A Mecca for Golfers and Foodies
Golfers and foodies can unite in a visit to the Gaylord Golf Mecca, where delicious dining is almost as grand as the golf.
The Texas Twinkie in Birdies Tavern & Grill at Indian River
A large jalapeno is stuffed with cream cheese, barbecue brisket and bacon. It’s a big, hot hit but it’s not as hot as it sounds. The cream cheese keeps the heat down, and who doesn’t love bacon? It’s perfect for enjoying time on the No. 9 greenside deck at Indian River Golf Club.
Brisket Grilled Cheese Sandwich at The Black Bear Bar & Grill
Black Bear’s Steak and Bourbon Bar combination has proven to be popular, but the top sellers in the grill are a foursome of brisket items, including the Brisket Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
“I think it’s the tenderness of the brisket, just the way it is made that is important,” said Black Bear Golf Course owner Olivia Smith. “Then you have brie, American and cheddar cheeses, caramelized onions, bacon and barbecue sauce on sourdough, and we grill it.”
The Spicy Pig Pizza at Settings Restaurant at Lakes of the North
The spicy pig pizza at Settings Restaurant at Lakes of the North has jalapenos, hot honey, bacon and pepperoni. Think of it as a meat lover’s pizza with spice and pizazz. Word is the hot honey is the magic that gives it an especially unique taste.
The Hanger Steak in Tamarack Dining Room at Garland
Chef Kirk Bennett at Garland Lodge & Golf Resort uses fresh vegetables from local farms, and the sauces, dressings and bread are made in-house in the Tamarack.
The Hanger Steak is a an 8-ounce prime cut served with redskin hash, some of those seasonal vegetables and a port wine demi-glace.
The Jumbo Hot Dog at Michaywe’s Jack Pine Grill
The hot dog at Michaywe Pines Course is truly “Jumbo” and then you head to the extensive condiment bar and its plethora of toppings.
Mark and Lorna Miller, who have cooked at the Jack Pine for almost 20 years, have Chicago roots where “Chicago-style dogs” are famous. You can make yours that way or make it any style you like.
Crispy Chicken Sandwich at Otsego Resort’s Duck Blind Grille
While the Duck Blind Grille at Otsego Resort is known for its tremendous fine dining options, Cam Laug, the Pro Shop manager, usually opts for the Crispy Chicken Sandwich after a round of golf.
“They put this sauce on it that is so great, and it’s a big sandwich,” he said. “It fills you up. It is nothing close to a normal chicken sandwich.”
Meat Lovers Pizza in the Sports Bar at Treetops Resort
The Sports Bar at Treetops Resort is known for its perfect setting for golf groups on top of the ski hill, but it’s in the mix for best pizza in the Gaylord area, too.
The Meat Lovers pizza—topped with sausage, pepperoni, bacon, olives, mozzarella, and provolone—is a winner.
The Chicken Bacon Swiss Sandwich at Gaylord Golf Club
The grill at Gaylord Golf Club has a menu including burgers, chicken items, quesadillas and more, but the showstopper is the chicken bacon Swiss sandwich.
JT Aude, the head golf pro, said he orders it multiple times each week. “First, you can’t go wrong with the bacon, and the Swiss cheese is great,” he said. “The chicken has great flavor. It’s so good that you don’t get tired of it.”
Cajun Chicken Pasta at Black Lake Golf Club
When Steve Zimmerla came aboard as general manager at Black Lake Golf Club, he thought Black Lake Grill could use some additional menu items that might lead to new diners. One of those additions is the Cajun chicken pasta.
“It seems to be a hit with our dinner guests and it’s my favorite,” Zimmerla said. “It has some spice to it, a kick, but not overpowering. It’s penne pasta with seasoned chicken.”
