Mike Cohen dines at the Windmill Heights Golf & Country Club

If you are looking for a gorgeous backdrop and a pure country atmosphere for dinner one summer weekend evening, the Windmill Heights Golf & Country Club in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, would make for an excellent choice.

Lino Carbone, an avid golfer for most of his life, oversees operation.  Soon after the purchase he instituted the name change and a series of renovations.  All cart paths were repaved.  The interior of the clubhouse was given a major facelift while the Main Dining Room, The 19th Hole and both locker rooms were upgraded to make them look more modern. 

“For many years this course has been one of the best kept secrets in the local area,” says Lino proudly.  

Lino is correct. I was most pleased to accept his invitation to try the culinary excellence of Chef Jason. It was a pleasant 40 minute drive from the West End of town, but well worth it. On a beautiful day I found myself driving past farmlands and into this huge open space. The dining room is used for corporate functions, golf tournaments, weddings and dinner for members and the general public Wednesday through Saturdays.

From one end of the dining room you can peer through the window and from afar see the St. Joseph’s Oratory, the river and the downtown skyline. The other end looks out at the lush greenspace of the golf course. There is seating for 150 people. This includes a terrace which has a green which allows the fresh air to flow in but protects diners from golf balls and mosquitos. I actually sat down there after my meal to have a cappuccino and it was very relaxing.

Servers Edith, Kim and Noemi gave me a copy of the lunch menu, which changes at different points during the season. There are appetizers, salads, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and more. I was in the mood for a club sandwich and the one Jason made was absolutely superb with some of the freshest chicken I have tasted in a while. Lino had the same and suggested we also try some pasta. This was excellent as well.

For dinner, there are many options throughout the summer such as all you can eat mussels, a  pasta bar, seafood nights, chicken and ribs and table d’höte with Italian offerings such as homemade gnocchi and grilled veal chops.  “Pasta is our strong point,” said Lino. “Vongole, fresh tomato and basil, caccio, pepe,  and others.”

The restaurant is open around May until mid-October.

I met Lino’s dad Frank, who had just finished a game of golf and was enjoying something to eat on the terrace with his friends. In another section of the restaurant, members  Mario Di Battista and Rick Brunet were organizing a meal to conclude a fundraising campaign they had coordinated for the West Island Palliative Care Residence.

The Club

The club was born over half a century ago when well-known architect John Watson designed the course, built under the direction of Jack Vincelli. It was originally known by the name of Wentworth. The site was selected for its country atmosphere without noise pollution from road traffic. The course is defined by tree-lined fairways and it will ask you to consider your options off the tee. While it can be overpowered by the longer hitters, trouble awaits if you don’t execute properly. The clubhouse  is located at the top of the hill, features the dining room and provides with a beautiful view of Lac St-Louis and even downtown.

The club presently over 300 members.  “What sets us apart from everyone is more attention to the member,” says Lino.  “We do all we can to ensure our members enjoy each and every visit to the club, whether it be   10 or 100 times a season.”

Lino points to very flexible membership options.  “You don’t have to play four times per week to have a membership here,” he says. “Your bag stays at the club and you have a locker and practice facility included in the package. By being privately owned we are basically serving the clients,

One of Lino’s priorities remains introducing young people to the game. With this in mind, Windmill Heights has stepped up its Junior Program. “We want the kids to enjoy themselves, as well as learn the game,” he notes. “I want to introduce anyone who has an interest in golf to becoming a member. Golf challenges you mentally. It’s you versus you. A well-executed golf shot is very rewarding.”

The course is located a mere 10 minutes from the West Island and it is known for being very easy to walk about. “Most importantly it is fun to play every day,” Lino said.  “The core of the club is the members. We are very proud of the social aspect to the club. It is one big family. To our members this is home.”

For more information log on to https://www.clubdegolfwindmillheights.com or call 514-453-7177.