Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/205938
Marking its 10th anniversary this year, Granite Links Golf Club at Quarry Hills has come a long way since the last of 900,000 truckloads of Big Dig dirt was received in 2003 at the site of the former granite quarries and landfill piles in Quincy and Milton. In the ten years since, these 450 acres adjacent to the Blue Hills have been transformed from wasteland to parkland with the creation and successful operation of what is now recognized as a top 100 "Greatest golf courses in America," as named by Golf Digest in 2009-2010. This rare links-style course boasts dramatic views at every turn and is regularly lauded for outstanding course conditions. But the accolades don't stop there. Earlier this year, Sports Illustrated's SI GOLF magazine named Granite Links' public clubhouse restaurant, The Tavern at Quarry Hills, to their list of the "19 Best 19th Holes in the World!" Indoors and out, Granite Links is a popular venue for Boston and South Shore locals, and is considered a must-play destination for visitors from around the world. One proud club member dubbed it, "the Fenway Park of golf," meaning if you're anywhere in the Greater Boston area, this is a place you want to see and experience. In addition to the Tavern, the clubhouse also offers a second restaurant exclusively for Members and their guests. The Members' Grille boasts the same great menu, but without the waits for a table that can occur in the busy Tavern. Other member-designated areas inside the 43,000 square foot clubhouse include locker rooms, a private Members' Gym and private Member's Den - a comfortable gathering spot for activities like card playing and book club meetings. These particular areas may be restricted, but the rest of the clubhouse, including the spectacular Grande Ballroom, Pavilion Tent and multiple smaller function spaces, are all available for booking by the general public. Weddings are a specialty, and a bride's dream comes true at Granite Links. The twinkling lights of Boston's skyline, seen through three walls of arched floor-to-ceiling windows, is a magical backdrop and wedding couples and guests often savor a stunning sunset out on the terrace balcony. The ballroom seats 200-500 for dinner depending on set up and can be divided for even smaller gatherings. Other luxe options exist in the chandeliered Rotunda, the paneled Boardroom, and the sunny Veranda Room. Even the Members' Grille may be requested for private functions during off-peak times. For outdoor ambience, the Pavilion Tent with its circus-peaked roof is great for spring, summer, and fall events. The venue's neutral interior offers a fresh canvas for creativity. Michelle Reid, Director of Catering Sales, and her staff work with wedding and event planners to create unique guest experiences from New England clambake settings in classic navy and red, to feminine florals so right for bridal and baby showers, to sophisticated receptions done in eclectic pinks and oranges. "We once did an all-white beachside hangout with a strong LA/hipster vibe," recalled Reid who also serves as the local chapter president of the National Association for Catering and Events. planners and savvy brides now consider Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons for attractive savings, leaving more money for the honeymoon or new home! One thing that all functions at Granite Links have in common— outstanding food! Food & Beverage Director, Brian Leonard, and Executive Chef, David Todisco, oversee all food operations at the club including the two full-service restaurants, plus the Crossing Nines patio bar, the on-course canteen carts, and all catered events. When first opened, the functions component was outsourced, but with success well in hand on the a la carte front, the time was right for the club to take over all aspects of its F&B offerings. Everything is now done entirely in-house which has resulted in customers receiving even more personal service with greater flexibility on menu and pricing. "A lot of our catering clients come to us from the restaurant," said Leonard. "They love the food in the Tavern and then come to discover that we also do events." In the Tavern and Grille, traditional American cuisine with seasonal changes rivals the best restaurants in Boston. Oven-fired pizza topped with Brie and woodland mushrooms, giant shrimp cocktails, and award winning beef, poultry and pasta dishes offer a delicious peek at The Tavern's menu prepared by the affable Chef Todisco and sous chef Joseph "JJ" Jean. Last year, Chef Todisco won second place in the annual South Shore Cook Off, missing 1st place by a slim julienne-width margin to Paul Wahlberg of Alma Nove in Hingham. In 2006 Dave auditioned for the TV reality show Hell's Kitchen, but after that interesting experience, he happily returned to his own Granite Links kitchen where the best come for his best. One such occasion was when Granite Links hosted the friends and family of the Phantom Gourmet. "There were about 250 people—celebrity chefs, Iron Chefs—it was such an honor but it was nerve wracking," he recalled with a laugh. Situated adjacent to the lighted public driving range, the Crossing Nines outdoor patio bar used to be one of the South Shore's bestkept secrets. But based on the throngs who now gather nightly to herald panoramic sunsets over end-of-day cocktails, the secret is out! Casual diners relax at café tables or in Adirondack chairs set by outdoor fireplace towers, enjoying live music and inspiring views of the Blue Hills while also keeping an eye on game scores when the Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins or Celtics are on the TVs. Granite Links is named in this issue of South Shore Magazine to the 2013 Showcase of Stars, and it's not hard to see why. The club has received accolades from Golf Digest, New England Golf Magazine, SI Golf, Boston.com's A-List Winners, and many more, often sharing top-billing with championship courses such as Pebble Beach, Trump National and TPC Sawgrass. On any given week, the club on the hill is vibrant with the bustle of foursomes, wedding parties, corporate meetings and restaurant diners. And celebrities can often be spotted there too! Happy 10th Anniversary, Granite Links, and here's to many more decades of success. One-stop professional resources with city flair at South Shore pricing makes Granite Links a draw for in-the-know corporate and charity event planners. Just 7 miles outside of Boston, it's easy to get to, and free parking is an added bonus for event guests. Saturdays are the most in-demand day, but professional TheSouthShoreMagazine.com Granite Links Golf Club at Quarry Hills 100 Quarry Hills Drive, Quincy www.granitelinksgolfclub.com 617.689.1900 91