Bites Nearby: Golf Fare With A Gourmet Twist

Skies are warming and golfers are finally stepping out onto greener golf courses. Over the next several weeks, Patch will be swinging through area golf grilles checking out what “must try” foods golfers should shoot for when hitting the greens.

, located in Oakdale, puts a gourmet twist on all their grille fare, thanks to Chef Mike Jagg. Now in his fifth year at Oak Marsh, Jagg takes great pride in preparing consistent, quality food thatʼs presented in a gourmet fashion.
Krista Fahey, food and beverage manager at Oak Marsh, said people are always commenting on the beautiful presentation of the food and how great it tastes.

“They canʼt believe the food is coming from the grille,” Fahey said.

Fahey said the reason for this is that Oak Marsh has a chef preparing all of their foods.

“We're unique in that most public golf courses only have line cooks preparing foods, not chefs,” Fahey said. “You can taste the difference.”

I agree! Take for instance their flavorful Tuscan Pesto Chicken Wrap ($9). This garlic herb wrap consists of charcoal grilled chicken breast, fresh-cut grilled asparagus spears, roasted red peppers and provolone cheese thatʼs all blanketed in a homemade pesto sauce. Depending on your appetite, you can split this wrap with your golf partner while cruising the course.

The Oak Marsh Clubhouse Sandwich ($8) is another example of Jaggʼs gourmet twist on ordinary fare. Heʼs given this sandwich a southwestern flavor profile. Three layers of grilled Texas toast, smoked turkey breast, crispy smoked applewood bacon, spicy pepper cheese, creamy guacamole, homemade chipotle ranch dressing, lettuce greens and red-ripe tomato, marry together into a zippy and tasty sandwich.

Itʼs served with a side of tortilla chips and salsa. Put it all together with an icy cold beer and you have another perfect pairing!

If salads are more your thing, try the zesty Crispy Chicken Salad. Itʼs a unique take on the crispy chicken salad in that it consists of mixed greens, tomatoes, chopped red onions, cucumbers, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon and fried chicken that are all tossed together in a made-from-scratch, spicy ranch dressing. On a side note, try a side of their crispy French fries, and order this spicy ranch dressing for dipping!

A great appetizer to split at the “19th hole” is the grilled chicken quesadilla ($8). Jagg always adds the little extras to put his gourmet twist on foods. For instance, he takes the time to butter the quesadilla and the flat top before grilling it, so that it gives the quesadilla an extra crispy texture finish. Grilled charcoal chicken breast, sauteed mushrooms, fresh-cut peppers, sliced onions and perfectly melted
cheese, make up the inside of this quesadilla. A trio of guacamole, sour cream and salsa are served on the side. You can even pre-order from the menu while on the eighth or 13th holes from your GPS device located on your cart. This way your food is ready for pick up when you make the turn!

Now in their 15th year, the Oak Marsh Clubhouse is open year-round. According to Fahey, their banquet rooms are bustling with school fundraiser functions, weddings, anniversaries and various special occasion parties. Downstairs, the intimate Oak Marsh Grille Room is available for rent and provides a pond and golf course setting for approximately 72 guests. Combined with the bar area, this space can accommodate up to 120. Upstairs, the Grand Oak accommodates 300 and the Willow Room can hold up to 150 guests. Prices for rental vary depending on the season. For more information call: 651-730-7880.

Oak Marsh Golf Club is located at 526 Inwood Ave N. in Oakdale.