Danny’s Bar & Grill – Exceeding Expectations

Danny’s Story
StoneRidge Golf Club was opened in 2000 by Dave Kloeber and Mike McGrath. It has become a premier course in the Twin Cities but never had a venue worthy of showcasing executive Chef Ron Bohnert’s award winning cuisine. After our extensive remodel, a member volunteered the name Danny’s in honor of Mike and Jeanne’s youngest son. For twenty-three years Danny McGrath was an amazing boy that left an impression on everyone he came into contact with. Born with special needs but a warm soul, Danny epitomizes everything that we strive to deliver as a restaurant by using vigor and passion to continually exceed expectations.

In the July 2013 edition of Tee Times, R.J. Smiley presented GolfWeek’s #1 public access course in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, StoneRidge Golf Club, in Stillwater, Minnesota. Links style golf at it’s finest, and worthy of the accolades. However, the golf course at StoneRidge is only half of the story about what makes this venue one of the best in the area. The other half, you ask? The food.

Danny’s Bar & Grill is an upscale casual dining experience located within the StoneRidge Golf Club, directed by “Chef Ron” Bohnert. Danny’s opened it’s doors two years ago in response to consumer demand and has fast become a local favorite with one of the best patios in the area. Danny’s can really be divided into three distinct venues: The bar and grill, the patio, and the bar that includes the golfers grab ‘n’ go.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Chef Ron, and asked him about what makes Danny’s a favorite in the east metro. Chef said that he keeps current with standardized seasonal menu offerings, but sprinkles in specialty items throughout the year to keep things interesting for his customers. For example, last weekend, the menu featured line-caught, Alaskan Halibut from the Kodiak Island on the south coast of Alaska. This weekend, Danny’s is serving fresh Skuna Bay Salmon for an “Oscar” preparation with lump crabmeat, asparagus, and handmade hollandaise sauce. Ron explained that all of their salmon is shipped from Skuna Bay, Vancouver Island Craft Raised Salmon. Skuna Bay’s specialty is raising fish in their natural ocean environment. Ron also utilizes a Cook Shack Smoker for other specialty items including brisket, ribs, fish and sirloin. “If you can dream it, I can cook it, from the intergalactic cookbook of Chef Ron.”

Chef Ron has been with StoneRidge since they opened their gates in 2000. He’s won both local and national awards for his creations. “I’ve been working in a kitchen since I was 16 years old. Back when Alice Cooper was playing at the Orpheum in Minneapolis.” His awards include: American Culinary Federation Competitions, with two gold medals, a silver medal and a bronze medal. He has won several first place awards in the Minneapolis Restaurant and Hospitality Show Seafood Cook-off, second place in a National Wild Game Cook-off and, most recently, his first place win in the Minnesota state competition for the National Pork Cook-off took him to the finals held in Orlando, where he won second place out of 28 chefs nationwide.

I have been a regular customer of Danny’s for the past two years, and have dined in, taken out, sat at the bar, and even ordered off their grab ‘n’ go menu. Since inception, it has quickly become one of the favorite local hot spots. What makes Danny’s so unique is the eloquent marriage of great food, an intimate setting, talented musicians, and outdoor seating. There is always a pleasant mixture of families, couples on a date, as well as groups of friends. While the golf course closes during the winter months, Danny’s remains open throughout the year. Danny’s remains an excellent choice for breakfast as well in addition to their Sunday brunch. After a round of golf, my playing partners always comment on the quality of the food.

Danny’s also caters to the golfers at StoneRidge offering a comprehensive grab ‘n’ go menu. Whether you are looking for breakfast or lunch before, during, or after your round, Danny’s has you covered. All of their selections on this menu are freshly made to order and usually take around five minutes to prepare. StoneRidge has a communication station located on the tee box of the 8th hole so players can call in their menu selections before heading to the clubhouse. The items on this menu are outstanding. Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, served in a container, designed to fit in the cup holder of your golf cart? Only at Danny’s.

One element that enhances the experience at Danny’s is the welcoming and friendly staff. From the hostess, to the servers, the bartenders, and the Restaurant Manger himself, David Fohrenkamm, the staff at Danny’s knows how to treat their customers well and provide them with outstanding service. I usually have the pleasure of interacting with Erin on my visits to Danny’s. Always delightful, friendly, and best of all, I don’t have to say a word, she knows what I’m having. The staff at Danny’s will treat you like you’re a 13-year member, even if it’s your first visit.

“Danny’s Bar & Grill has become a destination restaurant for all types of clientele. It’s the perfect place for those who are looking for exceptional cuisine served in a fun, entertaining, and picturesque environment. The patio and views are top rated in the Twin Cities, the food is always fantastic, service is friendly and inviting, and our live music is top notch! It’s a perfect spot to bring a date, have a family dinner, or just enjoy happy hour and hang out with friends,” concludes David Fohrenkamm, Restaurant Manager.