 KC Cargill
After several months of interviewing candidates, ONGC is very pleased to introduce KC Cargill as the new kitchen manager. “He is energetic, intelligent, talented, and eager to get started. This is going to be great for Ould Newbury,” says Dave Leary, Past President. KC comes armed with an impressive resume. He learned the basics of the restaurant business over a two year stint at Bull & Finch Pub (aka “Cheers”) in Boston. From there, he moved across the Charles River to become the bar manager at Chez Henri, a popular French Cuban bistro in Cambridge. His true passion for food and wine was born during his six year tenure there, under the tutelage of Chef/Owner Paul O'Connell. KC earned two impressive awards during these years: the 2001 Best Wine Buyer from Beverage Journal, and the 2002 Best Bartender in Boston from Boston Magazine.
As all of us golfers can appreciate, KC then chose to take a year off to play golf in Boca Raton, FL. On his return trip home, he ended up at his friend's restaurant, the Mashnee Island Grill on Cape Cod, mainly bartending, but also learning how to cook. By the time he left three years later, he could broil with the best.
His next gig was perhaps his most challenging to date – a complete revamping of The Rockfish in Newburyport. KC says, “I had to wear many hats and I feel that I helped turn that restaurant from a bar room to a place where people enjoyed the entire restaurant experience.” Ironically, after he had mastered the art of broiling, he was now faced with cooking without a broiler. Calling on his old friend and mentor, Paul O'Connell, he took a crash course in “broiler free” cooking and was soon hosting weddings and other private functions. KC spent four years at The Rockfish as the General Manager.
After a brief foray into real estate, he missed working in the kitchen and accepted a job at the Old Town Country Club in Newbury, where he completely transformed the dining experience. In addition to creating an array of tasty and inviting menu options, he also initiated several highly successful “theme” dinners, such as an Italian Wine Dinner, a Traditional Pig Roast and a Dinner in Little Havana.
Over this winter he helped his cousin open the Restaurant L in the prestigious Louis of Boston Back Bay clothing store. He worked closely with Chef Marc Orflay, who KC considers one of the best chefs in Boston. “He opened my eyes to a whole new world of culinary arts. I was lucky enough to go with him this past February to New York City and cook at the famed James Beard House,” says KC.
So now KC begins tackling his next challenges at ONGC , one of which is learning to work within limited space. KC is teeming with ideas to jump start the new kitchen and has already created a sample of possible menu offerings (available the ONGC web site). He would also love to carry over the “theme” dinners that were so popular at Old Town Country Club. He invites suggestions from all club members – whether it is specific menu items or beverages they would like stocked or ideas for a club function, KC wants to hear from you. He believes success will come from giving people “something they are looking for – good food in a fun, relaxing environment.” ONGC has complete confidence that KC will successfully overcome all challenges and totally transform the dining and entertainment experience at the club.
First up on the 2009 agenda is a “Meet & Greet Dinner” during April. The goal of this dinner is to introduce club members to KC and offer a preview of his culinary talents. Please check the web site at ouldnewbury.com or call the Pro Shop for the date, sign up, and pricing details.
This opportunity brings KC back to ONGC after a long absence. Those of you who were members in the 1980's may remember a boy who used to work for Denzil Rice, picking weeds out of the greens and sorting empties for JR in exchange for playing golf. “Ould Newbury is very special to me,” says KC. “This is the place where I fell in love with golf. I will do everything in my power to make your club an even more enjoyable and special place to belong.” Though KC hasn't played golf in a while, he looks forward getting back on the links, and getting his handicap back down to its former state.
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