Goose and Gander Howard Ko Goose & Gander

Goose & Gander

1245 Spring St. (Main St.)
St. Helena, CA 94574
Map
Cuisine: American / Bar
Napa Valley public house serving rustic American dishes and craft cocktails.
Openings: Lunch & Dinner daily
Goose & Gander, St. Helena, CA


Goose & Gander Restaurant Review:


Pat Kuleto's Martini House shuttered in late 2010 and gave way to Goose & Gander. The 1923 Craftsman house, which was once the home of opera singer (and alleged bootlegger) Walter Martini, was renovated but still retains its charms. In the upstairs dining room, vintage duck decoys overlook diners at tables and booths. The patio is another pleasant option, and be sure to check out the speakeasy-style bar in the basement --- making the descent to it feels like you're going somewhere special. Proprietor and Chicago transplant Andrew Florsheim knows what people want to eat, and has entrusted the chef with the refinement of dishes such as roasted bone marrow slathered with tarragon mustard vinaigrette and grilled Spanish octopus with smoked paprika, lentils, sauce gribiche and purple mizuna. Mains include ricotta gnocchi with white truffle "pesto"; Scottish salmon with English peas, dill crème fraîche and prosciutto; and the "G&G Burger" made with grass-fed beef, Gruyère and house-smoked bacon. (Note: Former executive chef Kelly McCown has left the restaurant. Howard Ko is now the chef.) Desserts include salted caramel chocolate tart with coffee ice cream and anglaise sauce. The wine list is Napa heavy, but also proposes some elegant old-world picks. Seasonal cocktails by Scott Beattie are a source of pride, with options such as the Bali spice old fashioned with bourbon, clove, cinnamon, star anise, orange and bitters.