At MM Shapley’s Restaurant in Ridgeland, July 2018 represented a homecoming of sorts for Mary and Mark Shapley. They opened the restaurant in 1985, quickly becoming a staple in the area. In 1998, the Shapleys left the restaurant business in order to raise their two daughters. Twenty years later, the opportunity presented itself to re-enter the business and the couple took the plunge.
The couple could not have been more excited to reconnect with friends and the community. MM Shapley’s is well known for popular cuts of meat along with fresh seafood from the Gulf.
“We have an exceptional product that originates from a closely graded and healthy production environment. We consider ourselves a high-end steakhouse but still serve a one-plate dinner where everything is included,” says Shapley.
When the couple returned to the business, it was all about food, service and quality. They also wanted to create a fun, exciting bar experience for all of their guests. There are over 50 bourbons/whiskeys to choose from and an extensive wine list which is accompanied with original specialty cocktails created from mixologist on staff, Maygan Bauer.
The first drink Bauer created was a bourbon-based drink known simply as “The 868” representing the physical address of the restaurant on Centre Street. With Spring’s arrival, Shapley wanted to have some new cocktails and the couple had been diligently working on a fresh herb garden in the courtyard area. Now, one of the new favorite drinks is known as “The Courtyard,” using some of the fresh ingredients.
“Every time I make the drink, there is a slight difference in color, but the taste is the same every time,” laughs Bauer. “We almost named it ‘The Chameleon,’ she says.
The Courtyard instantly takes you into a mellow summer mood and the homemade lavender simple syrup and fresh-squeezed lemon juice compliment the botanical gin.
Bauer has also given a fresh twist on old classics such as the Moscow Mule. She also blended her favorite candy, Reese’s peanut butter cups, into a refreshing ice-cold dessert martini.
All are a great option to try, but nothing says summer like The Courtyard.
The Courtyard Recipe
3 oz. Uncle Val’s Botanical gin
1.5 oz. Lemon Juice
1.5 oz. Homemade lavender simple syrup
2 Bar Teaspoons of Agave
