DT APPETITE: GIRL & GOAT

Downtown Appetite: Inside Girl & the Goat Arts District Fresh New Pastures

If Old McDonald had a farm, he would definitely be sneaking over the fence to see what was making such a stir in downtown Los Angeles.

Once inside, he would likely find the delectable mix of oven-roasted farm animals and freshly picked produce now being served to the delight of many at Girl & the Goat, the Arts District's newest open-air, farm to table family-style restaurant located on Mateo.

Brought to Downtown by Chef, Owner, and James Beard award-winner Stephanie Izard, Girl and the Goat is an expansion to LA offering signature dishes from both her Chicago location and new seasonal dishes that rely heavily on California's bountiful produce and local ingredients.

Have a seat Old Man!

Goat and the Girl is roomie enough to host you inside or out. When designing Girl & the Goat, Chef Izard tapped her longtime design partner, Karen Herold of Studio K in Chicago.

With trust and experience, the two have created a lightfilled, 200-seat restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows wrapping most of the space. Causal LA-vibes are reflected in the light wood floors and neutral color furniture, as well as the generous use of greenery throughout the restaurant and covered patio. Opening around 5 pm, relax with appetizers and cocktails, but leave room for the main course while you and the Mrs. enjoy the sunset.

Still single, oh? You may be seated for a romantic, family, or business rendezvous outdoors, indoors, or bask in the natural light inside the covered patio. Goat and the Girl will always leave you and your guest with a good impresario.

Eee-Eye-YO - Try something new!

Served family-style, Girl & the Goat's menu combines dishes that have become staples at the Chicago restaurant and new, undeniably Californiainspired dishes.

Fans of Izard will recognize signature Girl & the Goat dishes, such as Wood Grilled Broccoli, Sautéed Green Beans, Goat Empanadas, and Chickpea Fritters. Along with the classics, new dishes exclusive to the West Coast include Pork Belly salads, Roasted Beet salads, Goat Curry, and Pan Seared Opah. For dessert, Izard's playful and nostalgic dishes include Choco Choco Choco Taco, "Garretts" Popcorn, and Tres Leches. For weekend brunch, standout dishes include Potato "Banh Xeo," Everything Crumpets, Parathas, and PB & J Pancakes.

These dishes are seasoned so perfectly that one can actually taste the chef's years of experience and expertise with every bite.

Girl & the Goat will regularly update the menu and showcase the abundance of seasonal produce through new relationships with local vendors and purveyors. The focus on seasonality extends to the cocktail list, where fresh interpretations of popular cocktails, such as a Bee's Knees and Spicy Margarita, make quite a sting.

With a focus on sustainable and organically made wines, the 80-label list includes a mix of wines from around the world, including selections from California, Oregon, and France.

They say there's no place like home unless, of course, you're dreaming about getting back to Girl and the Goat for more tasty eats.

@girlandthegoatla

Y'all come back and see us - ya hear?