"Best Meal of Last 12 months"

April 17, 2012

• Food: Unique and full of Flavor
• Decor: Amazing use of Natural Products..Wood and brick with good space
• Service: Superb, Knowledgeable and Attentive
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails: Hand Crafted, Smoking Jacket is my favorite

Overview:

I love meat..steak, pork..(especially pork..don't tell the rabbi) goat...etc and this restaurant has more than enough of those dishes to make me happy but honestly my favorite dish is a straight vegetarian dish... the cauliflower is cooked perfectly with flavors that are complex but compliment..pickled peppers for sweet and a hint of heat...and mint to refresh and cheese that is just perfect. My biggest problem here is that I never get to the desserts because I have so many savory dishes that I need to try..I am also a person who very rarely orders chicken at a great restaurant...but Stephanie's chicken dish is so unique and tasty that I have to get it...and the fried pickles that come with it are done perfect!

Recommended Dishes:

Cauliflower, Chicken,Escargot Ravioli,Diver Scallops

"Girl + Goat = FUN"

April 10, 2012

• Food: Creative and tasty every time
• Decor: contemporary
• Service:
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails:

Overview:

Waltzing into Girl & The Goat in Chicago when it is PACKED and scoring seats at the bar to dine is NIRVANA! And we all give Stephanie major credit, there has not been one time where she has not be on that line – working it. The bread menu is brilliant, makes you think outside the box with flavors and dips. A few standouts from my last visit, the top 3 out of the 10 dishes we tried …

1)oysters . fried stingray . egg salad . capers

Never would anticipate that oysters and egg salad would be this delicious of a combo.

2) roasted cauliflower . pickled peppers . pine nuts . mint

Cauliflower is a favorite vegetable, when it is roasted and combined with the pickled peppers.

3)ham frittes . smoked tomato aioli . cheddar beer sauce

AKA Crack/Cocaine. Have not stopped thinking about these crispy, salty, ham spiked morsels since last week. Notice the double dip action evidence. They make me a happy girl! I want a jar of this Ham Glitter and will put it everywhere! (HINT)

Recommended Dishes:

Oysters/Fried Stingray/Egg Salad/Capers, Roasted Cauliflower/Pickled Peppers/Pine Nutes/Mint, Ham Frittes/Smoked tomato aioli/Cheddar Beer Sauce

"Rich but Yummy"

February 17, 2012

• Food: Rich, Eclectic, Great Flavor Combos
• Decor: warm, dark, trendy
• Service: Fantastic
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails: Great

Overview:

After a bit of a wait to get a reservation at G&TG, the night finally arrived, and I made sure to go hungry! I had never been before, but my friend had several times, so she had some suggestions. After chatting about the menu with our great server, we ordered a bottle of wine and got to work on the menu!

We started with warm oysters with bacon and horseradish, which were exquisite. Next we had huge diver scallops in the most delicious broth, I could have had a just bowl of that broth and been happy! After the scallops we had mushroom ragout with sweet potato agnolotti and mushroom creme fraiche - this dish was VERY rich, we actually couldn't finish it, but the flavors were incredible. My friend had raved about the roasted cauliflower, so of course I had to try, and this was one of my favorite dishes, hands down. The confit goat belly with lobster and fennel came next, this was also a favorite of mine. Who would have thought to combine goat and lobster? Decadent. We finished up on another super-rich note. The famous pig face. We actually couldn't finish this either, but it was flavorful and really different! The texture of the pig face and runny egg was a bit overwhelming after all the food we had consumed already, but I think if we got this first we would have devoured it and licked the plate.

I loved G&TH, we already have reservations for next time!

Recommended Dishes:

Everything!

"Chef's Table"

January 17, 2012

• Food:
• Decor:
• Service: Knowlegable, Friendly, Fast
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails:

Overview:

I have been here three times, two of which I sat at the chef's table on the right hand side. I had the pleasure of eating dinner with a chef (which is most likely why we got the table :)) so the Goat chefs kept sending us out dishes on top of the items we already ordered. Service and food was impeccable! It was amazing to be seated right next to chef Izard as we were able to watch her in action. I HIGHLY recommend calling ahead to reserve the chef's table, it is such a unique and thrilling experience.

