Gail Fletcher had a simple dream of perfection, elegant surroundings, a piano bar, a place to relax, connect, and enjoy friendships. That dream turned into a much larger project, culminating in an 8,000-square-foot steak restaurant with an inside lounge and an outside casual bar at the Harbor in Rockwall.
As a second-generation Rockwall resident, Gail wanted to contribute to her Rockwall community. She has done that by providing Rockwall with its own fine dining establishment that has become a destination for many.
“I thought, why would you want to go across the lake in the Dallas traffic? I knew we had to do something better for the people in Rockwall who want the finer things, but in a convenient and elegant way.”
Gail’s vision has resulted in two distinct experiences, Sear Steakhouse and 360 Bar, both built on handcrafted food and an unending desire for excellence.
Her ongoing enthusiasm to provide the best experience for guests has been a part of Sear Steakhouse since before its inception. “When I started envisioning Sear Steakhouse, it took me months to design exactly how I wanted to create the ambiance. It was essential to me that women feel as important as men when they walk in.”
Gail accomplished her vision through distinct touches throughout the restaurant. She avoided dark and heavy decor in favor of white complemented by her signature reds and golds. Her restaurant exudes warmth, both through the fireplaces located throughout the space and in her inclusion of art featuring trees from her father’s racehorse farm in Heath, Texas, a nod to the family ties that she has in Rockwall county. Even small touches, such as a fireplace, makeup mirrors, and Merle Norman lip products in the women’s restrooms, show Gail’s focus on women guests.
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Sear Steakhouse’s food offerings are inspired by the best the world has to offer, but they are rooted in local tradition. Chef Marcus Moehler started his training at Rockwall High School's culinary art program, where he won awards and recognition. After working at some of the best restaurants in Dallas, Chef Marcus began to travel the world, going as far as Spain to apprentice. “Working in the industry, you learn all these little neat tricks. For example, my mentor taught me how to butcher all of the steaks, fish, and poultry.”
But this isn’t a gimmick that Chef Marcus mentions to impress guests; rather it is a deep part of Sear’s unique offering. “Butchering in house is a nice way to give back to the animals and Mother Nature, but it also provides us with ingredients like tallow that we can repurpose so that nothing goes to waste.”
Mandy Mendenhall, Executive Director and Gail’s daughter-in-law, has been with Sear Steakhouse from the beginning. When she’s not enjoying a Sear’s barrel-aged old fashioned cocktail, Mandy is working with Chef Marcus to continually mix up the food. “I like to refresh our menus seasonally so that our guests are constantly getting to try something that they haven't tried before.” But this isn’t a simple act of switching a salad dressing. Since each menu item is handcrafted, the team spends weeks trying a variety of ingredients, dishes, and wines to ensure each part of their menu is of the highest quality and taste. This commitment to detail is shared by the entire staff, who sample all items to ensure a clear understanding of the new dishes and complete the circle from inception, to development, to customer.
Of course, what goes better with a great steak than a nice glass of wine or an excellent cocktail? Richard, the head bartender, can often be seen across the sidewalk from Sear Steakhouse in the circular 360 Bar infusing his latest alcohol or talking about his handmade bitters. Like the food menu, the drinks feature seasonal flavors and handmade syrups so that guests are able to enjoy an elevated version of their favorite cocktails. The cucumber martini, made with fresh mint, or the Sear-tini, garnished with cranberry sugar, are two refreshing ways to enjoy your spirits while overlooking the shining water of Lake Ray Hubbard.
But despite having meticulously crafted food and beverages, Gail isn’t satisfied with just owning the restaurant. “This restaurant opens the doors to many things in life, and those things are giving back to the community, because without that, I lack a divine purpose.” Her passion is the Children's Advocacy Center and Helping Hands of Rockwall County.
Sear Steakhouse offers a unique private dining room to host many events such as rehearsal dinners, meetings, and celebrations of all kinds.
As Gail and her team look towards the future, they have exciting opportunities for a second location to continue to bring the best food, drinks, and experiences to Rockwall County.
Gail and her staff invite you to join them for an upscale dinner at Sear Steakhouse or a more casual night out at 360 Bar, both located at Rockwall Harbor. To learn more about both spaces, visit www.searsteakhouseandlounge.com
For reservations, call 469.314.1103.
I knew we had to do something better for the people in Rockwall who want the finer things, but in a convenient and elegant way.