Restaurant Review: For Artisan-fresh cooking, the West Loop’s Girl and the Goat succeeds
Happy 2024 to all!! Recently, I was watching an episode of ‘Chopped,’ my favorite cooking show on TV. One of their guest judges was ‘Top Chef’s’ first female winner and restaurant owner Stephanie Izard, who has earned acclaim for her West Loop restaurant Girl and the Goat.
As their website notes, Girl and the Goat was one of the first restaurants on Chicago’s famed Restaurant Row in the West Loop. Izard began in 2010 with a goal of serving bold, global flavors. Girl and the Goat has earned recognition from the James Beard Foundation and a Michelin listing.
Why ‘Girl and the Goat?
Izard knew she wanted the word “goat” to appear somewhere in the name, as “izard” is French for a Pyrenees mountain goat–antelope with curved horns, according to a Chicago Magazine profile of Izard just prior to the restaurant’s opening.
Since then, they say, their desire to treat guests like family has remained the same (as have their Green Beans) – but their seasonal flavors, cocktails, wine and locally-rooted beer are ever-changing.
Start with their unusual Sweet Potato Bread, served with Craisin relish and sweet potato butter.
Wait…they really serve goat?
Why, yes they do! Goat Empanadas are paired with avocado crema, chili lime crunch, and fried plantains, while Confit Goat Belly is served with Kabocha squash, pickled persimmon, Sichuan chili jus, and crispy brussels leaves. Goat Liver Mousse has crumpets, pickles, mostarda, and golden beet giardinaire.
Ala carte veggie options are inspired, and could be paired with dinner entrees or as a separate entrée. Roasted Beets are served with tropea onion-golden beet giardinaire, yuzu kosho, and party nuts. Chickpea Fritters are Mediterranean-inspired with goat yogurt, green chutney, and sev spice crunch. Sautéed Green Beans are topped with a tangy fish sauce vinaigrette and cashews.
If Goat isn’t your meat ..
Girl and the Goat provides many other poultry, beef, and fish options!
Try their Grilled Chicken Skewers, flavorful with cashew butter, savory mushroom oil, and crispy sunchokes. Or, their Roasted Pig Face, served with a sunny side up egg, tamarind, cilantro, red wine-maple, and potato stix. Their tasty Shrimp Salad has avocado, kumquats, quinoa crunch, pickled veggies and a limey-herby dressing. Ora King Salmon has ‘Shrimpy pork sausage’ (ask them!), almond chili crunch, and castelfranco (raddichio).
As we often say here at Dean’s Team Chicago…”leave room for dessert!” On the menu currently is a Sticky Toffee Pumpkin Spice Cake, served with espresso caramel gelato, spiced pepitas, and cape gooseberries. Chocolate Olive Oil Cake has a lavender semifreddo, caramelized honey, and olive oil whipped cream. Or, opt for their Coconut Creme Caramel with plums, mango, and caramelized coconut crunch.a
Google reviews were mostly ecstatic, like this one:
“Girl & The Goat in Chicago is a culinary delight that I can’t stop raving about! From start to finish, our dining experience was exceptional.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is vibrant and trendy, with a rustic yet modern design that sets the stage for a memorable evening. The staff was welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about the menu. Our server’s recommendations were spot-on, helping us navigate the diverse options.
The standout feature here is the innovative menu. The small plates format allows you to explore a variety of flavors. We started with the wood oven-roasted pig face, which was a revelation – crispy, succulent, and bursting with unique flavors. The goat empanadas were another highlight, perfectly balanced in taste and texture.
The wine list is extensive, with an impressive array of choices to complement the dishes. The cocktails were equally inventive and refreshing.
The dessert selection is equally impressive; the chocolate chip bread pudding is a must-try for any sweet tooth.
Girl & The Goat is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary adventure. With its creative menu, friendly staff, and a buzzing atmosphere, it’s a top-tier dining experience in Chicago. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the creativity and passion of this gem.”
Girl and the Goat is located at 809 W. Randolph. Their hours are Sunday- Thursday, 4:30pm –10pm and Friday and Saturday, 4:30pm – 11pm. For reservations, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
