I Even Had on my Barn Coat...

Since I am a recovering former auditor, I will begin with an IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE.  The restaurant I visited tonight for the first time is one of the latest to be opened by one of my personal heroes, Cameron Mitchell.  I was fortunate enough to meet him in person once after a promotional event and, like any star stuck teenager, all I could say to him was "I bet you have a Superman suit on under the rest of your clothes."  Judging by the strange look on his face, I needed to explain to him that I said that only because he was one of my personal heroes and not because I was thinking about what base layer he prefers when attending public events.  Since he sold his steakhouses to Ruth's Chris many moons ago, I rarely find myself going out for high end USDA prime beef.  I considered tonight to be perhaps the start of a comeback tour (however brief) and to say expectations were running high would be a monumental understatement.

The Barn at Rocky Fork Creek was exceptional on every level.  It is billed as a casual steakhouse and BBQ restaurant and you can definitely smell the hardwood smoke in the air.  Although I wonder if it is from the oak-aged bourbons they serve or the meat they are smoking in the kitchen. -wink, wink- 

My wife and I decided to kick things off with the BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp from the appetizer menu (served with a side of slaw).  Between the tangy house made BBQ sauce and smoky bacon wrap, I totally forgot I don't really like shrimp. They were gone so fast, I didn't even get a picture.  The slaw was a nice complement.  I like that the dressing was pretty straightforward with a colorful mix of shredded cabbages.  I don't why so many places feel the need to get cheeky with the dressing and put an obscene amount of spicy mustard or Tabasco or who knows what else in there.  Sometimes you don't have to be edgy to be good.

My wife surprised me and ordered a Bourbon Apple Punch.  Only fitting, since bourbon and rye whiskeys are a central feature at The Barn.  I wasn't sure I could handle that much character and instead ordered the Mary Pickford.  She shared a sip.  I shared a sip.  May have to have the Bourbon Apple Punch next time.  Woodford Reserve Double Oak is soooooo smooth.  She said I could keep the tequila.  Something to talk about as we eagerly anticipated the main course.  

The menu had good variety, but since this was our first visit, we decided to pay homage to some Black Falls Angus beef . Chateaubriand sounds a bit pretentious, but once I discovered it was just a generous cut of beef filet cooked for two...  We were all over it...  Well, once I agreed to let them cook it to medium...  She doesn't like it to still be mooing when it hits the table.  Even at medium, it was magnificent.  A lightly salty charred crust on the edges and melt in your mouth tenderness beyond that.  I tried a bite or two with the house made Bearnaise and steak sauce. Certainly didn't need any help, but had to try them.  They were outstanding.  I thought about pouring the steak sauce into my coat pocket to take it home with me, but realized I checked my coat with the hostess.  Better planning next time.   

One minor modification (standard offering is 16 ounce filet carved table-side, plus roasted vegetables, and roasted baby redskin potatoes) was to sub loaded baked potatoes for the roasted baby reds.  Vegetables were grilled until just tender with a nice char and seasoning on them. Loaded baked potatoes were fluffy with crispy skin on the outside.  Plenty of butter, sour cream, cheese, etc.  When the waiter asked if he could take my plate, I told him if he didn't I might lick it clean in front of the other guests.   

Still getting used to the cell phone and phone cam...Cake is half gone.

Thankfully, we managed not to go too crazy and saved room for a shared dessert.  We took the option at the top of the dessert menu - caramel soaked chocolate cake.  WOW!  The chocolate cake was so dark, my iPhone cam turned on the flash for the picture.  Unbelievably moist with a light chocolate frosting and rich caramel sauce for a great finish. It was the caramel sauce the really caught my eye in the first place.  So when it is this good, is it heavenly or sinful?                   

The atmosphere was laid back.  The dining room showed some enhancements, but I was thankful they preserved at least some of the feel of the barn's original occupant (another bbq restaurant who shall remain nameless).  The waiters and waitresses were decked out in denim and gingham with old school dark ties and apron.  Our waitress and the rest of the team were always nearby and exceptionally attentive.   

OK.. So for those who know me well... My birthday is coming up next month.. If you are wondering what to get me.. Cameron Mitchell gift card...  (just kidding).  Although I can't wait to get back to The Barn...  I'll be sure to wear my barn coat next time too.... If I get some good feedback on this post, I may share a funny story from my childhood about my barn boots, barn coat...  the talking tree at the old downtown Lazarus... and a calf my family tried to trick me into believing was a dog...