BY EMMA JOHNSON PHOTOS BY MATT VANSTEENKISTE
AFTER A LONG DAY HIKING OR SKIING on Kelly Canyon’s beautiful slopes, all anyone wants is a good meal. The Half Cab Grill, located in the resort’s lodge, is a hot new spot with high quality twists on the lodge food you already love.
Tyler Nielson has drawn on his experiences as a chef for Disney, Michelin Star-rated restaurants and private sector clients to create a menu that will keep you coming back for more. In bringing elevated meal options to Kelly Canyon, Tyler hopes to make the lodge more of a destination for all seasons.
The Half Cab Grill opened up earlier this year for year-round good eats. Its name and atmosphere are inspired by the gorgeous snowboarding scenery of the canyon. With vintage skis and photos of old Kelly Canyon adorning the walls, the grill pays homage to the traditions and excitements of downtime in the lodge after a day on the slopes.
There’s nothing else like the Half Cab Grill at Kelly Canyon. With most lodge options providing only quick snacks, Tyler felt that there was a real need for something else to draw people to the unique, beautiful scenery of the canyon. That’s where the grill’s fresh and flavorful menu really shines.
With ingredients inspired by the unique beauty of Idaho, the menu includes a wide variety of foods that will fulfill anyone’s cravings. On the meatier end, the Half Cab Grill offers specialty burgers, steak, and fish options. One of Tyler’s favorite dishes on the menu is a Hawaiian burger with glazed pineapple and fried SPAM.
There are plenty of lighter meal options as well, including tasty salads and a variety of sides. The café’s tri-tip classic salad even includes a huckleberry meat marinade that plays a starring role throughout the menu. If you’re wanting something hot and savory that will really hit the spot, the delicious garlic French fries, sold by the pound, are unbeatable. To go along with your meal, the Half Cab Grill also provides an evergrowing list of wine and beer options.
In addition to enjoying the Half Cab Grill’s amazing starters and entrees, don’t forget to save room for dessert! The dessert menu features exquisite brownies, decadent caramel apple crisp, and G.O.A.T. bites that you absolutely can’t miss out on (fresh scones covered in powdered sugar and served with the most amazing raspberry sauce—what’s not to love?). These desserts will satisfy any sweet tooth!
All in all, there is something for everyone on this menu. The Half Cab Grill is breaking up the monotony of traditional ski lodge food and providing meal options that will leave you full and satisfied.
Adding the Half Cab Grill to Kelly Canyon’s ski lodge is part of an ongoing effort by the resort owners to turn the ski resort into a fully immersive ski experience. This includes access to the lifts and e-bike rental options in the summer. These expansions even include an event space for memorable gatherings on the resort’s scenic property.
For those renting out the stunning venue space, the Half Cab Grill also has catering options on their menu. The grill’s deliciously diverse menu offers the perfect fare for your next big event such as a wedding, business meeting, or workshop.
From the delicious, unique menu to the inviting atmosphere, the Half Cab Grill provides a dining experience unlike any other. Whether you are tired from shredding down the slopes or just want a fun new dinner option, the Half Cab Grill is the place for you. They provide an elevated dining experience with gorgeous year-round views you just can’t find anywhere else.
5488 Kelly Canyon Rd, Ririe | www.kellycanyonresort.com