On my birthday they had two glasses of champagne on the house waiting for us at the table. Nice touch. ;)

Recommended Dishes:

"Goat Groupie"

July 28, 2011

• Food: Delicious, inventive, local
• Decor: Urban, goats, fun, hip
• Service: Love the service, plus Steph's normally on the line!
• Cost: $$$$
• Wine / Cocktails: Decent wine selection and good homemade cocktails.

Overview:

I have had the pleasure of dining at Girl & The Goat five times now and it has been an incredible experience every time. The food is always amazing and changes with the seasons. My favorite way to enjoy Girl & The Goat is to head in without reservations, grab a drink and wait for a spot to open up at the bar. If you haven't eaten at the bar yet, I recommend doing so. The bartenders are friendly, knowledgeable and haven't led me wrong yet. Plus they make killer cocktails to accompany the delicious food. This is easily one of my favorite spots in the city.

Recommended Dishes:

Daily bread selection, kohlrabi salad, chickpeas fritters, ham frittes, wood oven roasted pig face and more.

This Review has been recommended by 1 person

"Delightful Atmosphere"

July 19, 2011

• Food: American with a twist
• Decor: Dark, charming, lively
• Service: Superb.
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails: Delicious

Overview:

I've visited Girl and the Goat twice now - both visits required reservations 2-4 months out.

My first visit was pure delight. I loved every item I tasted (the pasta - sinful!). The flatbread was also delicious and I additionally tried the calamari, two types of the breads and another meat entree. All blew me away.

My second visit was also good, though I chose completely different menu items and I will say that my original selections were much better.

However, what really makes this restaurant aside from the unique menu items is the atmosphere. This spot is fun and young and hip and you can't help but smile when dining there.

A great spot (if you can get a reservation that is...).

Recommended Dishes:

Pasta with pulled meat Any of the breads Anything with goat in it!

"Salty but fantastic!"

July 7, 2011

• meat
• salt
• pork
• goat
• beef

• Food: Meat Lovers Paradise
• Decor: Eclectic, Burt wood wals and old fireplace fronts
• Service: Very Good
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails: Great martini's!

Overview:

Forget the two month wait, just go early 5/5:30 and put your name in for a table. Wait an hour and a half in the bar enjoying cocktails and the decor... then eat. A fabulous menu with great variety, but lots of salt. I loved it but the next day my eyes were just tiny slits. Still t was well worth it!

Recommended Dishes:

Braised Short Ribs, Goat, Pork, Veal Sugo, Crispy Pig Face

This Review has been recommended by 2 people

"Ditto!"

June 30, 2011

• Food: Interesting/fun flavor combinations
• Decor: Inviting, comfortable
• Service: Outstanding. Marni rocks!
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails: solid wine list

Overview:

Totally worth the wait--2 months for my first visit and we immediately booked another dinner for 2 months after. Everything was fantastic, beginning with the friendly and knowledgeable servers. Despite the crowd waiting in the bar area, we were greeted within minutes and our server made wonderful wine recommendations. The hostess was completly accommodating of our decreased guest count and still seated us right on time. And finally, our server Marni was the best! Not only did she make the perfect recommendations, she suggested the best order in which to try them. And of course, there's the food--simply outstanding!

Recommended Dishes:

along with bread choice & dessert: -oysters (from daily menu) -escargot raviolie -green beans -scallop -goat/seafood dish (from daily menu) -ribs

"Goat Love."

June 14, 2011

• Food: Rustic and hearty
• Decor: warm and trendy
• Service: amazing
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails: good selection

Overview:

I FINALLY got to experience Stefanie Izard's Girl & The Goat. Although it took a good two months to make the reservation, the wait was worth it because the food was ridiculously good. The menu is split up into four sections all served tapas style, vegetarian, meat, fish and a specials menu that changes daily. Of course I went prepared with two of my favorite foodies so that we could order up a storm and try pretty much everything. We ordered five dishes for three of us and were wowed by all dishes. However, as with anything, there were some overall winners. The first highlight of the meal was the goat flat bread, and yes that means REAL goat. The bread was the perfect light but sturdy consistency that could hold all of the lamb and goat cheese goodness. But it was the secret ingredient, braised rhubarb, that made this pizza sing. It offered the perfect crunch and sweetness to the salty lamb.
The other star of the meal was the pork ribs which were so tender that the meat literally fell of the bone and melted directly in your mouth. All in all, with simple decor that hits the perfect balance of being warm and trendy and excellent service, shout out to our awesome waiter, it's a girl and her goat that are worth visiting.

