By Gail Radley
In golfing, I’m told, a Mulligan is a do-over — an unofficial extra shot the golfer can claim when unsatisfied with the first. But lack of satisfaction has nothing to do with
Mulligan’s Tavern & Grille. Tucked away in one of DeLand’s newer housing developments, Victoria Hills, this little gem of a restaurant is easy to miss. Although road signs lead you to the spot, no outdoor signage announces you’ve arrived. When you see a parking lot, park; you’re there. Mulligan’s is inside the “house” with the rockers and chalkboards out front. (You’ll also discover a Pro Golf and clubhouse inside.)
The tavern side of the restaurant, with its mixed table and bar seating and large screen televisions, looked lively and popular. However, my friend Gayle and I chose the casual elegance of the dining room, with its subdued yellow and beige décor, old paintings, and earth-tone tile fireplace.
The real eye-catcher, though, is the panoramic view of
Victoria Hills Golf Club. Yes, hills in Florida — rolling hills! An 18-hole, par 72, public course that draws golfers from all over, this course has been named one of the best by Golfweek, Golf Magazine, and others. More importantly to us, it’s beautiful!
No need to spend hours pouring over the menu. It’s short and inviting, with entrees running from the $19 Wasabi Rib Eye or Neptune Seafood Bowl to the vegetarian selection, Tri-color Cheese Tortellini at just $11. Gayle and I not only share names, but tastes, it seems: we each zeroed in on the three 2 for $20 specials and chose tilapia — spicy, blackened for Gayle and mellow, un-blackened for Gail.
We waited briefly, enjoying tender, warm rolls. Our parsley-flecked plates soon arrived with ample portions of delectable fish swathed in roasted corn salsa with sides of not-too-spicy Mexican rice and mixed vegetables. (Not the multi-colored formerly frozen cubes by the same name, but whole green beans, yellow and zucchini squash, and carrots. They looked — and were cooked — just right!) Our waitress drifted over enough to keep our drinks filled without being intrusive. This is a civilized dining room, a place for leisurely conversation. (If you want elegantly rowdy, go to the Tavern.)
The two for $20 specials run every Thursday night, with varying selections. (Thursday is also ladies night, with reduced prices on beer, wine, and cocktails. There was a wine-tasting special that night too, but neither Gail nor Gayle imbibed.) Wednesday is the $13 special with salad, a choice of entrees and dessert. Speaking of dessert, we must have looked as full as we felt; the waitress didn’t suggest it, so be sure to ask. We could have managed one of the $1.50 Dessert Shooters. I’m thinking of taking a Mulligan — maybe lunch plus shooter this time. Or maybe a slice of that “decadent chocolate cake with layers of chocolate mousse and chocolate chip icing …”
Gayle, shall we make that two?