St. Helena’s Goose & Gander has tapped Chef Howard Lee Ko as its new chef de cuisine. Most recently from the kitchens of Michelin darlings Restaurant at Meadowood and the French Laundry (as well as Picholine and Daniel in NYC), he’s some serious firepower for the nearly four-year-old restaurant. Opening chef Kelly McCown left last winter after an offer in Sacramento.
“We are thrilled Howard Ko is leading our culinary team at Goose & Gander. He brings his incredible talent, vast experience and a fresh, new perspective to our restaurant and is excited to add his take on the popular style enjoyed by our many happy regulars. The timing is perfect as we embark on our fourth year of business. . .we feel very fortunate to have him with us,” said proprietor Andrew Florsheim.
The restaurant, which was formerly the Martini House, received solid reviews under McCown and got a well-need facelift when new owners took over in 2012. The upstairs/downstairs space features a large dining room and an intimate and well-loved bar downstairs. The menu, described as “public house” new American cuisine includes hearty dishes like steak tartare, roasted bone marrow, burgers, duck confit and pan roasted chicken. No word yet on when/if the menu will change. Goose & Gander is located at 1245 Spring Street, St. Helena, CA, 707.967.8779. The restaurant and Basement Bar are open Sunday through Thursday from noon until 11:00 PM, and stay open until midnight on Friday & Saturday. Starting July 1, the Basement Bar is open every night until midnight, www.goosegander.com.