Goose & Gander Restaurant in St. Helena
By
Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives
It
was a beautiful summer day and we decided to enjoy a
drive to the Napa Valley. The views of the hills and vineyards
were "postcard perfect" and the weather was cooler than
normal which was fine with us. We were headed for St. Helena which
is one of our favorite historic towns on Highway 29 where we love
to shop and dine. Our destination was a new restaurant called
Goose & Gander which is located in a 90 year
old craftsman-style bungalow with two 100 year old Deodar Cedar
Trees at the entrance. Previously, it was The Martini House named
after a former owner Walter Martini who was a bootlegger back
in the days of prohibition. We enjoyed seeing the new design of
the interior of the restaurant and that the Gardens and Patio
were as nice as ever. The main dining room which has an exhibition
kitchen and "Duck Club" feeling seats 75 and has cozy
leather booths and hand crafted wooden tables made from reclaimed
old growth redwood. There is also a private dining room that seats
14 where other diners were enjoying the décor and semi-private
dining, an outdoor lovely Garden area with Koi Pond with seating
for 66 where we opted to sit this evening and there is also a
new Basement Bar which seats 34. The Cuisine created by Executive
Chef Kelly McCown is called Rustic American and
features local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients from the
bounty of the Napa Valley wine country.
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We
started out with a bottle of sparkling water and a very refreshing
Scarlett Gander Cocktail made with Hanger One Buddha's
Hand Vodka, lemon, mint, shiso, ginger, and galangal cherries.
This seasonal specialty cocktail was created by Scott Beattie
who is the Bar Manager and also the author of the popular book
"Artisinal Cocktails"
There
are quite a few interesting Appetizers on the menu. We enjoyed
the sweet and spicy Pan Seared Padron Peppers with olive
oil, Sea Salt and Fennel pollen. We loved the Braised Meatballs
with crème fraiche, candied garlic, wild and tame mushrooms
and crushed bread crumbs. Made with both beef and pork these unique
meatballs were totally outstanding!
The
Seared Day Boat Sea Scallops with fried green tomatoes,
jalapeno cilantro sauce, avocado and crispy pancetta was also
an excellent choice and the presentation was quite colorful. We
relaxed and enjoyed the perfect weather then had the fresh Salad
of Little Gem Lettuces made with shaved fennel, parmesan
vinaigrette, English peas, apples, candied hazelnuts, Gorgonzola
and mint. This salad was really refreshing and an excellent choice
between courses.
The
Entrees were both exceptional and well-priced. We loved the Roasted
Berkshire Pork T-Bone Chop which was topped with golden
chanterelles, fresh chick peas, wine stewed onions, crispy sage
and sat atop creamy polenta. It was especially juicy and tender
as it was slow braised and cooked en su in a cast iron skillet.
This was quite a hearty meal and great comfort food. The Seared
California Halibut with parmesan cream, shaved artichoke
salad, lemon confit and braised artichoke hearts was a much lighter
entree, flavorful and healthy. We also recommend the delicious
Sautéed Bloomsdale Spinach side. The Wine List
has something for everyone including wine aficionados. There are
boutique California Wines, International Wines and a Reserve List
featuring wines like Napa Valley's Opus One. We enjoyed the 2010
Elizabeth Rose Yountville Pinot Noir which paired perfectly
with our Pork Chop.
We
decided to linger and ordered Napa Valley Coffee Roasters Goose
& Gander coffee which was served in
a lovely French Press for added richness. The Desserts that we
enjoyed were the light Lemon Buttermilk Pudding Cake
with huckleberry compote and crème fraiche and the decadent
Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart with coffee ice cream and
vanilla sauce. You could feel the love that went into the preparation
of these beautiful desserts. We had a very enjoyable dining experience
at the Goose & Gander which is open daily
for lunch, dinner or just drinks and a snack. Sitting outdoors
in their private garden, we truly felt like we were on vacation.
The staff is very professional and friendly so we look forward
to returning soon to try their new seasonal offerings and their
very popular G & G Burger and Charcuterie.
Goose
& Gander Restaurant
1245 Spring Street
St. Helena, CA 94574
707-967-8779
www.GooseGander.com