Usually, the Thanksgiving holiday is off the table for me—mostly because of its historical ramifications and the lingering resentments tied to the ongoing genocide and absolute holocaust against Native people, culture, and traditions. You know, little things that don't align with Ryan Walter's mythological version of patriotic American history.
That being said… damn, I really want some roasted turkey!
Around the holiday season, most restaurants, diners, and fast-food joints roll out special meal deals. These often feature a mishmash of Thanksgiving-themed dishes for the caustic celebration—ranging from unsavory Tofurky bites to large cranberry sauce pizzas with extra gravy.
That’s exactly what I was looking for when I decided to honk my way over to the new sandwich shop in town—The Goose (1210 N. Hudson Ave.).
I went there last week, and lunch was already in full swing. Among the stuffed shirts and bedraggled bohemians, I knew what I wanted for dinner: the “Without the In-Laws” turkey day-inspired sandwich.
My girlfriend, on the other hand, took her time and went with the namesake sandwich, The Goose ($13.00)—a cold Italian creation loaded with capicola, salami, pepperoni, mortadella, asiago-ricotta, lemon-tossed arugula, and a generous dollop of her favorite Southern-based mayonnaise, Duke’s, to top it all off.
While it didn’t have the cornucopia-based ring of my order, the Goose was very tasty on multiple levels. The various meats were highly virtuous, with the capicola, salami and the pepperoni being the fan-favorite. The savory Duke’s mayonnaise was a great addition and a true topper.
If it’s not a national holiday, give the Goose—the sandwich—your time and money.
I took a few bites of her sandwich in the formal act of reviewing the place, but, truth be told, I was on pins and needles to try my own order: the Without the In-Laws ($16.00)—the feast I had been eagerly awaiting.
Crafted from the indulgent traditions of a gluttonous holiday feast, this specialty open-faced sandwich was served on a toasted ciabatta base, topped with hand-carved turkey breast, house-made stuffing, a drizzle of sweet-and-sour cranberry gastrique, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Accompanied by a side of Goose-Style potato salad, it arrived on a humble paper plate but was presented like the world’s most priceless avatar of every leftover meal I’ve ever loved. And love it, I did! Packed with the juiciest turkey and the most flavorful, boisterous stuffing, it was a true holiday treat—without any of the guilt or baggage of 600+ years of Thanksgiving oppression.
Stuffed to the brim, I’d typically pay the tab and head out—pumpkin pie may be the stereotypical dessert, but I can get that anytime. This time, however, I couldn’t resist trying the Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich ($6.00). And let me tell you—come Christmas, it’s definitely making its way onto my holiday treat list.
So, while I’ll set aside a day of national mourning on the 28th, you better believe that on the 29th, I’ll be heading back to The Goose for one final lunch before this classy turkey sandwich is gone, gone, gone.
Cómpralo ya!
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Follow Louis Fowler on Instagram at @louisfowler78.
