Chef Renato Cardoso

Following article by Michael Gresham
Rockwall County News

Twice as Nice
The Oar House, Culpeppers remain Rockwall favorites

Two names in Rockwall have become practically synonymous with fine dining:  The Oar House and Culpeppers.

Both are owned by Shoreline Restaurant Corporation and both were recently named as favorites by readers of the Rockwall County News.

The Oar House, which features a menu full of northern Italian and seafood entrees, was named as Rockwall's favorite seafood.

Paul Longinotti, who serves as vice president of operations for the shoreline restaurant Corporation, credits the award to the establishment's unique atmosphere and masterfully-prepared cuisine.

"The Oar House is about as close as you can get to being at Cheers and still enjoy fine dining." Longinotti said.  "Our restaurant is small and our staff dedicated and very professional.  If you've been to the Oar House once, you'll be treated as a regular."

In fact, Longinotti said diners actually are greeted and taken to their seats by the restaurant's manager.

The restaurant gets its name from the 60-foot racing shell and the eight 16-foot oars that extend from it.  A 25-foot rosewood bar from the Palace Hotel in London dominates the bar and entrance.  Ornately framed mirrors add dimension to the main room that is finished in dark woods and uniquely textured wall treatments.  The newest dining room provides a view of the patio, which features a 12-foot Spanish fountain.

Of course, the highlight of The Oar House is the food, which is prepared by Chef Renato Cardoza.  Dishes feature fresh seafood, meats and pastas as well as seasonal vegetables and greens.

Cardoza prepares between three and four specials an evening.  And, while the seafood is always a favorite, one of the restaurant's signature dishes is its filetto al cognac - a filet mignon in a rich cognac sauce.

A landmark for more than two decades, Culpeppers is another Rockwall favorite.  Known best for its steak, Culpeppers offers casual fine dining featuring regional cuisine.

In the kitchen, Culpeppers executive chef Chad Bowden prepares an extensive menu.

Chad Bowden started culinary training in Colorado working at Four star rated country clubs and restaurants. He then relocated to Texas where he became Sous Chef at the famed restaurant "The Grape." He then Became Exec. Sous at 2900 restaurant where he and his chef were nominated for the James Beard Award, one of the nations top culinary honors. He also won the 2006 Rising Star Chefs award. In 2007 he became the Executive Chef of Culpepper Steakhouse where he has changed the views on steakhouses in the south

The Oar House and  Culpeppers both are located off Interstate 30 east of Lake Ray Hubbard.