If you enjoy the succulent rotisserie chicken, prime ribs and fish dishes atCopper Canyon Grill in Boca Raton, make it a point to visit as much as you can over the next couple of months. As of August, the menu and design are likely to change
dramatically.
The very first Copper Canyon Grill opened in Boca less than two years ago, conveniently located just west of I-95 off Glades Road. It has enjoyed a reputation for creative soups and salads and savory steaks and fish immaculately caught, sizzled and grilled to the pickiest omnivore’s tastes. But the small chain restaurant – still the only one of its kind south of Orlando – will be undergoing a face-lift in a couple of months. The Copper Canyon will transform into an American bistro-style restaurant, tentatively titled Stanford’s Bistro.
Considering the restaurant’s location, the transition makes sense: The move to bistro dining could attract a higher surplus of lunch patrons from the nearby offices, university and shopping centers, who may be looking for a quicker, less pricy bite to eat. But those who have enjoyed Copper Canyon will doubtlessly mourn its passing. I visited the restaurant for the first time this afternoon and found the menu and atmosphere to be high-end but accessible, with a bountiful availability of options for casual eaters and discriminating foodies alike. I started the meal with the soup of the day, tomato basil ($6.50), and it was out of this world: It has a pleasant kick to it, and every bite burst with flavor – thanks in part to the housemade, parmesan-topped toasted crouton floating at the top. I also tried the unique Canyon Mushrooms ($4), a small side of ‘shrooms served, souplike, in a bowl with sauce.
For my main course, the Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna Salad (price varies) hit the spot. With cherry tomatoes, goat cheese, carrots, spiced pecans and croutons over a bed of mixed greens, it’s just as delicious without the fish as with it; every bite is a bold explosion of spicy-sweet flavor. The only lackluster item I ordered in an otherwise exquisite experience was the Spinach Artichoke Dip ($12), a surprisingly bland appetizer served with slightly stale chips.
Manager Joe Ahmadpour couldn’t tell me exactly what the redesigned bistro will offer, but one thing’s for sure: Most of the signature Copper Canyon dishes will be gone, included the famous rotisserie chicken – what Ahmadpour proudly calls the “best chicken on Glades Road.†If you haven’t appreciated Copper Canyon yet, make a trip there: It’s getting to be now or never.
Copper Canyon Grill is at 2006 N.W. Executive Center Circle, Boca Raton. Call 561/893-8838.
