We've Got Hockey

It's a big hockey week - and weekend - for both men and women, and we'll have multi-screen coverage at Northland.

The action gets underway with the Gold Medal Olympic Finals on Thursday night featuring two of the best women's teams ever. Team USA will meet Team Canada at 5:30. These two teams have outscored their Olympic opponents by a combined 86 - 4. In three of their Olympic games, the teams have scored more goals than shots allowed by their opponents. By the way, did you notice how many former UMD players were playing on the Olympic Squads?

If the women's finals isn't enough, we also will be showing both games of the UMD-Minnesota men's series. The action gets underway Friday night at 7:00. This series is sold-out, so television is your only option. Why not watch it here at Northland?

The last time these two teams met, UMD swept the Gophers 4 - 3 and 3 - 2. The Bulldogs find themselves in 4th place (14-9-1) in the WCHA while the Gophers are in 7th (10-12-2). When was the last time the Gophers were below .500?

We'll carry both games of the weekend series. Why not put together a group of friends and gather at Northland for all the hockey action.

Happy Hour Gets Happier = Wine Tastings

Northland members will get a great opportunity to sample some new wines when we begin featuring Thursday Happy Hour Wine Tastings.

Here's the schedule for the first four tastings:

March 4

Kate Isles - Grand Pere Wines

March 11

Kyle Anderson - Bernick's

March 25

Gerri Lund - Wirtz Beverage

April 1

Dennie Thielke - Johnson Brothers

These complimentary wine tastings will begin at 5:00 and will take place in the JR Link Grill. No reservations are required.

Make Reservations Today For EOTMB

February is almost over...but not before another "End of the Month Brunch." We'd appreciate your early reservations for this coming Sunday's event.

Sauna Poll Update

We'd like to thank those members who participated in, and commented on, the recent surveys about sauna activity at Northland.
Overall, a majority of poll participants did not favor allowing women to use the men's sauna facility one day a week. And, among women, a majority indicated they would not likely use the sauna if the opportunity was presented.
Like most online polls of this type, they are not scientifically conducted; there are no control mechanisms put in place to restrict participation. In those cases, selected participants or potential respondents are provided with sign-in and password coding, and voting is restricted to one attempt for each ISP computer address. In the case of the sauna poll, we also did not restrict anonymous posting until late in the comment process. This particular topic generated more comments than any other story posted since the blog introduction in September 2006. There were also 1,031 page loads from Thursday through Sunday.

Build A Burger Night

There's not a whole lot you can say about the next Family Style Dining night at Northland. Here's your chance to create the burger of your dreams. We'll supply the fixings - you put it together any way you want. We'll also have French Fries, Fruit Salad and Ice Cream Sundaes to complete the meal.
Tuesday's have been very popular this season, so please make a reservation early for either the Link Grill or the Fireside Room.

Women In The Sauna?? What Do You Think?

It's an idea that has often been discussed, but no formal action has ever been taken.

What do you think about making the men's locker room sauna facilities available to women members one night a week? We realize this might be a sensitive and hot button subject to some male members (no pun intended), but it is an issue that is being debated within the management staff and committee members.

One idea suggested would be to allow women access to the sauna on Wednesday evenings during and following the informal ladies night golf league from 5pm to 8pm. Female bar and food servers would have access to the locker facility to serve beverages and whatever else the women might order.

Take a moment to think this over - and then participate in our online surveys. Our first question concerning the availability of the facility is for all members. We'd ask that only women members participate in the second poll quesiton on possible use, and would expect the men to respect this by not voting on the second question.

We'd also ask that if you decide to offer any comments, you be respectful with your opinions. Just click on comments under this story to add any thoughts you might have.

Renewed Membership Interest: Social Members Upgrade To Golf Status For $1260; No Initiation For Pool/Tennis Upgrade To Golf

With the recent decision to reduce initiation fees at Northland to $2010 until Memorial Day, the club is seeing some renewed interest from prospective golf members. Interim General Manager Joe O'Connor indicates he has sent out several dozen membership packets, and notes that several current social and pool/tennis members have expressed an interest in upgrading their status.

