Rhythms On The Rock Drums Up a Flavorful Beat in Caribbean/American Fine Dining

By Kami-Leigh Agard

Determined to bring a fusion of Caribbean/American cuisine steeped in seafood, for more than 10 years, husband and wife duo, Devon and Yvette Strachan, dreamt about opening their own foodie paradise in Rockaway. They both have West Indian roots, however, they not only wanted to bring statement Caribbean dishes flavored with a worldly vibe to Rockaway but realize a dream they shared after frequenting Rockaway’s beach and boardwalk since before Hurricane Sandy. After derailments that landed them an unexpected opportunity to open Rhythms On The Rock at 112-16 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, as Yvette Strachan shared, “It’s not what we started out to do, but as I told Devon with everything that happened, if we woke up one day and said, ‘Let’s open a restaurant, we would’ve never said that.’ I work with the universe. How things happen and the way they happen is the way it’s supposed to be.”

And judging from the reviews since the restaurant/event space soft opening on February 8, the universe was listening.

For example, known local foodie, Scott Ruscillo, posted this on Facebook: “Went for the first time, and I was impressed. Calamari was perfect, and they used their own seasonings, which were awesome. The oxtail and mac and cheese were off the hook. The sauce was especially amazing. My steak and brussels were also seasoned to perfection. The service was excellent with no hiccups at all, which is surprising for such a new place. I wish these kind people well and hope they are successful.”

Rhythms On the Rocks serves brunch, lunch and dinner. And whether you’re vegan, a seafood or meat lover—just looking at their Caribbean-infused food and drinks menu, your mouth will start watering. For example: customized veggie burgers; falling-off-the-bone oxtail served with mac and cheese; salted cod fish, perfectly seasoned with fresh thyme, parsley, and a kick of scotch bonnet pepper; a southerner’s delight of chicken and waffles; straight-off-the grill red snapper sautéed in okra juice with a side of mashed potatoes; frutti di mare, a true celebration of the ocean, featuring a medley of fresh clams, mussels, succulent shrimp, and tender squid, all simmered to perfection in a savory tomato-based sauce—sigh! So, much to choose from, yet what makes this foodie haven even more alluring is the vibe. “Good food and good music,” is the restaurant’s motto—simple and straight to the point.

For the Strachans and their 18-year-old son, Kai, opening the restaurant was not years in the making, as what they originally envisioned was a food truck, but however, unexpected circumstances led them to the current space.

Devon Strachan, a self-taught cook originally from Jamaica, owned, “D’s Choice,” a take-out restaurant in Brooklyn. Yvette Strachan’s background was in nonprofit management. However, life took a different turn for the ambitious couple.

Strachan shared, “I worked for United Way of NYC for about 11 years, and then I worked for United Hospital Fund for nine years. Then my youngest son, Kai, was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, (a buildup of fluid in cavities that causes deep pressure within the brain). So, I did temp work, and that’s how I got into public schools doing facility management.”

The Strachans then opened AtoZ Catering, a catering business in which they are commissioned by the NYC Department of Education to produce 5,000 healthy meals a day for daycare centers, schools, and senior centers.

Yvette Strachan said, “We cook everything. Rice, meat, vegetables and fresh fruits. We do everything, not just cooking, but peel, cut, slice. It’s a lot, but that’s something Devon wanted to do as not just cooking, but encouraging healthy eating are his passions.”

Then, an opportunity came to open a franchise for “Lazy Lobster,” a seasonal seafood staple in East Rockaway, Long Island. After initially purchasing the franchise, the couple invested in a food truck and were on the hunt for a location. However, with more derailments for the location, first on Beach 97th Street, and serendipitously where Rhythms On The Rock is currently located, the couple decided to let the franchise go and instead, follow their dream to open their own brick-and-mortar restaurant.

For Devon Strachan, this is a dream come true and as a self-described perfectionist, not one dish leaves the kitchen until he tastes before presenting it to the customer. Whether you like shrimp with or without the shell, light spice or light salt—whatever the customers wants, they get. “One thing I try to do as a chef, I try to tailor my food to the customer that I’m serving,” he said.

Also, the Strachans have two other chefs working in the kitchen, Ash and Jose, each respectively blending in Indian and Latino flavors to the dishes. Also, check out the restaurant’s decadent dessert menu. Ash’s crème brulée is a hit, according to online reviews. Plus, the restaurant has full liquor license, serving not just wine, beer and champagne, but cocktails including a deliciously intoxicating rum punch, Jamaican style.

Rhythms On The Rock is also bringing in live music of a variety of genres Fridays to Sundays, and bands have already been lining up. For the restaurant’s official grand opening on Saturday, May 24, popular Brooklyn reggae band, Genaroots will be headlining. Also, don’t miss their weekly happy hour, every Thursday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

For Yvette Strachan, opening Rhythms On The Rock steps away from the beach, is a sweet dream come true. “I’m originally from Barbados and have always been drawn to the water. This is what drew Devon and me to Rockaway 30 years ago, and here we are bringing our love of Caribbean food and vibes to Rockaway,” she said.

Rhythms On The Rock is located at 112-16 Rockaway Beach Boulevard. For reservations, more info on opening hours, chef’s specials and the grand opening happening on Saturday, May 24, follow RhythmsOnTheRock on Facebook/Instagram or RhythmsOnTheRock.org, or call: (917) 854-5362 / (929) 773-9530.