On The Rocks Tapas Bar, a delicious hit!
Shelby has a new and exciting restaurant open inside a familiar coffee shop downtown. By day, it’s known as Ivory Bean Coffee House and will be known as On The Rocks Tapas Bar by night! The atmosphere was so perfectly Shelby-like from the moment we walked in, to paying our bill and leaving with full bellies. We were immediately greeted by the friendly ad familiar staff and wanted for nothing during our dining experience.
The service was so fast, it was almost unbelievable. As soon as we were sat, drink orders were taken and perfectly portioned soups and salads were set in front of us. Both were so simple yet so delicious (chicken tortilla soup and a sprout salad with bacon and feta). To be fair, the menu was pre determined as it was their inaugural Valentines event so we knew what to expect in terms of menu items.
It truly did not take long at all to receive our scorching lava stone slabs with thick, quality cuts of tuna (for me) and steak (for my boyfriend). The staff was incredibly helpful in teaching us how to use them without burning ourselves or overcooking our meat. There were also cards set out on each table detailing how to cook the meat the way you wanted it.
Along with our entrees, we received probably some of the best mashed potatoes we have ever had, along with a garlic aioli, chimichurri sauce, and soy sauce for dipping our steaks into. Cooking our own steaks at our table and learning how to use the lava stones was a fun and interactive experience that kept conversation going throughout the meal. We were even able to share in our mutual uncertainty with guests seated near us and made some new friends.
We tried a few of the Valentines Day cocktails offered including Love Potion #9 (blue curaçao, vodka, lemonade, and orange peel), Raspberry Kiss (vodka, simple syrup, raspberry lemonade, and raspberries), and Old Smoky (bourbon, maple syrup, orange bitters, orange peel, maraschino cherry, smoked). We really had no complaints about any of them. A good cocktail always has the potential elevate your dining experience. In our case, it definitely did.
Last, but surely not least, we had fudge-filled brownies and ice cream for dessert. It was the perfectly sweet ending to our delicious Valentines meal. We decided that while not completely stuffed to the brim, we were pleasantly full. The portions had been perfect as we did not leave feeling weighed down. To reiterate: the staff was so kind and welcoming in that way only Shelby natives are, the service was fast, and the food was fantastic.
On The Rocks Tapas Bar will have a regular menu soon, offering all kinds of delicious starters and sides, along with the steaks you cook yourself and a full cocktail menu. Check their Facebook page for updates on this new and exciting restaurant in Shelby and give it a try when you can!