Current Pool/Tennis members can upgrade to full golf memberships without any additional intiiation fee. All they will need to do is start paying the monthly difference in dues, an increase of less than $120 a month.

Current social or clubhouse members can also upgrade their status to golf memberships at an incredible savings. For just $1260, and the difference in dues between their current monthly minimum and the resident golf dues, social members will receive full golf privileges.

This membership special will remain in effect until Memorial Day...plenty of time to consider this incredible opportunity to join one of the top 100 private clubs in the country.

New Menu Items

We're pleased to introduce you to four new items on our menu.
Now being featured on our lunch menu:

Ginger Soy Glazed Salmon

Bistro Steak Salad

The salmon is served with cucumber radish salad and fingerling potatoes. The steak salad is served with Maytag bleu cheese, grilled pears, sweet dried cherries, maple balsamic vinaigrette and candied pecans.

New small plate features:

Bourbon Street Mac 'n' Cheese

Wagyu Short Rib

The Mac 'n' Cheese is a creamy blend of cheeses, cajun seasoning, lobster and shrimp, jumbo elbow macaroni, a bacon gratin, with mini crab cake and grilled French baguette.

The short rib is served with celery root puree and natural jus.

Wine Tasting - March 5

Please consider this an invitation to attend a special wine tasting on Friday, March 5th at the club. We have a representative from Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estate, who will describe and explain wines from four varying regions (Pacific Northwest, Washington St., California and France/Italy)...all availble for you to try that evening. These wines will be paired with Executive Chef Michael Schueller’s small plates created just for the tasting.

You will get the chance to taste, question and order directly from the distributor for your Northland wine locker, or for your home cellar or wine rack.

Please call Food & Beverage Manager Clint Johnson if you would like to attend, He'll be able to answer any questions you might have. This will be a great opportunity to seek out some of those wines you have been looking for at prices that cannot be matched at your favorite retail location.

Mardi Gras - Lent Begins

It's Mardi Gras - Fat Tuesday - and Chef Schueller has a wonderful dinner feature to celebrate. A Cajun Seared House Aged Ribeye with Potato 'Orleans, Creamed Spinach, Red Onion Marmalade and Sauce Bernaise served with Banana's Foster. Wow!

Of course, for many members, Lent begins tomorrow (Ash Wednesday) and Chef has some special Lent Fish Features that he'll be adding to the Comfort Menu. Don't forget the regular Fresh Walleye Comfort Dinner every Friday throughout the Lent season.
Members can also take advantage of the special Mardi Gras Hurricane's, Madras' or Bahama Mama's. For just $7, you'll be able to take home our commemorative hourglass shaped hurricane glass.

SAVE 5% On NCC Dues

There are just a few days left for Northland members to take advantage of our 5% savings offer on 2010 dues.

Quite a few members have already taken advantage of this special pricing - is this something that also interests you? If so, call the office today to discuss your early payment options. This special offer ends on March 1.

The 5% savings applies to all membership classifications.

Family Night - Lasagna

It's Tuesday and time for a family get together at Northland. On the Family Night menu: Lasagna.

Enjoy healthy portions of Lasagna along with plenty of Broccoli with Cheese Sauce, and Garlic Bread. Start this all off with the Northland Caesar Salad, and end the meal with a fresh palate cleansing Sherbet.

This is just $15 for adults and $5 for children 10 & under. Dinner service begins at 5:00. Reservations are encouraged.

Premier Event - Family Movie Night

We're hoping we have a new way for Northland families to enjoy the club together. On Friday, February 19, we're having a Family Movie Night.

We encourage members to come out early to enjoy some skating, sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or our roaring bonfire before moving indoors.

Once inside, we have a special dinner buffet for children that will begin at 5:30. We also have a special sandwich menu for parents/grandparents or other adults who will attend. And then, it's time for the big screen viewing of Disney's "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs."

