Rockingham Marina is celebrating the re-opening of the Rockingham Caf© at the marina with an all-new menu prepared by a professional chef to bring better casual dining to the local lake life.

Introducing Chef Todd Dawn

Chef Todd Dawn, formerly of Bistro 105 in Jonesborough, has completely revamped the Rockingham Marine Caf©’s menu with lake-friendly fare that tastes great but leaves enough in your wallet to gas up the boat. Dawn says he only uses the best ingredients available to make food perfectly tailored for a day on the lake without sacrificing quality or value.

Boating-friendly food for your day out

Todd says one of the most popular dishes is already the chicken nacho platter. The chips, fried fresh in the caf©, are topped with a homemade corn and black bean salsa. The chicken is freshly grilled and seasoned. The dish is topped with cheddar cheese and garnished with fresh lime, cilantro, and optional jalapenos for an added kick, with sour cream and tomato salsa served on the side.

The caf© has a new gourmet Italian steak hoagie for a hearty lunch. The thin-cut beef is grilled up Philly-style with fresh-cut peppers and onions on a chewy French bread roll topped with tomatoes and melted provolone cheese. Pair the sandwich with hand-cut fries and a pickle spear for a shareable lunch that will keep you fueled up all afternoon.

For early trips out, the caf© also features special breakfast items. Chef Dawn’s specialty the “Big Country” ham, a thick slice of hearty country ham on a fresh-baked buttermilk biscuit. The ham is cooked to order and drizzled with fresh pan-seared red-eye gravy for a breakfast on the boat you’ll never forget.

Have you ever had freshly-fried chicharrones (pork rinds)? You’ve got to try them to believe them! They’re made to order and topped with your choice of seasoning. More sides are available if you’re just in the mood for a snack, such as salads, festival-style shoestring potatoes, and fried green tomatoes.

Homemade ice cream at Boone Lake!

Last but not least Chef Todd is bringing something truly special to Rockingham Marina with his dessert menu. Unique dessert specials will be available daily, along with a full line of homemade ice cream like nothing else in this area.

A seating area outside the cafe is planned for the future. In the meantime, food can be eaten at nearby tables or taken in to-go containers to enjoy out on the water. Chef Todd designed the entrees to be both delicious and convenient!

If you’re planning to spend the day on the lake and don’t feel like packing a cooler, let the Rockingham Marina Caf© do it for you! Call ahead and they can build a Picnic Pack for your trip including snacks, sandwiches, sides, drinks, ice and desserts all packed up and ready to go as soon as you get to the marina. Carefree Boat Club members save 10% on Picnic Packs.

Click here for more information about Rockingham Marina.

Full Rockingham Marina Cafe Menu