Queen City locals have enjoyed chef Jose Salazar’s upscale culinary works at his restaurants Mita’s and Salazar, but now he has plans to bring American comfort food to 1800 Race St. — across from Findlay Market — at his forthcoming venture, Goose and Elder.
“We will serve American comfort food and will also offer healthy and gluten-free options," Salazar says in an email. “Local and sustainable products will be a part of our ethos.”
A change from his Colombian and Latin American menu at Mita's, Salazar plans to focus on local tradition at Goose and Elder. And while the menu hasn't been finalized, he says diners may spot a few German-inspired items — perhaps German chocolate cake? — and possibly even German interior design elements.
The new venture will also sell local and domestic beers, cocktails and offer a seasonal "market menu" made with ingredients sourced from Findlay Market vendors during the growing season. Salazar hopes this new restaurant will feel comfortable and relaxing.
“We want to give people some of the vibe you might have gotten when walking into grandma’s house," he says. "Obviously, there will be some modern and new elements to blend the old and new.”
The prices at Goose and Elder will generally be lower than those at Salazar's other two restaurants; his hope is to make this new venture a place for everyone.
The main dining room is set to be open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner with brunch offered Saturday and Sunday. A separate bar room will be open later and Salazar hopes it will become "a familiar watering hole for the neighborhood and the restaurant/brewery industry crowd." Hours, opening date and specific menu items have not yet been finalized.
Goose and Elder is located at 1800 Race St., Over-the-Rhine. Follow along on Facebook for updates.
