Downtown Midland has a new place to satisfy their cravings for flavorful dishes. Whether it’s a Sunday brunch buffet, Seafood Saturday, a special themed pop-up event to celebrate, or just great food every day of the week —
Blu has it all. The new tapas and brunch restaurant, located at 134 W. Main St. is the product of a familiar face in the area.
Executive Chef and Owner Erik Swenson, also Owner of
Flying Trout Catering, is a graduate of H.H. Dow High School. After joining the Marines and traveling the world, Swenson attended Le Cordon Blue College of Culinary Arts in Portland, Oregon. Upon returning to his hometown area, he opened up Flying Trout Grill, a catering company in Sanford.
“After operating that for a few years, and still operating it now, I decided there was an opportunity to provide the community with some of my different styles of cooking that I do,” Swenson says. “There was an opportunity for a sit-down establishment downtown, so we took the opportunity to open up Blu, and see how it goes.”
Swenson obtained the space in September, and opened the doors to the restaurant on Jan. 10. So far, the community response of folks who have stopped in for a bite, has been positive.
“Everybody seems to really enjoy it,” Swenson says. “We have done a couple pop-ups in the evening, kind of for date nights and for different people to come in and enjoy an evening meal. That’s been really receptive by everybody. It seems like we’re hitting the mark, and really trying to provide the community with what they’ve been asking for.”
The upcoming Valentine’s pop-up dinner sold out in 48 hours, which Swenson says is a testament to the product and quality the chef has worked hard to become known for locally.
Popular menu items include the avocado toast flights, the crawfish etouffee, and the sweet tea braised beef mac ‘n’ cheese.
“It’s been fun to see people come in, see their expressions and how they really enjoy the food, the environment, and the vibe we have,” Swenson says. “It’s a really nice, quaint, quiet space they can come into and enjoy some great quality food with great service.”
Swenson is excited to provide Midland with an opportunity to try new food in a space that leaves lasting memories. Blu is an elegant space, but not considered fine dining with a fancy dress code — as to be a welcome vibe, says Swenson.
The typical restaurant hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the brunch buffet. Blu is also available for rental space on Tuesday all day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., on Wednesday and Thursday evenings for privately catered events.
The new restaurant is also opening its doors for the upcoming Downtown Midland event,
Sweet Escapes this Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. The event is a sweet treat sampling stroll, featuring free bites of goodies from over 15 participating businesses.
“It’s always great to be involved with the community and to get the word out,” Swenson says. “We love spreading peace and love throughout the community through all these different events, and being involved where we can.”
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