Blue Stem

Dined here with a large group and I was disappointed to say the least. The view is gorgeous and I would have liked to have dined outside, but couldn't separate from my group.
I started with the grilled/chilled shrimp, which wasn't too bad. The caesar salad was drenched with dressing, but tasted ok. I requested my filet be cooked medium-rare, but it came practically well done and very dry. It lacked flavor and for $35 I thought it was way overpriced for what I got. Did I mention it took almost 1.5 hours for our group to get our food? Good thing the alcohol was flowing.
I thought I'd give the restaurant one more chance, so ordered the apple pie with ice cream. Sadly, it came luke warm instead if hot.
The only other bright point, besides the amazing view was the service. Our waitress was friendly and attentive. This restaurant could be great, but they have many things to sort out.

Come for the view, stay for the food.

We had the shrimp and grits, great lakes white fish and beef tips risotto. All were excellent.

This is one of my favorite restaurants! It's a hidden gem in Augusta, MI. The drive up to the restaurant is breathtaking and once you're in the restaurant the view is amazing.

I was here for lunch & had the Roasted Brussels Sprout Salad which was delicious . And I had the sweet potato fries which were also delicious.

I highly recommend this place!

I would first like to say that I went there on Friday July 26th and there was not a lot of people there. I provide the date so that management can see who was cooking that night. This seemed odd but not alarming considering how far from town we were. We were lead to a terrace with running water and our drinks came out. It was going wonderfully and the location is clean an affords a wonderful view.

Then our food came and things changed. The fish soup was a creamy thickened soup that tasted a bit too fishy, as if it was made from the left over fish. The margherita flatbread was a disaster. The dough was raw in the middle. The cherry tomatoes were not placed on the pizza and cooked with it. They were just sat raw and placed on top of the hot cheese. The Burratta fresh mozzarella was too thick. It did not heat all the way through in the oven. With it being a high moisture cheese, you have to first use thin slices or simply crumble the cheese onto a bread. Don't use cherry tomatoes. Use actual tomato slices and place them with the bread to cook. Slice them thin to prevent too much moisture. Use some fresh basil for god's sake. There was no basil on a Margherita Flatbread. Isn't that one of the basic ingredients? Use more salt in your crust.

The summer Chicken pasta was bland to the extreme. No basil. No reggiano. No garlic. It tasted like a flour paste had been tossed with pasta and precooked chicken breasts. The chicken was reheated chicken breasts that were cut into flavorless cubes.

The Mahi Mahi was cooked to the point of oblivion. It again tasted dry and reheated. The mango salsa had mango, but was without heat to counter its sweetness. The rice was crunchy on one side from being in a rice cooker for too long.

In short, it tastes like a restaurant being run by an accountant. It also is expensive, $107 for 2 people. I might go here for liquor and the view, but at this point I will never come back for the food.

If it weren't for the view, you probably wouldn't go. Stick to drinks and appetizers...trust me!

Beef tip Risotto was good, and the Pasta Bolognese was amazing. Great dinner. Easy parking, tasty cocktails, good Caesar salad. smoked Scottish chowder was great!

Went for dinner with my wife. I would definitely recommend sitting on the patio in the summer. It is beautiful and overlooks a valley. They have a water feature that is relaxing. The stoatin dip was ok. My wife enjoyed her Kobe burger. I was not impressed with the salmon. I am not a mustard fan and didn't realize the sides would be in a mustard broth. The desserts were great. The upside down apple pie was excellent as was the carrot cake. Tasted homemade.

We decided to try this place since it is close and you will not be disappointed. We did not have a reservation but happened to get a table. The host and our server Chris were both very friendly. We ordered the wagyu beef and it was cooked to my liking and very tender. The potato with the blue cheese was also very tasty. For dessert we had the upside down apple pie and it was excellent. Make sure you get a reservation to insure a seat if you come. Once summer is here I am sure the view will pack the place.

Great food excellent service. What a view from hill top. Has Angus filet with fingerling potatoes. Wow they were A + also.
Others has pasta also A+. However the cauliflower grilled was cold and flavorless, despite the " anchovies butter with grilled capers. Ship this one. .will return. Seemed hard to get a reservation but was sat before mothers day ?

Food good. Waitstaff good. Front of the house needs some help. Too bad because its a great venue.