The Goose is back. Here’s the new look, new menu at the ‘polished’ Goose Lexington
The Goose is cooking again. The restaurant at 170 Jefferson St. that used to be known as The Grey Goose has relaunched as The Goose Lexington after a soft opening the weekend of May 7.
Now under new owners, The Goose Lexington has a new look, with an intimate feel to the bar area up front, a cozy enclosed patio/porch and a large outdoor area with lots of tables under umbrellas.
Co-owner Rob Vap said that they built new booths inside and on the porch. The ones in the bar area have extra tall backs, which give even more privacy and COVID protection.
Booths in the side porch have a special touch: They are accented with wood from wine cases from Portofino, the downtown restaurant where the owners worked until it closed at the end of 2020.
Bartender Vap, general manager Robby Carter, restaurant manager Kristen Richardsonand chef Andrew Durbin partnered to bring the new restaurant to life over the last few months. The Grey Goose had been closed since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020 so the space was available.
“We all miss Portofino, but Portofino closing gave us the opportunity to do this,” Carter said.
The menu is a melting pot of dishes from three restaurants: The former Grey Goose, The Goose and Gander in Midway that Carter also is a partner in, and Portofino. From Grey Goose, there is great pizza. From Goose and Gander, various burgers. And from Portofino, the “bruschetta bar,” a menu of breads, spreads and more.
There are inventive salads, soups and sandwiches such as the salmon B.L.T., caprese grilled cheese and four versions of a hero. And a handful of entrees, including veal meatloaf marsala and carbonara mac & cheese.
Specials will be coming soon, as will brunch on weekends.
In the first few weeks, Carter said, they will be figuring out what works and what doesn’t with a new customer base.
Another holdover from Portofino days: A great wine and bourbon list as well as a fun cocktail menu.
“We want people to know that it’s not the Grey Goose,” Carter said. “We’ve polished it up a bit. We’re going to serve the best hamburgers, the best pizza ... continue with that. But there’s also going to be some small plates, nice little appetizers.”
The atmosphere will stay on the casual side but leans date-night rather than pizza pub.
“It’s comforting and cozy,” Carter said.
The Goose Lexington
Where: 170 Jefferson St.
Hours: Open for lunch and dinner, with brunch on weekends coming soon.
This story was originally published May 11, 2021 at 6:00 AM.
