Going Out to Eat: Tired of the Same-ol' Same-ol'?

by HNN staff

It was the perfect day to be sitting on the porch at Pinecrest Grille. (The new name is “Bunker’s Grille,” and some even call it “the Bunker” – a spot no golfer wants to be in, but - this is actually a very nice place.) Dozens of young people attending golf camp came and went as they worked to increase their skill level on this gorgeous summer day.

The HNN staff had been invited to a food tasting in order to write an article about the Grille and make the public aware of its offerings. It is not just a bar where golfers hang out and relive the round they just played over a beer and a sandwich. Many events are held here with catered dinners. Beginning at seven in the morning, refreshments can be purchased. Andy Ingham is not only is our golf pro, he oversees the entire clubhouse.

Samples of luncheon/snack foods filled the round table as Tom, Bobby, Susan and Ann joined Andrea Minihan tasting a little bit of this and a little bit of that.

Bobby said: The views were great from the veranda, and the onions rings were out of this world. Pinecrest Golf Club and its adjoining bar and restaurant the Bunker serve up a great selection of pub food. It's casual and relaxed and close to home.

Susan said: Bunkers is still undiscovered, so it’s a great place to go when you want to sit and enjoy some time with family, friends, or even a crossword puzzle. It’s not fancy, but it’s very friendly. One note: they say that between 5-7pm the leagues come in, so that’s their busy time. I was surprised to hear that it is open all day, and now I have recommended it as a good new place to try for lunch. They are planning to get wi-fi reception in the future, which will make it my own regular destination of choice.

Ann said: My particular favorites were:
* Caesar salad with sliced chicken – a lunch in itself; really good
* Chowder – tasty and thick Potato skins -- lots of cheese and bacon pieces
* Onion rings – a great taste although I prefer a lighter batter
* Cheeseburger – my number one favorite; done just right for medium with tomato and lettuce; the cheese was wonderful – white American melting all over the hamburger
Any combo of these would make a fine lunch or a small group could each order a dish to share with friends. I was introduced to the popular Arnold Palmer, a canned drink of iced tea mixed with lemonade. It was an interesting taste, but soda with lemon fills the bill for me on a hot day. I inquired about Sunday brunch and found that the idea is being discussed for the fall. Several people came by to say Hello in typical small town fashion.

Tom said: The food here really hit the spot. The Clam Chowder was thick and tasty, the Chicken Caesar Salad was delightful (I may have hoarded the whole thing). The menu is full of what I like to call casual foods - burgers, sandwiches, wraps and of course the kid favorites grilled cheese and hot dogs.

Maybe the third time is the charm! Pinecrest may finally have found its niche. The food here is not to be served on white tablecloths and linen napkins. It is, after all, a golf course that provides the town folks with recreation and the Town of Holliston with some revenue. Thank goodness we now have an alternative to the 99 Restaurant and Unos.

It is delightful to sit in a relaxing setting and enjoy our town resources. Give the grille a try some day. Holliston has a good thing going at the Pinecrest clubhouse.

To see the complete menu visit the HNN webpage:
http://www.hollistonnetnews.com/organizations.asp?i=291

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