Opened in 2006, Blue on Highland is an American restaurant that is the brainchild of Rod & Catherine Walkey. “We always wanted to create the type of restaurant that we would want to go to. It had to have an eclectic menu so it wouldn’t get boring, amazing cocktails, live music and above all it had to be welcoming and a true neighborhood restaurant,” said the Walkeys.

On August 3rd, 2015 the restaurant re-opened with a brand new look and menu, with a brand new website and branding to soon follow.

The effort was a collaborative project by the restaurant’s marketing and PR agency, Image Unlimited Communications(IUC) and their design partner agency Amir Kripper Studios. “We’ve always looked at working with accounts in a holistic way inclusive of PR, design, marketing and digital, and now we’ve partnered with Amir Kripper who is one of the hottest new design talents in the city,” said Shannon Igoe, Director of Agency Accounts at IUC.

Blue on Highland’s new restaurant comes with dramatic changes as designer Amir Kripper explains.”The intent was to create an elevated neighborhood restaurant using rich elements and carrying out the Walkey’s vision. The location had amazing raw elements that we wanted to expose and we wanted to work in true balance with the food and beverage program and the branding. It was very clear that the Walkey’s main idea was to expose the vibrant activity at the bar and so we used it as the center point of the restaurant. In addition we put in six high-walled booths allowing for an intimate experience as well. The partitions between the booths as well as the back wall behind the banquettes are cladded in soft, natural hickory wooden planks. We removed the old sheetrock walls to expose the existing brick walls and steel bracing behind them. The new bar is made of stainless steel structural elements with recessed lights and was inspired by the modular storage units designed by Eames in the early 50’s. We also collaborated with Tracy Davis in the seating and finishes selection. The Emeco Broom chairs used in the dining area are made from 75% waste polypropylene and 15% reclaimed wood fiber that would normally be swept into the trash. And the stools at the bar are iconic pieces which were built initially in the 40’s to be used in submarines and were repurposed as stools,” said Kripper.

The Menu and Cocktail program at Blue on Highland has also received a reboot with many new dishes such as the Tuna Tartare with Kim Chee, Ginger Vinaigrette and Wasabi Cream ($15), the Blue Crab Cocktail with Boston Bibb lettuce, lemon, chive and house-made cocktail sauce ($23), The Highlander Burger an 8oz all beef burger, Vermont cheddar cheese, topped with slow braised short rib, crispy onion strings and a roasted garlic worcestershire demi-glace sauce ($16) and the Strawberry & Blueberry Salad with all white-meat Chicken salad, fresh mixed greens, romaine pecans, blue cheese and poppy seed dressing ($16).

In addition the restaurant will host a numerous pastas, hand cut steaks, flatbreads and amazing artisanal sandwiches. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner and serves brunch on Sundays.

About Blue on Highland:
Blue on Highland is an upscale suburban restaurant serving modern American cuisine in a contemporary, elegant setting, located in Needham, MA, just outside of Boston. Co-Owners Catherine and Rod Walkey strive to combine the sophistication of city-dining with the comforts of a neighborhood restaurant offering diners amazing service at reasonable prices. Blue on Highland is perfect for power lunching or socializing after work over dinner and drinks, celebrating special occasions, or simply enjoying fine wine and appetizers in their beautiful bar and lounge area. The restaurant is available for private bookings and events. Blue on Highland offers live jazz during Sunday brunch. Blue on Highland is located at 882 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02494. Hours of operation are: Mon-Thursday 11:30AM-10:00PM; Friday and Saturday: 11:30AM – 11:00PM and Sun: 11:00AM – 10:00PM. Reservations are recommended. For more information, please call 781-444-7001 or visit www.blueonhighland.com

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