Crooked Goose: Bird of a different feather

By on May 7, 2012  |  Dinner, NW

Meritage Hospitality Group, the locally owned restaurateur who brought Grand Rapids Twisted Rooster, is opening a new restaurant, Crooked Goose.  The Standale restaurant is due to open June 11. Its eye-catching plaid exterior is taking shape at the corner of Wilson Avenue and Lake Michigan Drive.

Like its affiliate eatery, Twisted Rooster, Crooked Goose holds strong to local values, through the support of resident vendors and suppliers through their “Commit to the Mitt” campaign. “We are a company based in Michigan, that looks to lead the charge in building a culture in our great state that focuses solely on locally made products,” said Tom Brady, director of operations for Crooked Goose and Twisted Rooster. “Keep it in the family!”

Not only is the food local, it is expected to be original. Executive Chef Mark Noseda II, who has a long list of culinary credentials from across the United States, designed nearly 50 options for the  menu. “We really don’t do traditional, we take traditional and Twist it or make it Crooked,” said Noseda. “Anyone can make a traditional dish but making it your own is what being a Chef is all about.”

The restaurant promises that the food will be as inventive as the atmosphere with its plaid exterior, modern décor, 15 foot bar and 16 51-inch flat-screen TVs. Meritage Hospitality Group’s architect, Mark McDowell, came up with the eccentric exterior. “We are really excited,” said Lindsay Stone, marketing specialist for Meritage Hospitality Group. “Nothing draws the public in better than painting plaid on the side of our building; it’s going to look really great.”

Although Crooked Goose is not open to the public until mid-June, there will be a pre-opening, VIP party and private taste-testing to get Noseda and the staff warmed up before the big opening. “As we build relationships with our schools, churches and other businesses, the Crooked Goose will be there to support and help achieve community goals,” said Brady. “We are very excited to become a valued member of the community.”

  • Debie

    Am I the one person in town that doesn’t enjoy Twisted Rooster?  For claiming to be so “local”, their food has a very distinct Sysco/Gordon’s flavor.  I’ve been there 4 times and each time have been underwhelmed.  Am I alone in this?  And, by the way, it’s nice to see this blog active again.  

    • Jonzi33z

      You just need to get laid!

  • Theresa F Lanning

    I love their food.  Great salads!!!