CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Raw oysters can scare some people away, but executive chef at Rocksalt, Jonathan Shuler, says it’s the perfect food to bring people together.

• Rocksalt's specialties: The Whole Grilled Fish and their Raw Oyster Bar.
• Their new menu is meant for people to experience multiple dishes.
• The fish depends on the catch of the day. 

“My cooking style is bringing people together,” Shuler said. “[It’s a] neighborhood vibe for sure.”

Rocksalt prides itself on its raw oyster bar. The restaurant ships in the freshest oysters from the owner’s century-old family farm on the Chesapeake Bay.

If raw oysters are too intimidating, eat them grilled. Lemon thyme butter and crispy country ham make the wood-fired dish a fit for any palate.

“[It] takes the standard and elevates it to something you're not really expecting,” Shuler said. “We’re sticking to really clean flavors and a sustainable concept.”

Rocksalt’s new menu is made to experience multiple dishes.

“You order these things, have a taste, share it with six people, and see who we are and what our identity is,” Shuler said.

Once you’re ready for a full entree, try Rocksalt’s specialty, the Whole Grilled Fish.

“We grill it head-on, all the way,” Shuler said.

What fish you’re getting depends on what’s the freshest catch of the day. It’s typically 1 to 2 pounds.

“That’s the way our menu is actually designed,” Shuler said. “We don’t really have a set fish for a dish. We have the plates. And the fish is what we can get.”

Location: 512 Brandywine Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209; Park Road Shopping Center

Hours:

Monday-Thursday 3 p.m. –10 p.m.

Friday: 11:30 a.m. –11 p.m.

Saturday:11:30 a.m. –11 p.m

Sunday: 11:30 a.m. –10 p.m.

Specialty: Whole Grilled Fish & Raw Oyster Bar