The Blue Door: Golden Goose Restaurant Transformed

The former Golden Goose looks the same outside, but the menu has changed dramatically.

The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery has been operating as the Blue Door since July, despite the outward appearance that it's still the Golden Goose. But local diners seem to be catching on that this is something completely different.  Owner Mike Bruno got his start on the bakery side of the Golden Goose, which was owned by his mother-in-law, Annemarie Leipply, before he bought and took over the operation this year.  Rather than plow a lot of money into changing the physical appearance, Bruno is putting his money into a veteran staff of chefs to prepare fresh, mostly made from scratch meals with local food sources whenever possible (salmon and scallops are kind of tough to find in Ohio). The changes in appearance will be more gradual as budget …

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Amanda Harnocz

11:44 am on Friday, December 2, 2011

This is within walking distance from my house, I can't wait to try it!   more ›

Bites Nearby: Bacchus Lounge

Bacchus shares roof and ownership with Russo's; less formal (and less pricy) menu.

I set out to review something other than burgers this week, but fate was having none of that.  I haven't been to Russo's for quite a while, so I thought this would be a good opportunity for a foodie experience. As I pulled in to a nearly deserted parking lot, I wondered if it had suddenly closed. No, I was early for the 5 p.m. dinner start. But, the host said, Bacchus Lounge in back is open if you want to wait there and we'll come get you when a table is ready.  Well, I settled in at Bacchus and never looked back. Fate had other plans. Thursday, it turns out, is $5 Burger Night at Bacchus. Ah, fate, you win again. So a $5 burger it was, with red beans and rice ($4), and a salty snack (free!) to nibble on while waiting for the burger to …

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Bites Nearby: Nicolinni’s Takes Up Residence at Former Montrose Bennigan’s

New place with roots in Youngstown area has a few kinks to work out, but worth a visit.

Nicolinni’s at 85 W. Montrose Ave. (the former Bennigan’s) has been open for three months, and still has a few kinks to work out. Having said that, I recommend you stop by and try some decades-old family Italian recipes and some fare that you won’t find at the average chain restaurant. The lunch crowd had begun emptying out on a recent visit, so seating was readily available when I stopped by. The decor has an understated Old World feel. The most striking change was at the bar: Gone are the hanging lamps. A partial wall drops down from the ceiling with recessed lights illuminating the bar. There is a new bartop. Adding an unexpected touch of authenticity was a foursome at the next booth chatting amiably in Italian. The TV at the bar with …