REUNION LUNCH AT BLACKSTONE
July 2, 2022
12:00 PM
Class members attending our reunion this summer will have an opportunity to enjoy a lunch at BlackStone, which has become one of Iowa City’s most popular restaurants since it opened in 2007 with the slogan “Bring more to the table.”
“You should infer from that large portions and service,” says BlackStone general manager Cameron Wheatley, who moved to BlackStone in July 2021 after serving as general manager at Hudson’s Southside Tap in Iowa City.
On its Facebook page, BlackStone describes itself as having a “stylish American menu with Asian and Mediterranean influences.” In charge of the menu is Executive Chef Tracy Tonning, whose social media profile indicates he has worked at BlackStone since the year it opened.
According to Wheatley, the Asian influences can be experienced by ordering the restaurant’s Satay Sampler as well as a new dish, the Tuna Poke Bowl, which is not on the menu yet, but will be by this summer.
As for Mediterranean-influenced dishes, those include, logically enough, the Mediterranean Chicken and the Mediterranean Salad. There is also a Saganaki appetizer, for those who enjoy the Greek tradition of flaming cheese. Opa!
Wheatley recommends the Saganaki appetizer and the Satay Sampler for first-time guests who want an experience to remember. He says another favorite is Flynn’s Baked Pasta, described on the menu as Italian sausage, angus beef, pepperoni, sauteed red peppers and onions, three cheeses, house-made marinara and penne noodles served with toasted garlic bread.
BlackStone also has bar service, including unique martinis and a whiskey menu featuring more than 150 bottles from around the world. There is a rotating beer menu that Wheatley says changes weekly, but typically features some beers brewed in Iowa. “We like to feature local craft beers in addition to the standard American domestics,” Wheatley remarks.
In addition to supporting local beers, BlackStone has established a tradition of supporting local charities during its Neighborhood Nights, in which a percentage of proceeds go to a particular organization. Organizations that have benefited recently include the Iowa City Community School District Foundation, as well as City High wrestling and baseball teams and the City High prom committee.
BlackStone’s location at 593 Westbury Drive, about two miles from City High near the corner of Scott Boulevard and Rochester Avenue, gives the restaurant a special affiliation with City High organizations, says Wheatley: “They are right in our backyard.”
The reunion lunch at BlackStone will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 2, following tours of City High earlier that morning. According to Wheatley, the restaurant’s brunch menu as well as its regular menu will be available to people attending. Attendees will pay for their own orders at the restaurant, so there is no need to pay in advance if you would like to attend. You should register in advance, however, so the reunion committee knows how many seats will be needed.
Here is a link to the BlackStone website: