Why Appetizers Are Essential to the Steakhouse Experience
Skipping appetizers at a steakhouse is like starting a movie halfway through. You miss the setup that makes the climax so satisfying. Great steakhouse appetizers serve a culinary purpose: they awaken your palate, introduce complementary flavors, and create anticipation for the steak ahead. They also transform a meal into a multi-course experience, which is the fundamental difference between eating and dining. At Blu' Steakhouse in Hollywood, FL, the appetizer menu is crafted to prepare your palate for USDA Prime dry-aged steaks and A5 Japanese Wagyu, with each starter offering a distinct flavor profile that complements the main courses beautifully.
Raw Preparations: Tartare and Carpaccio
Raw beef preparations are the quintessential steakhouse appetizer because they showcase the quality of the restaurant's beef in its most transparent form. If a steakhouse can serve exceptional raw beef, you know their steaks will be outstanding. Wagyu Tartare at $23 and Wagyu Carpaccio at $24 at Blu' Steakhouse offer two distinct experiences with premium Wagyu. The tartare, hand-cut and seasoned, delivers concentrated beefy flavor in each bite. The carpaccio, thinly sliced and draped across the plate, offers delicacy and elegance. Starting with either preparation creates a natural progression from raw to cooked that makes the main course even more impactful.
Seafood Starters: A Classic Steakhouse Move
The surf-and-turf tradition extends to appetizers, where seafood starters provide a fresh, lighter counterpoint to the rich steak that follows. Crab Cake at $25 is a perennial steakhouse favorite, with sweet crabmeat forming a golden, crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. Tuna Tartare at $25 offers a clean, ocean-fresh bite that contrasts beautifully with the beef-centric main courses. At Blu' Steakhouse, these seafood appetizers showcase the kitchen's range beyond steak, demonstrating that quality and technique extend across every protein. Ordering a seafood appetizer before a steak creates the kind of variety that keeps every course feeling new and exciting.
Rich and Savory: Bone Marrow and Soup
For diners who want their appetizer to set an indulgent tone, bone marrow and soup are outstanding choices. Bone Marrow at $26 at Blu' Steakhouse delivers one of the most intensely savory bites on the entire menu, a concentrated essence of beef that foreshadows the steak ahead. Lobster Bisque at $16 offers velvety richness with ocean sweetness, while French Onion Soup at $13 provides deep, caramelized flavor under a blanket of bubbling cheese. These substantial starters are ideal for cooler evenings or when you want your meal to build in richness from the very first course to the last.
How to Choose the Right Appetizer for Your Main
Strategic appetizer selection enhances your overall meal. The general principle is contrast: if your main course will be rich and bold, like the Tomahawk at $235, start with something lighter like Tuna Tartare at $25. If your main course is more restrained, like the Filet Mignon at $55, a richer appetizer like Bone Marrow at $26 adds depth to your dining experience. For tables sharing multiple appetizers, variety is key. A combination of Wagyu Tartare at $23, Crab Cake at $25, and French Onion Soup at $13 covers raw, seafood, and cooked preparations, giving everyone a taste of the kitchen's full range.
The Perfect Steakhouse Appetizer Spread
For the ultimate steakhouse opening act, order several appetizers for the table and share them communally. At Blu' Steakhouse, a spread of Wagyu Carpaccio at $24, Bone Marrow at $26, and Lobster Bisque at $16 creates an unforgettable start that showcases the menu's breadth. Add Truffle Fries at $12 for the table and you have a combination of flavors and textures that primes every palate for the main event. This approach turns the appetizer course into its own celebration and allows every guest to discover their new favorite dish. Make your reservation at 1900 Harrison St, Hollywood, FL by calling 754-260-5189.
Ready to Experience Blu' Steakhouse?
Open Wednesday–Saturday from 5 PM. Located at 1900 Harrison St, Hollywood, FL 33020.