Christian Skillings reminisces concerning the opening of the Iron Rabbit in 2005. “Again then, there weren’t a ton of eating-out choices for high quality meals for a household,” he remembers. At that second in time, he was single. Sixteen years later, you possibly can nonetheless get a outstanding burger—or different scrumptious possibility—at this Olympia restaurant in an off-the-cuff and welcoming setting. Christian now has a household of his personal, together with his spouse and daughter. Many issues change over time and but, some issues stay constantly acquainted and satisfying, like consuming on the Iron Rabbit.
“It was actually me and my boots,” says Christian, about these early days. The Iron Rabbit reworked what had housed a Skippers. With a scratch kitchen idea in thoughts, Christian wished a restaurant the place a household felt completely snug. He labored on a menu full of high quality meals that was skillfully ready. You possibly can name it connoisseur consolation meals. “That mattered to me,” says Christian.
His enterprise locations excessive worth on the significance of group. Christian collaborates together with his cooks and bartenders to think about and tweak dishes and drinks that deliver individuals again many times. “The group is at all times part of the evolution,” says Christian, including, “I begin with an thought, run it by way of the grinder and take heed to company. Then it will get refined.”
Kristi Lewis, lead bartender and Wade Keiffer, supervisor are members of the management group for the Iron Rabbit and Cynara Restaurant and Lounge. Wade has been within the business for over 20 years and has spent three years as a line cook dinner. “I like coming to work,” he says. He confirms that the restaurant and its recipes are at all times creating. Kristi, who works extra on the entrance facet of the enterprise, loves the company. “We dwell by our mission assertion,” she says. Visitor satisfaction is crucial.
Christian believes in holding a well-compensated workers. The Iron Rabbit understands what’s means to get a residing wage, advantages and coaching. Pandemic restrictions have performed havoc with schedules and hours, and Christian is completely happy to say group members have remained all through.
Naturally, having a restaurant is about feeding individuals, however from the start Christian envisioned an even bigger image. It’s about upholding values. For instance, the restaurant makes use of locally-sourced substances. This helps different companies, the better group and will increase the freshness and vitamin of the substances. You’ll discover meat, cheese, produce and spirits from our space.
The ecological footprint additionally comes into play. Tending to environmental stewardship means utilizing compostable take-out bins, minimizing meals waste and, recycling inside the restaurant. Typically companies don’t do this stuff due to extra prices and time, however this stuff are necessary on the Iron Rabbit.
The ambiance of the Iron Rabbit encourages individuals to drop in for a enjoyable time with household and mates. It’s a spot to loosen up and eat. Many diners go straight to the burgers, such because the Iron Burger. It’s a feast of Royal Ranch beef, Tillamook white cheddar cheese, burger unfold, spring greens, tomatoes, backyard contemporary pickled onions and cucumbers on a brioche bun. Kristi favors the Drunken Sailor, cod spiced with a rum cream sauce, and the Hen Cordon Who with a mustard cream sauce. When spirits are utilized in a recipe, they arrive straight from the bar. You don’t should eat meat to search out an excellent selection. Attempt a salad entrée. “Some menu objects are so fashionable it’s laborious to vary,” studies Christian. “We do add attention-grabbing substances, like figs,” he provides. The Iron Rabbit is proud that dishes, together with desserts, are constituted of scratch. You’ll style the distinction.
The Iron Rabbit makes some extent to concentrate to the expertise of the diner an encourages suggestions, whether or not it’s concerning the service, the meals or one thing else. The highest core worth inside the restaurant is to exceed the expectation of the visitor by gracious {and professional} service.
The precedence of well being and security of everybody, each group and visitor, have at all times been necessary. Pandemic concerns have introduced this worth to the forefront, particularly when guidelines have been fast to vary. The Iron Rabbit retains updated and acts all applicable precautions. You wish to get pleasure from your day trip, worry-free.
The Iron Rabbit is a long-time, acquainted spot on the westside of Olympia the place you possibly can pop in with a date or your clan. Carry the children, deliver your companion, deliver your mates. There’s a full-service bar with imaginative specialty cocktails. You’ll be able to dine within the high-ceilinged, ethereal restaurant or order on-line for touchless curbside pickup. Cheers!
The Iron Rabbit
2103 Harrison Ave NW, Olympia
360.965.3661
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