Blue Heron Event Center hosts some of the most sensational events in the area
By Ken McEntee
The music may come from the cloud via an iPhone app, or swooned live by Johnny Fontane. But the real assessment of a wedding reception usually tends to begin with the food.
That’s one test that puts the Blue Heron Event Center at the top of the class, insists Ben Erjavec, executive chef and co-owner of the Medina establishment.
“Our top-notch, restaurant-quality food is one area where we definitely stand out,” Ben says. “We don’t plate up our meals and let them sit in hot boxes. When it’s time to serve, everything comes directly out of the oven, made from scratch, and delivered to the tables. Guests receive a piping hot meal of sensational quality, which is uncommon at event centers.”
Whether your event is held in Blue Heron’s gorgeously renovated Grand Ballroom or the more intimate Heron Room, Ben promises a customized culinary experience to satisfy all tastes and budgets.
“We do everything from buffets to plated entrees to Brazilian-style tableside carving of choices like beef tenderloin, prime rib and cedar-planked salmon,” he emphasizes. “We offer dual entrees that come with two proteins on the same plate. For example, we can do a short rib and chicken Florentine with a starch and a vegetable. It’s really a ‘wow’ factor when guests see it arrive at the table.”
For a more casual party, you might choose a slider bar or taco bar.
Blue Heron offers two spectacular venues for weddings, family parties or business functions, Ben says.
“The ballroom, which will comfortably accommodate parties of 300 or more—with a dance floor—has always been in high demand,” he notes. “We’ve recently done some renovations and updates, which has given it a fresh, elegant look that features a neutral color scheme that fits well with any kind of décor.”
The newly opened Heron Room offers a contemporary ambiance, overlooking the vibrant Blue Heron Brewery, says Bethany Sterling, events coordinator.
“The Heron Room is a beautiful room for intimate weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, baby or bridal showers and other gatherings of 25 to 100 people,” Bethany says.
Outside, Blue Heron offers two sandstone amphitheaters that are perfect picturesque wedding ceremony sites, Ben suggests.
“The larger amphitheater is surrounded by a lush flower garden and features a pergola and water fountain,” he says. “With white padded chairs, it will seat up to 300 guests.”
Also outside, guests may want to catch some fresh air on the patio near the brewpub, overlooking spectacular Austin Badger Park.
Booking your wedding or other festivity at Blue Heron is easy, Bethany and Francesca Guenther, Blue Heron’s other event coordinator, promise.
“The unique thing about us is that we will customize anything to work with anyone’s budget,” Bethany says. “People often see our building from the outside and assume that we’ll be out of their price range. They are usually very surprised by how affordable we actually are and how much they get for our price point, especially considering our elaborate facilities and amazing food.”
Although the popular Grand Ballroom has been booked for most Saturdays this year, Bethany says she can work some compelling deals for the Heron Room, as well as Fridays and Sundays in the ballroom.
Blue Heron is located at 3227 Blue Heron Trace, in Medina. You can get started on your wedding or special event planning by visiting BlueHeronMedina.com or by calling 330-870-BLUE (2583). You can get the latest updates on parties, special events and entertainment at Facebook: @BlueHeronMedina.