Worst Experience
I was very disapppointed in The Blue Hippo. When they say the food is unique, they mean it. I don't know how anyone could like the food there. It wouldn't have been that bad if the service was better. I asked for a steak to be medium well, it was more like medium rare. I was very disappointed with the whole situation. I was looking forward to a great evening and the dinner only made me upset, it ruined what could have been a perfect night. And try getting a check there. Our waiter came and I asked him for the check, another waiter came by about twenty minutes later and asked us if we needed anything, and he told our original waiter that we needed our check. I guess our French waiter had short term memory.I will never go there again. I can't say enough bad things about this place. We heard other people complaining about there food while we sat there trying to figure out what was on our plates. So go ahead try    [15 Apr 2002 12:15:11]

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     ­Anonymous   explorerxl at email dot com

Highly Recommended
If you are looking for Outback Steaks you will be disappointed, go to the waterfront. However if you are seeking new flavors and smells done well, generally attentive service (although they could be better schooled on the nature of the flavors and their table approach), and decor that is a pleasant treat the Blue Hippo is your place in Norfolk.    [28 Jun 2002 11:07:09]

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Recommended Dishes: Tuna Tartar

     ­Jim, Atlanta   

I'm not sure what restaurant this person was in, but that is not the Blue Hippo. We eat there on a regular basis, and the service and food are well known to be the best in town. The chef makes it a point to make sure all of his guests are satisfied by coming out to the tables. They dont say the food is unique either, they say its some of the best in norfolk. I've never heard another guest say anything but positive. I hope that we are all opened minded and people understand that this is just (one) person's very unusual opinio    [15 Aug 2002 11:49:46]

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Recommended Dishes: the crabcake is the best in town(8oz.)

     ­Anonymous   

Best food in town
I have loved the Blue Hippo for years now and have never had a problem. The food, drinks, and staff are phenomenal. If my wife would let me I would eat there every night.    [18 Aug 2002 09:28:57]

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Recommended Dishes: Crabcake, Venision

     ­Pete Decker, Norfolk   

Best meal of my life
I had the pleasure of dining at Blue Hippo in celebration of my 50th birthday. Happy happenstance. A local bartender in the Norfolk Marriot basement Bar and Deli recommended them as a great place to take a date for a romantic dinner. Wonderful advice. My steady date, my lovely wife of 30 years agreed it is the best meal we have ever been served. I live in Albuquerque NM where steaks and green chile are normal fare. Nothing in my native land compares.

Should I live to the ripe old age of 98, I will never forget the wonderful taste of Blue Hippo's dry-aged New York steak. A dinner to remember.

Quick note to the first reviewer in this listserve. You didn't attach your name or email address to your review. No deserning diner finds the the delivery of the check more important than looking into a sweet girl's eyes while dining, conversing, and sipping wine in warm candlelight. You have my sympathy. {Perhaps McDonalds can help.)

Max Wilson
sombra05@aol.c    [06 Nov 2002 07:11:38]

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Recommended Dishes: The homemade vanilla ice cream for dessert.

     ­Max Wilson, Albuquerque, NM   Sombra05 at aol dot com

My favorite so far!
The first time I went to the Blue Hippo, I thought it was supposed to be a hang out spot. The girls and I got there and the ambiance was very classy, unique and romantic.We were dressed for fun, spunky, but classy. At first we felt a little out of place, but the service was so fantastic, and everyone made us feel so comfortable, regardless of what we were wearing. The prices were a little bit more than what we had planned for, but it was a night out on the town, so what the heck. The drinks were fabulous, and the food was soooo good, we are still talking about it 3 years later. Definitely worth the money, and a very fun and exciting memory to cherish with my girls for years to come. I have since then never been able to find food as good as it as served at The Blue Hippo!!!!

Jen :O)- Newport News,    [07 Feb 2003 15:17:26]

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Recommended Dishes: Everything!

     ­Jenifer   

Best of the Best!
With so many new restaurants opening in downtown Norfolk,Va., The Blue Hippo never misses a beat. I had the extreme pleasure of talking with the chef, Chad Martin, and also enjoyed one of his very informative cooking classes held at bouillabaise in Ghent. A definate must experience. 5 stars .    [25 Mar 2003 11:29:08]

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Recommended Dishes: Crispy calamari or the Chilean Sea Bass

     ­foodie1   

I may be prejudice, but the Blue Hippo is the best!
Since I am the Chef's mother, I am no doubt prejudice. My husband and I had the pleasure of visiting my son and daughter-in-law a few months back. We visited the Blue Hippo for the first time. Chad designed a special menu for us which was wonderful. He presented each course, which was paired with a different wine. I am very proud of my son and what he has been able to accomplish. His partner, Ryan, is very professional, and makes sure all of their customers are completely satisfied with their meals. As I looked at the other patrons in the restaurant, all I saw were people thoroughly enjoying their dining experience    [09 Jan 2004 15:51:28]

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Recommended Dishes: Raspberry Sorbet with Vodka

     ­Barbara Johnson   

Blue Hippo Rocks!
Just a quick note of thanks to the Blue Hippo. I saw the ONE negative review and stopped when I read the words Medium Well Done! Say no more! I love your place from the beautiful flowers to the awesome food. See you soon!    [12 Jul 2004 21:53:42]

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Recommended Dishes: Filet Medium Rare

     ­Snickers   

lovely
inviting atmosphere, delicious food with gorgeous presentation, good wine selection, perfect service    [13 Aug 2004 13:49:37]

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Recommended Dishes: rockfish

     ­Anonymous, richmond