Dsf5034 Websize — The comfort food staples remain at Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern, but there’s a lot more in store for those with discriminating dining tastes. (Photography: Gabe Wasylko)

By Laura Briedis

A dining destination for date night, a family meal, private dining and special celebrations, Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern is celebrating its 18th anniversary by staying true to its roots—while also evolving.

“When we opened our lodge-inspired restaurant two decades ago, it was a unique dining venue in Northeast Ohio known for serving comfort food in a cozy environment—and that will never change,” says Val Voelker, restaurant owner. “We are, however, always adding new menu items and have started to freshen our decor. We want diners who have been coming here for years to feel enchanted.”

The hustle and bustle at Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern is a hint that this nearly two-decades-old restaurant shows no signs of slowing down.

Best described as creative American cuisine with touches of global influences, the menu has grown over the years. Some signature dishes, including Pretzel Crusted Trout, Day Boat Sea Scallops and Beef Tenderloin, have been on the menu since the restaurant opened. Others such as the Buddha Bowl and Hibachi Style Steak Tacos have been added more recently and have quickly become customer favorites.

“We like to add our own culinary twist to classics,” says Val. “Every restaurant has a Caesar salad, but ours is a modern take on this classic. We serve it with an avocado deviled egg, honey pepper croutons, and sriracha and basil Caesar dressing.”

The Hibachi Style Steak Tacos are a trio of flour tortillas filled with fried rice, sweet Thai chile glaze, Yum Yum sauce and pickled vegetable slaw. In the background is the Seasonal Vegan Buddha Bowl. Menu items are made fresh daily and vary by season.

Everything here is made from scratch using the freshest ingredients, including on the kids menu, which incorporates smaller portions of some of the adult entrees, along with homemade chicken fingers and other kids favorites.

As part of its mission to bring people together for great food, Blue Canyon’s 14,000-square-foot restaurant boasts three accommodating rooms: The Porch for smaller intimate parties and meetings; The Terrace for private dining, parties, showers and rehearsal dinners; The Lodge hosts larger corporate events and small weddings. Blue Canyon was named one of The Knot’s 2022 Best of Weddings.

Opening at the end of April, Blue Canyon’s outdoor patio—one of the most beautiful in the Northeast Ohio—is surrounded by tall pines and lush landscaping.

This Twinsburg gem was designed so every diner when seated looks out at the sky and trees through the big windows. And when eating outdoors, diners are cocooned by tall pines and lush landscaping on the spacious patio.

“We are very fortunate that we did not suffer from staff shortages like most restaurants these past two years,” comments Val. “We have employees who have been with us since we opened and many on our culinary team have worked here for 10-plus years.”

The culinary team includes many who have worked at Blue Canyon for more than 10 years.

Blue Plate Signature Dishes & Specials

BC Lobster Bisque: Sherry, Lobster, Herbs
Crispy Shrimp: Red Curry Coconut Sauce, Pickled Vegetable Slaw, Scallion, Peanuts, Lime
Pretzel Crusted Trout: Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes, Garlic Green Beans, Mustard Caper Butter
Day Boat Sea Scallops: Ginger Garlic Basmati Rice, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Red Curry Coconut Sauce, Basil, Lime
Cedar Plank Faroe Island Salmon: Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes, Garlic Green Beans, Rootbeer Chive Glaze
8oz Beef Tenderloin: Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes, Garlic Green Beans, Sundried Tomato Basil Butter, Crispy Onions
BC Burger: Tillamook Cheddar, Lettuce, Tomato, BC Burger Sauce, Rosemary House Cut Fries

Blue Plate Signature Dishes also include seasonal Vegan/Vegetarian specials; wild game; calamari; flatbreads and salmon dishes from the brick oven.

Featuring outstanding handcrafted cocktails and an extraordinary wine list.

2022 Happenings

Visit their new website BlueCanyonRestaurant.com for details on Blue Canyon’s ongoing specials.

Date Night at the Canyon
Grab that someone special for a wonderful night out. Blue Canyon has a special four-course menu for two, which includes soup or salad, two entrees, and an appetizer and dessert to share. Entrée choices include Pretzel Crusted Trout, Red Wine Braised Beef Brisket, Day Boat Sea Scallops, Beef Tenderloin, Chicken Milanese and more. Included is your choice of any wine bottle under $40.

Dine-in Monday through Thursday or pick up curbside to go Monday through Saturday.

All items are made from scratch with fresh ingredients on the Blue Canyon menu such as the Buttermilk Chicken.

Family Dinners to Go
Order dinner for four and pick up curbside. There are new daily specials, Monday through Friday, featuring meals ranging from Coconut Lentil Curry to Beer Battered Boston Blue Cod and Chicken and Shrimp Fajitas. Visit BlueCanyonRestaurant.com to see this week’s menu. Order early to ensure availability.

Themed Sunday Brunches
Make plans to treat mom and dad to brunch on their special days. Blue Canyon will open at 10:30 a.m. with the last seating at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 8, for Mother’s Day and Sunday, June 19, for Father’s Day. These popular Sunday brunches run throughout the year and usually sell out. Visit the website for future themed brunches.

Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern is located at 8960 Wilcox Drive (480 & 82), in Twinsburg. For reservations, call 330-486-2583 or visit BlueCanyonRestaurant.com. Hours are Monday-Thursday, open at 4 p.m. with last seating at 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, open at 4 p.m. with last seating at 9 p.m.; closed on Sunday except for themed brunch.

Categories: Eastside Food & Dining

After nearly two decades in business, Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern continues to serve up the hits...with a twist

2022 Happenings