Recommended Dishes:

goat flat bread, pork ribs

"Variety"

May 10, 2011

• Food: unique and fabulous-would definitely go again
• Decor: Bigger than it appears
• Service: Service was awesome.
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails: Dark and Stormy!

Overview:

This restaurant has so many delicious entrees...a friend of mine and I split five because they are somewhat small servings. I was somewhat nervous going into it because I had never tried most of the ingredients listed on their menu, but everything was AMAZING! I recommend this restaurant to any and everyone. Service is wonderful, great atmoshpere and there is so much to choose from on the menu you can go numerous times and never have the same combination twice. LOVE IT!

Recommended Dishes:

Crispy calamari was delicious, linguine and clams, hanger steak was so tender and well cooked

"Go. If you can get in."

April 25, 2011

• Food: Mediterranean
• Decor: Contemporary
• Service: Great
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails: Great

Overview:

Stephanie Izard lives up to the hype. From the delicious bread and butter options to the desserts, she never misses a beat. Who else could make us eat pig's face -- and like it? Don't miss the chickpea fritters, the sausage-stuffed calamari, or the braised beef tongue. Yes, we said it (and can't believe we did).

Recommended Dishes:

Pigs face, chickpea fritters, sausage-stuffed calamari, braised beef tongue

"Exceptionally unique, unquestionably delicious."

March 29, 2011

• Food: Contemporary, "farm-to-table" American
• Decor: Warm, trendy, spacious
• Service: Extremely knowledgeable, friendly, enthusiastic, engaging staff
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails:

Overview:

It sounds cliche to say that I loved Girl & the Goat, but I did, and I think that it's worth pointing out why... Each and every dish on this menu is a unique and perfectly matched combination of flavors that you will NEVER find somewhere else. It's very reasonably priced and the environment is very warm, energetic, with an unbelievable staff. I cannot review without mentioning the complementary quality of cocktails and hand-selected beers and wines to match. Overall, a great experience, highly recommended...

Recommended Dishes:

ALL are recommended, standouts include the wood oven-roasted pig face (mandatory that you try this), raw oysters, baby octopus, seared scallops, and pork ribs.

"WHAT A TREAT!"

March 17, 2011

• Food: Interesting and new. Great takes on some classics.
• Decor: Dark, smokey and warm.
• Service: Friendly and fast
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails: Great choices

Overview:

I had been a fan of Stephanie during top chef and was so excited when a hometown girl won and even MORE excited once we got in at Girl and the Goat - what a night! From the host stand to the dinner to the valet after, everyone was amazing! The food is wonderful and since the menu changes so often, you always have the opportunity to taste some new and delicious. Stephanie was very sweet and so gracious.

The only thing I would have to make comment on is that we all noticed how smokey the place was - the open kitchen and heavy use of the smoker was a little overwhelming at first, but it was quickly dismissed.

Recommended Dishes:

Sugo, Green Beans, smoked scallops, cauliflower

"Stellar Is An Understatement"

January 30, 2011

• Favorite

• Food:
• Decor:
• Service:
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails:

Overview:

Girl and The Goat is stellar- in cuisine, atmosphere and vibe. I'd dine there daily if I could. The environment is fabulous- open, dark, big, happening and cozy. There's the hustle and bustle you crave, yet it's not too loud and certainly not too crowded. Don't get me wrong, the place is packed at all times but what I adore about the space is it never feels too tight, too swamped. My friends Kevin Boehm (Boka Group Owner) and Gary Bahl (aka AMAZE waiter) always roll out the red carpet and I literally could not enjoy it more.

The oysters simply left us ordering more and more and more! Have you tried them yet? A MUST!

Fried Tauton Bay Oysters @ Girl & The Goat with egg salad and a divine sauce with capers!

