August 24, 2007
Our local frog does good
We just got word that Blue Frog will be opening a restaurant at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel on August 28th. From their press release:
blue frog bar & grill is strategically located on the main casino level of The Venetian, which opens its doors on August 28. The stylish 6,500 sq ft, 200 seat venue, will offer all-day dining from breakfast, lunch and dinner to afternoon snacks, wines and cocktails.“While incorporating the classic elements of blue frog design, the atmosphere will be more dramatic and theatrical, in keeping with the glamour, glitz and excitement of Macao’s casino strip,” said Bob Boyce, founder and CEO of blue horizon hospitality group, which operates seven blue frog bars and restaurants in Shanghai.
blue frog bar & grill features a western-style menu with predominantly American inspired dishes – gourmet burgers and imported steaks, as well as a selection of salads, soups, pastas, appetizers and snacks - all prepared to order from only the finest and freshest ingredients, and served in generous portions.
Shanghaiist thinks this is definitely a smart move for Blue Frog, considering the fact that Macao has already supplanted Las Vegas as the world's biggest gambling destination. It's also a smart move for the Venetian, as it offers something familiar but still distinctly western for its guests from Shanghai. With Chinese restaurant brands such as Little Sheep (小肥羊) and South Beauty (俏江南) having moved or preparing to move overseas, Blue Frog opening in Macao represents another step in bringing locally grown establishments to an international audience. The interview Shanghaiist conducted with owner Bob Boyce back in 2005 is a good illustration of how far the restaurant has come along in the past few years.
We're looking forward to the inaugural Macaoist Happy Hour at the Venetian in a couple of years. Meanwhile, those of you in Macao on the weekend of November 10th will just have to settle for Blue Frog's weekend-long opening party, which they've advertised as the Blue Frog event of the year.
Eric Hu is Shanghaiist's Food Editor. Email tips, recommendations, and news and gossip about Shanghai's food scene to food at shanghaiist.com
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But why must they serve overpriced food and drinks?
Guest#1: To fund their expansion into Macau, of course!
Sure it's too expensive, but about in line with other expat oriented restaurants - the low quality food is a bigger problem.
The food could be better, but it is still a notch above most Western establishments, even those in the same price range (Malone's, for example)is that when you ask for extra of a condiment (like blue cheese dressing for a cheesburger) they will charge you an extra 5 or 10 rmb. Now, when you're already paying 85 rmb for a hamburger (11$!) they should dust it with gold if you so request.