0920_September Comstock's Magazine September 2020 | Page 83

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
PHOTO COURTESY OF MCCLELLAN PARK
The Officer’s Club and Lions
Gate Hotel Give McClellan Park
Hospitality Options
by Jennifer von Geldern
McClellan Park offers a unique dining, events and hospitality experience. The
history, architecture and environs of The Officer’s Club restaurant and Lions
Gate Hotel as former military facilities lend the style and charm of another era.
Formerly the officer’s club of McClellan Air Force Base, which hosted high-end
dining and swanky parties for high-ranking military officials, The Officer’s Club
restaurant and bar now offers the same for all guests.
“Our food could be called California cuisine. (It’s) a mix of Italian, Mexican
and Asian dishes, and we use local suppliers and seasonal ingredients,” says John
Carrier, The Officer’s Club general manager and former chef. “Using local food is
built into our culture — I was born and raised in this area and trained under (chef)
Patrick Mulvaney, a leader in the farm-to-fork movement.”
The Officer’s Club provides 5,000 square feet of ballroom space, along with a
2,000-square-foot outdoor patio.
For 20 years, the Rotary Club of Foothill-Highlands has been meeting at the
Officer’s Club for Monday luncheons. “They have a wonderful staff, accommodate
any of our audio-video needs, and go out of their way to celebrate our
holiday parties with special food and decorations,” says Marilee Monagan, the
club’s president.
As a venue, The Officer’s Club provides happy hour; karaoke; dancing; and
event space in its ballrooms for weddings, seminars, conferences and tradeshows.
“We also cater in-house events and look to expand catering services to
off-site events,” says Carrier.
Next door at the Lions Gate Hotel (a Trademark Collection by Wyndham),
guests may find overnight accommodations. “McClellan feels like its own city,
private and secure, and the Lions Gate is unique and fun because of its military
roots,” says Mike Testa, president and CEO of Visit Sacramento. “The rooms
were actually those of former servicemen, and suites are former officers’ quarters,
and the layout is quite different from a traditional hotel. We’ve heard only
great things about the experience from our clients.” •
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