Caleo Resort's Baleen an overrated fish restaurant in Scottsdale

Baleen - the restaurant in Scottsdale’s newly renovated Caleo Resort - claims to have outstanding fish. They practically guarantee that the fish will be so fresh it jumps off your plate.

Maybe I should have known better. This is the desert after all. But then again, it’s also Scottsdale, a place that can do culinary wonders. And nearby Sea Saw does turn out sushi just as good as that found at New York’s famed Nobu.

If you promise to do something great in Scottsdale, especially at Baleen’s high-end prices, you’d better do it great. Baleen doesn’t come close.

The grouper entree was better than Red Lobster in taste quality. But only barely. It was mostly just forgettable. Something you shoveled into your mouth because you paid for it, not because it brought any satisfaction.

Baleen did do a good braised short ribs appetizer, but you’re going here for the fish.

Or more accurately, you shouldn’t be going here. There are too many better options close by. Especially for a splurge meal.

Baleen’s service was good (though with only one other table occupied in the whole restaurant on this visit, it should be). The red-headed hostess was charming enough. It just failed on its main mission: that fish it patted itself on the back about.

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