pfister Hotel. "After a lot of soul searching and appropriate market research ... Blu was born. We wanted to have something that fit the hotel."
The bar in the hotel's lobby has been a place to be seen for years. It's classy, hip and unique. It's an institution with both visitors and city dwellers, alike.
So, according to Williams, when creating Blu, "we didn't want to cannibalize the lobby bar."
Williams started at The Pfister last April, and he immediately began honing his vision for Blu. With the help of downtown marketing firm ellingsen + brady, he quickly worked to define the drink menu and decor.
So what is Blu? It's an intimate lounge offering spectacular views of the city and Lake Michigan. Its relaxed atmosphere is somewhat "clubby" (read: Wisconsin or University Club), but it's really for people who just want to ease into a comfortable evening. Guests can sit back, relax and enjoy a cocktail at one of the many window tables offering stunning views or cozy up with a book in front of the glowing fireplace.
Blu has the feel of a nice, upscale living room. The warm mahogany woodwork, soft leather chairs and exquisite panoramic views combine to make Blu a new part of the historic Pfister Hotel.
Making an elegant statement with its rich decor, blue martini glasses, fine wines and signature cocktails, Blu features domestic and international "wine flights," each consisting of four different "tastings" of select wines. A first for Milwaukee, you can sample and compare a variety of wines without purchasing a full glass of each.
"I think Milwaukee is a fairly sophisticated town," says Williams. "Everybody talks about the beer and the brats -- but Milwaukeeans are very well traveled. Milwaukeeans are a lot more sophisticated than they think they are."
Blu also serves sassy martinis and classic cocktails. Specialties include a Bombay Sapphire Blu Martini (just a warning, on an empty stomach you'll really enjoy the views from the place), a Godiva Midnight Martini containing Godiva Chocolate Liqueur and Absolut Vodka, the Godfather (made from Amaretto Di Saronno and Dewar's Scotch) and Michael's Arctic Twist, a unique combination of Absolut Currant Vodka, Blue Curaçao and fresh lemonade.
Appropriate to the "cool blue" setting are light jazz tunes featured on an enhanced sound system at levels comfortable for conversation. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights feature a piano and bass duo. Lounge hours are Monday - Thursday 4 p.m.-midnight, Friday 4 p.m.-1 a.m. and Saturday 7 p.m.-1 a.m.
Blu can accommodate 56 and is currently adding 12 more seats. And that's good news, as it's not a stand-around kind of place. You'll want to sit and relax here.
"I love Milwaukee," says Williams. "People are extraordinarily nice. This is my 11th hotel in 21 years, hopefully it's my last."
And, Mr. Williams, Milwaukee loves Blu. With the spectacular views and delicious drinks, one visit you will help you fall in love with your city all over again.
Need more information? Click here.
Here's a sample of Blu's wine flights:
Flight #001 California Dream'n
Regional Chardonnays from California
Enjoy the fruit and balance of these three premier Chardonnay regions. The Carpy Ranch is an extremely limited production wine.
1. 1998 Fess Parker, Santa Barbara: Tangy, with a band of earthy citrus, pear and vanilla flavors.
2. 1997 Midnight Cellars, Paso Robles: A neat blend of hazelnut, pear, anise, spice and ginger flavors in a silky structure.
3. 1998 Cuvaison Carneros, Napa: Smooth, ripe and polished, with spicy pear
flavors, hints of vanilla and nutmeg and a clean, fresh finish.
4. 1997 Freemark Abbey, Carpy Ranch, Napa: Nine months in oak yields a creamy butterscotch aroma and lovely flavors of baked apples and hints of pear.
Flight #002 King of All Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon from California
From light, upfront fruit to rich, velvety texture, these distinct Cabernets will amaze you with their depth and complexity.
1. 1996 EOS, Paso Robles: Medium-bodied, with concentrated plum flavors and focused black currant and herb notes.
2. 1997 Folie a Deux, Mendocino: Lean and herbal, this wine offers supple texture and a range of flavors that include thyme, sage and pepper.
3. 1996 Markham, Napa: Bright, flavorful and smooth, with an herbal edge to the currant and tobacco flavors. Finishes with notes of toasted oak.
4. 1996 Cuvaison, Napa: Big Cab marked by strong cedar and camphor aromas and flavors, with firm tannins.
Flight #004 Ooh-La-La
Regional French Wines
True variety with two of the most popular white varietals and two classic Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc) selections.
1. 1996 Trimbach, Pinot Gris Reserve, Alsace: This white displays citrus and mineral notes, a hint of sweetness and plenty of crisp lemony acidity for balance.
2. 1998 Domaine La Roche Chardonnay, Chablis, Vin De Pays: Clean and steely, lean but pure, with fresh pear, apple and even tropical notes.
3. 1995 Chateau Loudenne Rouge, Bordeaux, Medoc: Bright blackberry and plum aromas and flavors with caressing, ripe tannins. Medium body. Fruit aftertaste.
4. 1995 Chateau Martinet, Bordeaux, St. Emilion: Balanced red, with cherry and berry aromas and flavors and hints of chocolate. Medium body and tannins.
Flight #008 Pinot Power
Pinot Noir from the Old and New World
Compare the original Pinot Noir from France with three of the finest New World vineyards. All wines are 100 percent Pinot Noir.
1. 1996 Jadot Cote De Beaune, Cote de Beaune, France: Supple and medium-bodied with ripe, red fruit, depth and elegant, earthy bouquet.
2. 1997 Ken Wright, Williamette Valley, Oregon: Youthful and polished, with pretty cherry, rhubarb and raspberry flavors that pick up hints of cola and spice on the smooth finish.
3. 1998 Jekel, Monterey: A nice burst of upfront fruit with layers of cherry and berries with a soft, elegant finish.
4. 1997 Benziger, Carneros: Soft-textured, with pleasantly spicy strawberry, tea, cola and cherry flavors, finishing soft.
