(Courtesy: Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter)
Good food, with a side of one-of-a-kind musical artifacts, is now being served up in Clear Lake.
The Surf Ballroom & Museum and MNG Restaurant Corp.
have collaborated to create a Clear Lake dining experience unlike any
other.
The Surf District Rock ‘n Roll Grill is located in the
former District 619 Restaurant building, just north of the Surf
Ballroom. The newly remodeled restaurant has a Rock ‘n Roll themed
atmosphere featuring music and memorabilia from artists who have
performed at the Surf Ballroom.
Laurie Lietz, executive director of the Surf Ballroom
explained the Surf had been exploring concepts to find additional ways
to showcase the many artifacts in its archives, as well as to further
tell the story of the Surf and its history. The concept of a Rock and
Roll themed dining experience seemed like a natural fit for the
organization.
“Since we became a non-profit (in the 1990s) we took it
upon ourselves to collect artifacts from artists who came through and
take photos of every act without really having a plan for them,”
explained Lietz. “We felt it was our duty to continue to record the Surf’s history.”
With the exception of one artifact (a guitar and top hat
provided by rocker Slash), none of the memorabilia on display at the
Surf District Rock ’n Roll Grill has been previously displayed at the
Surf. Approximately 75 items are on display; pieces may be rotated in and out of the restaurant periodically.
Diners will enjoy seeing photos and memorabilia
provided by more recent Surf Ballroom acts, ranging from Alice Cooper,
to Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town and Willie Nelson, to name a few.
Surf District Rock ‘n Roll Grill Owner Grant Maulsby says
the décor, atmosphere and menu chosen for the restaurant compliment the
already great dining offerings available in Clear Lake. The
business offers a varied menu ranging from onion rings and pretzel
bites with beer cheese dip appetizers, to burgers and wraps, and even
steaks. The meals are complimented by a full bar.
MNG Restaurant Corp. will own and operate the business and
will showcase a portion of the Surf’s memorabilia through a licensing
agreement. The restaurant seats 134 and has a capacity of 190.
