The Wild Goose — Restaurant in Town of North Hempstead

I really wanted to give this establishment a great review. The restaurant industry is already struggling as it is and now with a covid resurgence on the horizon, the last thing I want to do is give a food establishment a lukewarm-at-best review.

Perhaps I’m wrong but a filet mignon is like a staple of any decent food establishment. Sure, it’s not the easiest cut to cook but if it is on the menu, there is a minimum expectation that is set when it is ordered. I had to send a filet back to the kitchen at The Wild Goose a total of 3 times.

The filet mignon was asked to be cooked “medium” because it’s how I prefer it. The moment I put my fork to it I already knew – it was well done. Just a little overcooked is fair however it’s just not what I wanted to eat tonight – I wanted a juicy filet mignon and I wanted to enjoy my meal. Thankfully the very attentive and friendly person who was bringing us our food noticed, apologized, confirmed that I asked for it “medium,” took the dry steak back, and came back with a new filet just a few minutes later. But… the moment the second filet was placed down on the table…once again, I already knew. Cutting straight down the middle, I parted it and was surprised because it wasn’t rare - it was raw.

After being excited all day at the premise of having a semi-normal night out again like we used to have pre-covid, I now rather opted to finish the night at home and asked for the food to be packed when filet #3 came out - At this point, I can’t say that I was motivated to stay and find out if the third time's the charm after it was taken back to once more be re-cooked.

I'm really having a hard time remembering the rest of the meal over the memory of sitting there for about 30 minutes waiting for a steak to be cooked 3 times but: the risotto croquettes were creamy, fried, and cheesy spheres of deliciousness; the grilled octopus was well-accompanied by the sauce and veggie medley that it came in.

I’m sorry about the review but thank you for your...

This review is for May 11, 2021

My parents were in town for my daughter’s second birthday, and since we are fairly new in town ourselves, we decided to stay close to home and The Wild Goose seemed like a great spot for dinner.

As a former restaurant professional for the better part of two decades, I can understand the apprehension on any professional server’s face when a small child sits down at the table…but that look never crossed our server, Alanis’s, face…not once.

The service was attentive, kind, helpful and efficient. I can’t say enough nice things about how great our dinner experience was. Sometimes the service is often overlooked in reviews but The Wild Goose staff went above and beyond…and for that, I thank you.

We ordered several different items from the menu. My wife got the gnocchi, which was light and flavorful. My daughter isn’t a kid’s menu kid, so the Mediterranean platter was perfect…and I got the duck breast. Now, I’m not sure I’ve ever used the word “decadent” in the same sentence as “farro”, but I did that night…the duck was definitely tender but the creamy farro stayed with me, and I look forward to ordering that dish again soon.

Throughout the entire dinner, all the way to the candle in my kid’s dessert, we felt as if dining out was truly back in the swing of things.

If The Wild Goose is on your radar, and you haven’t pulled the trigger yet, get there ASAP…you won’t be...

In a world that too often turns a blind eye to those most in need, it is nothing short of extraordinary to witness an act of pure, unprompted humanity—especially within a bustling restaurant. At this establishment, not only was the food exceptional—culinary excellence in every sense—but what left the most indelible impression was an act of compassion that transcended the ordinary.

As I dined, an elderly unhoused woman quietly entered. Rather than being dismissed, ignored, or hastily ushered out—a tragically common response—the hostess received her with a grace and warmth that can only be described as profound. She was allowed to use the facilities without question or judgment, and when she returned, the waitress gently handed her a soda to go, along with a few kind words. No cameras. No performance. Just sincere, human decency.

This kind of quiet dignity, extended to someone so often marginalized, speaks volumes about the ethos of this place. Any establishment that nourishes both body and soul—without prejudice—deserves not only recognition, but the loyalty of us all.

If you are looking for more than just an outstanding meal—if you seek a place where kindness still lives and breathes—look no further. The food will delight you. The spirit of the people here will...