We'll provide the popcorn. You can get cozy with your own sleeping bag if you'd like. We do request that you call the office to make reservations.

"Best Of" Reminder

Have you taken a few moments to complete "The BEST of Duluth Superior" survey that is being sponsored by Duluth Superior Magazine? The survey is available online...just click the image on the right to participate.

Among the items that you'll get to vote for is the Best Golf Course....which we think isn't in doubt, but this is an open voting process.

Deadline for entries in February 28. Look for complete results in the April issue.

Kaitlyn Hunt - Newest Evans Scholar

Northland Country Club is pleased to congratulate Kaitlyn Hunt, the newest Evans Scholar from Northland. Kaitlyn received the official notification earlier this week and informed PGA Professional Joe O'Connor of the news.
Kaitlyn graduated from Mesabi East High School in Aurora this past Spring and is currently attending the University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management. She intends to major in International Business, with a minor in Spanish. Later this Spring, Kaitlyn will study abroad for three weeks. The Evans Scholarship will provide Kaitlyn with all college expenses until she graduates in 2013.
Kaitlyn will return to Northland this summer. She has worked as a caddie at Northland for two years, working with the pro shop as well.
Kaitlyn becomes the 32nd Evans Scholar from Northland dating back to 1961. She joins our most recent Evans Scholars Andrew Ahfield, Nate Fremling and Amy Sienko who are completing their education at the University of Minnesota.

Limited Parking Saturday Night

Saturday, February 13 will be a busy night at Northland. It's time for the Lake Superior Zoological Society "Paw de Deux" fundraising event, with proceeds benefitting the revitalization of the Zoo. Early reservations indicate as many as 240 guests will be attending the event. The event gets underway at 5:00pm with a complimentary martini or champagne bar. Guests will enjoy a fabulous gourmet dinner prepared by Executive Chef Michael Schueller. The evening includes many exotic and unusual live or silent auction items, and concludes with entertainment by the Pot Bellied Stallions. You can learn more about this event and view major auction items by visiting the special website set up by the Zoological Society. Just click here to visit the website.
Because of the event, parking at Northland will be limited on Saturday night. However, we will be able to accommodate those Northland members who will be dining with us before moving on to the Sinatra-Live performance by the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. If you intend on taking our FREE Shuttle Service to the DECC, please remember it will leave Northland at 7:20, arriving at the DECC in plenty of time for you to get to your seat. When the concert is over, catch the shuttle for the ride back to Northland just in time for our Late Night Happy Hour when begins at 9pm and ends at 11pm.

Tuesday Family Night - Baked Chicken

Martini Monday

It's the start of a new work week, the day after the Super Bowl. And, Martini Monday at Northland. Have you tried some of the new featured drinks yet? Our expanded Martini menu has become quite popular and we have experienced new business on Monday because of it. So, if you haven't had enough football talk for the year, maybe you can replay some of the action over one of our drink specials. If you haven't seen the menu yet, just click the image to read about some of the new additions.
Oh, did we mention you also get $1 off your favorite Martini on Monday?

Limited Reservations For Valentine's Day

We expected Valentine's Day would be busy...we were right. Because of an early rush of reservations we are now accepting dinner reservations for Sunday, February 14th only after 7:30pm. All earlier times have been reserved. Please keep in mind that we are accepting reservations for our special dinner service until 10:00pm. Because of the holiday and the number of members who will be dining with us, we will not be accepting any take-out or to-go orders for Sunday night. We posted our Valentine's Day menu last week - just scroll down to view it. Please call the office today (525.1941) to make your reservation.

Super Bowl Sunday

It's Super Bowl Sunday...the big game...the most viewed television event of the year...the day of $2.5 million 30-second commercials...more than 125,000,000 Americans will sit down to view part of the game which begins with the kick-off at 5pm....among the consumables, 14 million pizzas, 15,000 tons of potato chips, 12 million pounds of avocado's for the dip...it's the number two food consumption day of the year.

