Blue Heron Brewery is determined to make this summer the gift it was meant to be
By Ken McEntee
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and Khadar Soussou, general manager of Blue Heron Brewery, says he knows the ideal place to celebrate Christmas in July.
“Our outdoor patio and lounge-style terrace have spectacular sunset views overlooking Austin Badger Park,” Khadar says. “With live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, the atmosphere here is spectacular. And we’ll be serving our tremendously popular Christmas Ale as long as our supply lasts.”
Blue Heron Christmas Ale is one of brew master Mike Piazza’s many unique concoctions that have been flowing from the brew pub’s 16 taps since it reopened on July 9. During the Covid-19 shutdown, Mike reveals, he had a lot of time to test new recipes while collaborating with Executive Chef Ben Erjavec, who assembled fabulous beer and food pairings to delight returning guests.
“Our home-brewed beer and Ben’s fun spins on upscale pub fare are part of what makes the Blue Heron a unique experience,” Mike says.
“We thought it would be fun to focus on pairing the food with specific beers that go together. Our handmade burgers, for example, are more savory, so they pair well with some of our more robust beers or more refined lagers. Our bacon beef burger goes extremely well with our American Brown Ale. Our seafood offerings—like Ben’s famous crab cakes—go very well with our lighter beers, like our cream ales. Sipping a tropical IPA with a shrimp dish will make you feel like you’re on an island beach somewhere.”
Whether you dine inside or take in the evening air outside, your Blue Heron servers will help to choose the perfect pairing, Ben promises.
“Our fresh new summer menu features lighter fare that emphasizes sharables,” Ben says. “That allows you to try a larger variety of our eclectic offerings.”
Although Blue Heron Brewery is happy to serve walk-in guests, reservations are strongly suggested—especially on weekends, Khadar advises. Reservations can be made through Yelp or on the Blue Heron website.
Guests who prefer to enjoy their meals—and beer—at home can now order curbside family pickup meals from Blue Heron Brewery.
“During the Covid-19 closings, we wanted our loyal customers to be able to continue to enjoy our beer,” Mike recalls. “So, we hired a mobile canner to come in and can six of our brands to sell retail. It really took off, so we’re keeping it going.”
Previously, he says, the only take-home option was a 64-ounce growler.
“That’s a lot of beer for a family meal,” Mike says. “People who are into craft beer appreciate being able to take a pint can—or a four-pack—home with them.”
Blue Heron’s flagship brands include Mike’s Matrimony Cream Ale, Morning Star Pale Ale and Hazy Wife, Hazy Life IPA.
Blue Heron Brewery, which opened last November at the Blue Heron Event Center, is owned and operated by Bill and Dawn Rini—owners of A Taste of Excellence catering, along with co-owners Mike and Ben.
“Ben puts fun and interesting spins on traditional bar items,” Khadar explains. “The crab cakes that he perfected while he was working as a chef in Baltimore are outstanding.”
You can make reservations, place a family pickup order and learn more about Blue Heron Brewery, at BlueHeronMedina.com or by calling 330-870-BLUE. Blue Heron is located at 3227 Blue Heron Trace, in Medina.