December. A cold, clear night, the patio heaters glowing orange like a row of small, obliging suns.
Across the table sat Whitaker. We have competed for the same clients for eleven years. In all that time he has called me "the woman who took the Henderson account," never once by name. We are not friends. We are something more durable than friends. We are adversaries who have agreed to play putting once a quarter and never discuss business on the course.
On the last hole I had a six-footer for the match. Slight downhill, slight break to the right. Whitaker coughed during my backstroke. Whitaker always coughs during my backstroke. I made it anyway, and the sound of the ball rattling the cup was as crisp as the air.
Afterward, warmed by the heaters, I ordered the miso salmon. A victor's dinner. Refined. Restrained.
Grilled salmon with a miso glaze, burnished and savory, with that deep, slightly sweet, almost caramel edge that makes you slow down and pay attention. Laid on a bed of cilantro lime rice, bright and fragrant. Steamed vegetables alongside, tender and clean. And a grilled lemon, its cut face charred, ready to be squeezed over everything in a small act of generosity.
Whitaker ordered the same. He said it was a coincidence. It was not.
We sat in silence a long while, our breath fogging, the course dark and quiet. Then he raised his glass an inch and said, "March."
Customer reviews
Don’t take
our word
Came for the putting, stayed for the food. The double smash burger is unreal, crispy edges and that bacon jam. We ended up sitting on the patio for two hours after our round.
Jessica M.
Winter Garden
Ordered a round of BarTender's Choice cocktails from the course and they found us on the 11th. The Birdie Juice is dangerously good. Already planning our next visit.
Marcus T.
Nashville
The kids ran between the playground and our table the whole time. Tenders were hot and crispy, and they were thrilled with the chips. Easiest family night we've had in months.
Alicia R.
Dallas @ The Colony
Honestly didn't expect a golf spot to have food this good. The ahi tuna nachos and miso salmon were both a hit. The course itself is legit too, real breaks and tiers.
Dan P.
Palm Beach
Brunch on the patio before an early round is our new Sunday thing. Chicken and waffles with Mike's Hot Honey, a Hair of the Bird, and a lag putt I'm still bragging about.
Priya K.
Orlando
Lost at cornhole, won at ping pong, and the wings made up for both. Staff kept checking on us without hovering. Great spot for a group.
Chris L.
Tampa
The Tequila Creamsicle tastes like summer camp for adults. Paired it with the Korean steak tacos after our round and watched the sunset from the patio. Perfect night.
Morgan B.
Winter Garden
More entrees
Play through
the menu
Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Hand-breaded crispy chicken on a toasted brioche bun with sweet heat sauce and pickle chips.
$15
Crispy Chicken Tender Tacos
A hand-breaded chicken tender tossed in a bold hot BBQ sauce, nestled in a warm flour tortilla over a crisp bed of citrus slaw. Topped with cheddar jack cheese and a sliced jalapeno for a fiery finish. Finished with shredded carrots and a pickled onion garnish.
$16
Double Smash Burger
(2) 4oz patties, bacon jam, potato bun, lettuce, tomato, american cheese, and burger sauce. Served w/ house made chips +a pickle spear
$16.50