Northland will be open for the game this afternoon. On our menu, hot ham and cheese sandwiches with beef tenderloin stew, and our $4 Bloody Mary's. And there's also popcorn, and Chex Mix, and...well, you get the idea.

GOAL!!!!

We'd like to thank Leslie Gramstrup for providing us with some great photos of Matthew's birthday party yesterday at Northland. The kids had a great time using the rink while others at the party enjoyed the sledding offered on the hills near the clubhouse.

Leslie has posted the photos on this website if you'd like to see more of the fun.

If you'd like to schedule a party on the new NCC rink, please call the office to reserve your data and time. Oh, and if you take some photos, send them to us so we can share them with our members.

Family Night - Baked Chicken

It's difficult to find anyone who doesn't like Baked Chicken - add Mashed Potatoes and Gravy and you've got the beginning of a pretty popular meal. And, that's what Northland families can look forward to on Tuesday for the next Family Night. Start off with the calssic Iceberg Garden Salad, add Pears & Carrots, and end with a nice-sized serving of Ice Cream and everyone goes home happy.

As always, reservations for seating in either the J.R. Link Grill or the Fireside Room are appreciated. Remember, it's just $5 for children 10 & under.

1/2 Price Wine, Late Night Happy Hour

We've reached the end of another work week for most of us...time to refresh the spirit, and for some, get ready for the Super Bowl on Sunday. Who's going to win? The Saints? The Colts? This might be a topic of conversation at Northland tonight when members come out to take advantage of Half Price Wine Night (begins at 5:00) or even the Late Night Happy Hour when begins at 9pm and continues until 11pm.

Sinatra - LIVE, And A Free Shuttle

Celebrate Valentine's Day with the Chairman of the Board as the DSSO joins vocal sensation Steve Lippia for Simply Sinatra. Fly to the moon as all of Ol' Blue Eyes' hits are performed by the full orchestra. From "You Make Me Feel So Young" to "Witchcraft," Frank Sinatra's greatest hits will take you back to the days of the Rat Pack and the Sands Hotel.

On February 13, Northland and the DSSO are offering Northland members a FREE shuttle bus from Northland to the DECC. Enjoy a lovely dinner at the club before boarding the bus at 7:20 for the ride downtown. Once the concert is over, you'll board the bus at the front door for the ride back to Northland, just in time for the Late Night Happy Hour. Please let the office know if you want to take advantage of this offer. Tickets for the Sinatra-Live concert are available by calling the DSSO office at 623.3776.

$2010 In 2010 - New Membership Specials

There's never been a better time to become a golf member at Northland Country Club.

The golf world is filled with stories of clubs across the country that are experiencing severe financial difficulties in what is a difficult economy for many. Some clubs have eliminated initiation fees (more than $100,000 in some cases) while others have taken even more drastic measures; some clubs have been forced to close. Thankfully, while we've been touched with some loss of members during this past year, our financial footing is still very sound.

Our club's stature is rising among private clubs in the United States as evidenced by our recent GolfWorld and GolfWeek ratings. And, we have membership levels that can accommodate even larger numbers. The Board of Directors has recently approved some great new membership specials:
Resident Golf: $2010 (Save $6390)
Non Resident Golf: $2250 (Save $2250)
Resident Single: $2010 (Save $5890)
Pre-Resident: $2010 (Save $990 - 2 years to pay)
These membership specials will remain in effect until Memorial Day. Isn't this the perfect time to invite friends, family members or co-workers to become part of the exciting Northland Tradition?
Please contact the office if you need more information.

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Don't forget, members. You can save 5 percent on your 2010 dues if you pay them in advance. Members have until the end of February to pre-pay. Quite a few members took advantage of this offer last year, and many have already signed up for savings so far this season. Call the office today to arrange your early payment.

Northland Open For Valentine's Day

Northland will be open for member's dining on Valentine's Day. Chef Michael Schueller and the culinary staff have prepared a menu sure to please with exciting options, including special Dinner For Two choices.
We'll begin dinner service at 5:00 and will continue until final service at 10:00. We do request reservations. Please call the office today at 525.1941.