There is a black and white photograph as you enter Graeme McDowell’s new Nona Blue – A Modern Tavern featuring his favourite all-time foursome – Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Tiger Woods and McDowell.
The caption reads: “I’d probably have to bring a briefcase full of case for that day”.
Nona Blue Modern Tavern located just a mid-iron shot from the front gates of Lake Nona Golf Club. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
Well, if the initial three days of this newest business venture is any indication than McDowell is going to have briefcases full of cash to spare.
Nona Blue opened last Friday in the newly built Lake Nona Village estate and just a mid-iron shot from the front gates of the exclusive Lake Nona Golf Club that’s home to McDowell and fellow victorious Ryder Cup colleagues, Ian Poulter and Justin Rose.
The tavern is licensed to accommodate 299 guests and it was easily close to that number on Sunday – St.Patrick’s Day.
There’s a staff of 106, most wearing Guinness caps, working different shifts.
McDowell got the idea of opening the restaurant after a restaurateur in Northern Ireland approached him and though the deal wasn’t successful it fueled McDowell’s plan of going ahead with the project.
“I grew up in Portrush in Northern Ireland and they have a restaurant in the middle of town there, The Wine Bar, that’s probably one of the most successful restaurants in the U.K,” he said.
Graeme McDowell in front of his Nona Blue Bistro.
“I very nearly got involved in the restaurant business 5-6 years ago and ever since then I’ve had a burning desire to have my own place — somewhere to come on a week off, somewhere to come on a Sunday night after a great win, somewhere to call my own where I’d be able to go behind the bar and pour a pint.
“So in 2011 I was approached with the idea by (operating partners) Bill Bona and Joe Davi and it was kind of a no-brainer for me. We called it Nona Blue in reference to the blue that Lake Nona wears every year at the Tavistock Cup.”
The menu is similar to what you find in most American bistro’s – steak, lobster, fish and chicken – but there is a marked McDowell influence – Mama’s Double Stacked Meatloaf (BBQ Glaze, Mashed Potato and Creamed corn), Traditional English Fish & Chips, ‘All Day’ Breakfast Fry-up and G Mac and Cheese (Cold water lobster, Apple wood smoked bacon and Three cheese blend over the top).
G Mac savouring a pint of the ‘black stuff’ at his Nona Blue Tavern.
G Mac’s favourite he says: “We have a phenomenal wood-burning grill. The steaks, ribs and meats that come off it are so flavorful. I haven’t tasted everything but our meat loaf is getting phenomenal reviews. I’m still working on trying everything, but I’ll get there.”
There is also an extensive wine list from wines around the world along with 16 different beers on tap including three Irish – Guinness Stout, Harp Lager Smithwicks – plus Magner’s Irish Cider.
The pick of the cocktails is Portrush, a mix of Bushmill’s/Bailey’s Irish Cream/Van Gough Expresso Vodka Midnight Blue and Sunday Bloody Sunday, Smirnoff Vodka, House Blood Mix, Pepper Rum and Bacon Garnish.
“It appeals to all comers and we are really trying to hit every market with our theme is we do good food done well,” said McDowell.
“So this will be a nice hobby for me. It will be a nice little sideshow for me. I think people will enjoy it. I will enjoy it.
“It’s going to be a win-win.”
McDowell admiring the picture of his father and himself (left) taking moments after his US Open victory.
There is also close to 20 TV sets around the bistro and the outside bar area to keep abreast of major sport in the US including last Sunday’s final round of the Tampa Bay Championship that featured during the ad breaks the new Srixon golf ball ad featuring McDowell.
On the walls there are many other black and white photos of baseball, boxing and other sports stars. There’s one Bob Hope hitting a ball of the deck of an aircraft carrier, one of Albert Einstein and one of Sean Connery alias James Bond standing beside his Aston Martin with the caption – “You know, the Oscar I was awarded is a wonderful thing, but I can honestly say that I’d rather have won the US Open Golf Tournament.”
McDowell has not forgotten his roots as there is also a large colour poster size photograph of Portrush and his beloved Royal Portrush Golf Club.
But if there’s one photograph that McDowell’s most proud of and that’s the snap of his arm around his father shortly after capturing the 2010 US Open.
The caption: “You’re some kid”, Kenny McDowell.
Rose has already sampled the Guinness and so to have a number of the caddies working at this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational.
McDowell is also sure to have more fellow PGA Tour guests visiting the tavern.
But after finishing runner-up to Tiger Woods in last year’s event what will be the scenario if McDowell should go one place better?
One thinks the ‘black stuff’ will be in plentiful supply.
