As the popularity of Hendersonville’s Main Street continues to attract a younger demographic, it was only a matter of time before this thriving Blue Ridge mountain getaway received its first rooftop experience.
That time arrived Labor Day weekend as Shine restaurant debuted the city’s inaugural rooftop bar. The restaurant, which opened in a refurbished building in January, now offers full bar service and an appetizer menu four nights a week – Thursday through Sunday.
Owners Bobby and Layla Rogers are pleased with the public’s reception to the rooftop concept and plan to keep it open as long as temperatures allow, with the promise to bring it back next spring.
The chic rooftop setting has views of Henderson County’s historic courthouse framed by ridges of the North Carolina mountains. Patrons pick from an extensive lineup of local craft beers and ciders, along with a solid wine list and craft cocktails using house-made syrups and ginger beer – all complemented by a selection of appetizers and light bites.
Shine actually offers the best of both worlds because the downstairs restaurant is known for an impressive menu of rotating selections available seven days a week for lunch and dinner.
The Rogers pursued a deliberate approach in developing the eatery in a century-old building on the National Register of Historic Places. For example, heart of pine wood joists from the flooring area were repurposed as window frames, while layers of plaster and paint were stripped away to showcase original brick walls throughout.
Bobby Rogers, a veteran chef, is part of a kitchen staff he describes as “French-trained chefs who cook New American food.” The goal, he says, is serving high-quality – yet approachable – food in a casual, fun environment.
A look at Shine’s menu shows much diversity. Mixed in among classic dishes such as roast duck and Thai curry beef with scallops are unusual items like frog legs and a “big ass bowl of mussels.” There’s even an appetizer featuring boudin (pronounced boo-DAN), a sausage-like Cajun delicacy from Louisiana.
Other items on the menu include pork tenderloin and shrimp tortellini, along with daily specials such as mahi mahi.
Rogers says everything is made in house except for three things: mustard, mayonnaise gourmet , which are made locally.
For information or reservations, call 828-692-0062 or visit
www.ShineHVL.com