'Twas a few days before Christmas and the round tables at Eagles Crest Grill were set with sparkling white cloths and red napkins. A crackling fire took the chill off the evening. And another cozy Christmas party was about to begin at the restaurant just south of Grand Forks.
Eagles Crest Grill, which is the cornerstone of King's Walk city golf course, is open year-round and has operated separately for the past 15 years.
The current operator, Paul Waind, has a long history in the restaurant business beginning in Moorhead, where he grew up. He went from there to Laramie, Wyo., and then, Denver. He worked in the pizza business in New Orleans and came back for a time to Wendy's in North Dakota.
Eventually, he became manager of the Main Street restaurant formerly on South Washington St. in Grand Forks.
He is remembered mainly as the longtime operator of the former Grand Forks Goodribs restaurant on North 43rd Street. And the dinner menu at King's Walk is reminiscent of Goodribs, with its steaks as well as seafood and chicken. Prime rib dinners are featured on Friday and Saturday evenings.
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The career in food service rubbed off naturally on Waind's son, Jeff Waind. He is chef and co-manager of the restaurant.
Eagles Crest offers "good American food" and features itself as "food with a view." When the golfing scene outside the wall of windows fades, there is a serene winter scene. People who come for group events or private dining get a chance to drive - just shortly - out of town.
There is a pleasant clubroom available for private parties and meetings for groups such as the Sertoma Club.
Lavosh in 14 different versions leads off the luncheon menu. The choice of sandwiches, soups, salads and wraps is extensive. Prices are about $7.99 for baskets with burgers, walleye or shrimp.
Eagles Crest Grill
5301 S. Columbia Road
• Owner-manager: Paul R. Waind.
• Chef and co-manager: Jeff Waind.
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• Reservations: (701) 787-3491.
• Hours: 11 a.m. daily except for 9 a.m. Saturday opening for lunch, with food service to 9 p.m.
• Best sellers: Walleye, prime rib.
• Average ticket price: $9 lunch, $14 dinner.
• Report card: A quick zip out of Grand Forks for food with a view draws lunch and dinner customers as well as those seeking brunch on Sundays. Menu rates an A for food prepared on premises. It is one of largest and most varied in this area. Service is good - at least a B. Parking is convenient.
