By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
Marlborough – The Marlborough Country Club invites the public to enjoy the food, views and even some live music as it debuts the Eastside Bar & Grill this month.
The Eastside Bar & Grill includes the warm, wood-paneled bar area that has been called the Players Lounge, plus a remodeled dining room with expansive hilltop views of the golf course.
The changes to the restaurant are the final steps in a three-year expansion of the clubhouse that includes the addition of an atrium reception area and expansive function room.
“We'se spent a lot of resources and effort to renovate the building and create an upscale, casual environment,” General Manager Jeffrey Lawson said.
Along with the new look, the menu at the Eastside Bar & Grill has been reworked, the effort of veteran chef Scott Campbell, who has been joined by Wayne Scire, previously a chef at major hotels and high-end restaurants in the Boston area.
“The menu features a variety of well-priced entrees, great appetizers and salads, and a children's menu,” Lawson said. “It's simpler and more inviting for the casual diner. People don's want to go to a formal restaurant anymore.”
Eastside will feature weekly specials based on what's freshest at the market, and will be working closely with local suppliers.
“We are also planning special events, such as wine dinners and tasting events,” said Kelly Sullivan, assistant clubhouse manager, who noted those events will be posted on the club's website, www.marlboroughcc.com, and on its Facebook page.
On many Friday and Saturday evenings, Eastside will host live music for restaurant patrons to enjoy.
As the season starts, the Eastside Bar & Grill will be open Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., 8 p.m. on Sundays. For now, Mondays and Tuesdays are dedicated to golf outings, but that may change, Lawson said. Reservations are accepted, but not required.
The new restaurant makes its debut with an Easter brunch Sunday, April 8, starting at 11 a.m., with a full brunch buffet, including omelet and carving stations and desserts. The Easter brunch is $29.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors, $11.95 for children 12 and under, and free for children under 3. Reservations are required for this event, Sullivan said.
Eastside's lounge area features warm, dark wood paneling and an elegant bar, with bar, high-top table and regular table seating available. Large windows let in plenty of natural light and provide wonderful views of the golf course. Flat-screen televisions let fans keep track of sporting events, but are not obtrusive; this isn's a sports bar.
There's a deck outside the lounge for outdoor dining as the weather permits, and where musicians will set up in good weather (they'sl be inside the lounge when it's rainy).
The dining room, newly redecorated for a more contemporary feel, also offers great views through large windows. In front of those windows is a balcony where customers can eat or enjoy a cocktail before dinner and watch the sunset from the country club's hilltop location. A lower-level patio provides another outside dining option.
The dinner menu offers a variety of steak, seafood, chicken and pasta entrees, most priced between $13 and $19. Appetizers run $5 to $11 and include such favorites as calamari, bruschetta, potato skins and nachos.
A wide variety of burgers and sandwiches is always available, between $8 and $10, including house specials such as a meatloaf sandwich and flatbread pizza wrap. Entrée-size salads can be topped with salmon, steak tips or chicken for a more substantial choice.
“Our restaurant has always been open to the public, but we want to make sure everyone knows they are welcome at the Eastside Bar & Grill, located at the Marlborough Country Club,” Lawson said.
In addition to the new restaurant, Marlborough Country Club offers a flexible variety of locations for functions ranging from weddings and showers to corporate meetings.
The new atrium entrance can serve as a reception spot and the adjacent function room can accommodate up to 200 people. It includes a dance floor and a full bar, a fully equipped audio-video system, lots of windows with the club's great views, and free parking.
Smaller events can be handled in other parts of the club, including the dining room and the lower-level patio, Lawson said. The club can also host golf outings for organizations.
Marlborough Country Club and its new Eastside restaurant are located at 200 Concord Road in Marlborough, just off Route 20. For more information or restaurant reservations, call 508-485-1660 or visit the website, www.marlboroughcc.com.