Chickpea Fritters at Girl & The Goat with romesco, hazelnut hummus, sesame, goat feta. AMAZE and a definite FAVORITE

Simply divine! Craving more of Girl & the Goat's stellar squash ravioli right now!
The AMAZING kambocha squash ravioli is made with with mushroom raisin ragout, brussel leaves and shroom creme fraiche. Could eat this every single night.

See more here:
Lives Up To The Hype – Girl & The Goat
elevateyourpresence.com/deliciousdirt/2011/06/19/lives-up-to-the-hype-girl-the-goat/

elevateyourpresence.com/deliciousdirt/

Recommended Dishes:

Oysters, Chickpea Fritters, Pig Face, Squash Ravioli, and EVERYTHING

This Review has been recommended by 1 person

"Sugo and chickpea fritters are a must!"

January 25, 2011

• Food:
• Decor:
• Service: Great
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails: Great

Overview:

Girl and the Goat was great! I love that you can order different kinds of bread, the chickpea fritters are a must, and the sugo was so great that we ordered another round once we finished the first!

Recommended Dishes:

Chickpea fritters, sugo

"A great night out"

January 21, 2011

• Izzard

• Food:
• Decor:
• Service:
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails:

Overview:

For an unique dining experience,filled with interesting, clean flavors and unusual juxtopositon of ingredients, go to GIrl and the Goat. Service was excellent with a knowledgeable waitress, who was equally conversant with the food menu and the wine list. A very memorable dining experience, I look forward to returning and trying other menu items.

Recommended Dishes:

cauliflower, hamachi crudo, pig face with fried egg

"back again"

January 19, 2011

• randolph
• izzard

• Food:
• Decor:
• Service:
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails:

Overview:

went back again last night and had an amazing dinner. The crudo was amazing, as was the lobster and pork belly poached in bourbon! Our server was absolutely awesome and made the entire experience fun and simple to navigate.

Recommended Dishes:

Crudo, green beans, lobster, hot peppers, baby octopus

This Review has been recommended by 1 person

"Food for the curious!"

December 16, 2010

• Food: inventive, flavorfull
• Decor: warm, busy, exciting
• Service: Attentive, friendly
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails: something for everyone

Overview:

I finally made it in to check out what all the hype is about and was not disappointed! When you walk in, you immediately can smell the wood burning ovens and the aromas coming from the open kitchen and the exciting dinner is about to start!
The menu is broken down into 3 areas (veggies, meats and fish) and we tried 2 dishes from each section. Similar to tapas.

We started with the chickpea fitters (AMAZING) and the sweet potato gratin.

For seafood, we had lamb sausage stuffed calamari and the grilled octapus.

For the meat, we had the skirt steak and the UNBELEIVABLE sugo. We loved the sugo so much that we ordered a 2nd one!

They brought out a chocolate desert for us at the end for a birthday and it was truly a meal I will not forget.

Make your reservations now!

Recommended Dishes:

Chickpea fritters, Sugo, Sweet Potato Gratin,

This Review has been recommended by 1 person

"lives up to the hype!"

December 1, 2010

• Food: adventurous, bold flavors
• Decor: Modern casual, loft-like, open
• Service: Very good, great knowledge of the menu and wine, friendly.
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails: extensive, reasonably priced

Overview:

I've been eagerly awaiting the opening of this restaurant after having been a big fan of Stephanie at Scylla and having watched her on top chef. Her partnership with Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz was sure to be successful. After a few weeks of trying, I scored a reservation. This is my favorite new restaurant of the year, and probably one of my top 10 in the city. Stephanie has produced bold flavors with both familiar and unfamiliar ingredients. She challenges the eater to try new things, and all in a very entertaining and comfortable manner. The textures are amazing, her contrast in sweet, sour, salty, spicy, etc are all very smart. The use of herbs is perfect and refreshing.

The physical space is beautiful and quite open/boisterous. I had a direct view of the open kitchen and Stephanie was working the line behind the beautiful large party table.

I can't wait to go back, if only I could score another reservation!

Recommended Dishes:

green beans in fish sauce, roasted cauliflower, grilled baby octopus, mussels, ham frites, goat, pork and veal sugo

This Review has been recommended by 3 people

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