North Bend golf course restaurant re-opens with fresh look, menu

The restaurant at Cascade Golf Course in North Bend reopened this month with a new name, a remodeled interior, and a fresh menu.

Cascade Steak and Seafood Grill is headed by chef John Woolsey and manager Karen DeHate, who for years worked at Gordy’s, a Valley institution that occupied the space until January.

The new grill has the same beautiful golf course view as its predecessor, but patrons may not recognize the interior.

“We gutted the building. The kitchen’s been totally remodeled, as have the bathrooms,” Woolsey said.

DeHate upholstered new banquettes, which allow the restaurant to accommodate 105 diners. When weather cooperates, the patio seats about 25 more.

Wood walls give the dining area a warm glow, and a new stained glass window features owner Leroy Jorgensen in mid-swing.

“It was just amazing when that was put in place, because it gave an entirely different feeling to that room,” DeHate said of the window, which was made by Jorgensen’s wife, Candace.

As proud as the pair is of the digs, their focus is on the food. The dinner menu centers around locally sourced steak and seafood prepared in a simple way that emphasizes natural flavors.

“Our philosophy is, start with the best product you can, and don’t screw it up,” said Woolsey, who headed restaurants in Texas before recently moving to the Valley. “This area is real big on beef and prime rib, and they like their seafood pretty straightforward. I like that.”

Fresh halibut is accompanied by a roasted red pepper sauce; prime rib is salt-crusted and served with au jus and horseradish sauce.

A work in progress, the menu will adjust as Woolsey hears feedback.

“We’re feeling out customers and seeing what they respond to,” he said.

One special addition the grill has already made is the lunchtime “lady club combo.”

“Lady club golfers who have been here for years like a half sandwich and cup of soup or salad, so we give it to them, and we named it after them,” Woolsey said. There’s a walk-up window where golfers can order.

“We’re trying to get the golfers back in here,” Woolsey said.

They’re also working to make the grill “a destination restaurant.”

“We’re a little jewel out here. Where do you get to sit with a view like this?” Woolsey said. “There aren’t that many nice places to go that are consistent, and that’s what we’re going for: to make every customer leave with a smile every time.”

He has a few specials in mind to reel in customers within a 15-mile radius of the grill. Tuesdays he’ll offer a golf and steak special, and on Wednesdays snow crab will be $9.99 a pound.

“We’re going to try to make things affordable,” Woolsey said.

• Cascade Steak and Seafood Grill, located at 14303 436th Ave. S.E. in North Bend, is open for breakfast seven days a week, and serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Reservations are recommended for dinner and Sunday brunch. Call (425) 888-2111 for more information.

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