Like me, I’m sure you’ve heard great things about The International. The two-time champion golf course is also known for its spectacular views. What I didn’t know is that they have a restaurant open to the public. I was a little skeptical about it. Maybe intimidated is a better word. I’ve always thought of a country club as being very exclusive and even a bit high-brow. However, The Fireplace Room at The International was neither of those things. The decor is modest and quaint. The one thing is that I wish our trip had been during the day because the room is filled with windows overlooking the greens.
The property is very private and rural. In fact finding it in the dark could have been challenging if it wasn’t for the way-finding signs along the winding passage from the main road.
Like any good establishment, you are welcomed by a bar, which was fairly busy for a Tuesday night. Many people were dining right at the bar while others had bellied up for a night cap. After grabbing a big glass of house red, I felt less intimidated.
The menu was a delightful challenge. I was torn between the Bronzed Fall Spiced Pumpkin Scallops and the All Natural Brandt Farms Filet. I rarely order a cut of meat like this because I am pretty picky about how it’s prepared, but something pulled me toward this dish. Chef Michael Dussault did not disappoint. This filet was the most tender steak I’ve ever had and the herb edges were perfectly seasoned.
The filet came with a hearty portion of roasted garlic mashed potato and brussel sprouts (my absolute favorite vegetable) with bacon lardons (because everything is better with bacon). The sides paired well with the boldness of the beef, which came in a red wine demi-glace that I may have licked clean off my plate.
Despite already being full, I was tempted to order dessert due to one single ingredient: corn flakes! The dessert, called The International, was joyful, intoxicating and down-right delicious. The vanilla bean ice cream encased in a pecan chocolate crackle drizzled with butterscotch and covered in corn flakes, whipped cream, strawberries, and almonds was so much fun to eat. I offered everyone at my table a bite.
The service was terrific. We had a large party, but they set up two tables for us. Our server was quick and responsive. After our meals were finished, we were greeted by a member of the management team. She asked if everything had been up to par. She also offered information about upcoming events and available function space.
While the menu is a little pricey, the experience was worth it. The service was wonderful, the portions were more than generous and the flavors teased and pleased! The Fireplace Room at the International is a hole in one. I will definitely recommend it for a special occasion or a date night (I hope my husband is reading this).
