Cheers to Sear Steakhouse & Lounge in Rockwall

By Katie-Rose Watson

I had the most magical night at Sear Steakhouse & Lounge yesterday, Sear is a brand new steakhouse at The Harbor in my gorgeous lakeside town of Rockwall. Sear Steakhouse is in the old Blue Canyon location at The Harbor, which famously had the best view in Rockwall (and a 360 degree bar to capitalize on it) when I was a teenager but has sat empty for at least a decade. I was thrilled when I heard a new restaurant and piano bar had opened in that spot and decided to check it out for my birthday dinner, and I have to say: come for the view, stay for the food, become a regular for the service. The staff could not have been kinder to me. Everyone from the hostess to the manager to the bartender to our server was just lovely.

I started the evening out at the bar. I sipped on my Louis V champagne cocktail (basically a French 75) while the sun set. Chef Tom even came out and introduced himself and kept me company for a bit. What a treat to get to ask him all about the food before ordering.

When my bestie Irene arrived, we headed inside for dinner and my jaw dropped when I saw the dining room. It’s stunning. The dining room is beautifully appointed and has a live pianist every night. We sat on the waterfront side of the restaurant and had a gorgeous view of the lake.

We ordered Oysters Rockefeller with smoked bacon and spinach and the famous crab cakes to start. While small in size, the crab cakes are a must-order item. It’s pure crab. I knew the minute I saw Irene’s face that I would love them. She’s a tough critic and she lit up like a Christmas tree when she took a bite. The East Coast oysters were huge and plump with a nice crumb topping.

I decided at the last minute to try the soup of the day, tomato basil. I don’t know what came over me. At just $8, the soup of the day is a steal for how generous the portion is. The flavor was fantastic and the cheesy crouton was delectable.

For dinner, Irene ordered a shrimp pasta and I had the herbed chicken. At a steakhouse. Am I the worst Texan ever? Possibly. I fully intended on getting filet mignon with Bearnaise sauce but I was very into my rosé and after our seafood starters, I was just in the mood for chicken.

The herbed chicken is a 10 out of 10 and that’s coming from an absolute chicken snob. I had high hopes when I saw it just based on the perfect little airline-cut chicken breast: clearly an organic chicken. It was perfectly cooked: super juicy with crispy, herby skin paired with the creamiest grits. If I could eat this every week, I would. I hate to tell you to go to a steakhouse and get chicken but it’s divine. Save room for dessert. We got the white chocolate tart cherry bread pudding with warm brandy sauce and the creme brûlée for dessert. The custard is thick and creamy and full of vanilla bean specks with a perfect, thick caramelized crust. Cheers to Sear.