Weafer named executive chef of The Paddock at The Country Club of Owensboro

August 15, 2021 | 12:08 am

Updated August 14, 2021 | 10:34 pm

Photo by John Kirkpatrick

The Country Club of Owensboro is nearing completion of The Paddock — a new facility and event space that mimics a resort and features several of the same amenities. The club also brought on locally renowned chef Matt Weafer to head the restaurant and bar at the new establishment. 

Members and guests at the club can indulge in a menu that combines fine dining and poolside favorites. The space can convert to an open-air facility and offers views of the pool and golf course, offering online ordering and barback services to golfers and pool-goers alike. 

“We want to embrace the resort-style atmosphere,” said the club’s general manager Dane McLaird. “We have a full bar, restaurant, track-man simulator, and much more all under one roof.”

Several high-definition LED televisions also grace the 12,000-square foot facility that can serve members and guests in many ways. Paintings that highlight local landmarks add to the club’s mission of incorporating more of the community’s rich heritage into their branding efforts.

Weafer owns Niko’s Bakery and Cafe and is a self-taught chef who finds value in private dining. He spent five years at the Campbell Club and believes that private dining offers an opportunity to “elevate the dining experience.”

“We want to offer something special to both members and guests,” Weafer said. “It’s rare to build something brand new — I saw the opportunity here at the club and had to jump on it.”

Both Weafer and the club view his hiring as one “big partnership,” as he will continue to own and operate Niko’s Bakery and Cafe. Cameron Anderson will accompany him and serve as the club’s sous chef. 

“We will source many of our products and ingredients from the bakery as well as many other local resources,” he said. “We want to go above and beyond to keep people happy. This seems to be the talk of the town; I’m constantly getting stopped to talk about the partnership.”

Local ingredients will range from produce, meats, and seafood to milled grits and flour. Other local amenities include a members’ only beer crafted by Brew Bridge and wine selections, tastings, and pairings with Bill Armendarez, formerly of J’s Liquor. 

The restaurant will encompass a derby theme and offer many Kentucky staples, notably the Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich. Members and guests can also expect a specialty cocktail menu and weekly events such as build-your-own burger and pizza nights. 

“I’m excited for private dining in general; Owensboro has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to culinary experiences,” Weafer said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to create and provide unique dinners.”

With the previous clubhouse demolished, the club has long-term goals to convert the space into a new one with locker rooms and a basement for cart storage. They intend to transform the current cart shed into an outdoor banquet facility and construct a new pro shop near hole No. 10’s tee box. 

August 15, 2021 | 12:08 am

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