New in Town: the Goodwich
When the Goodwich opened downtown—away from Fremont—food options were slim. The idea of having an upscale sandwich shop in that part of town wasn’t exciting, it was downright revolutionary. During slow days at the store, Rich would journey to that temple of bread and spreads, returning with mouthwatering spoils. Since we closed down our store over a year ago, I’m sad to report we have not ventured back to the Goodwich. So you can understand the whiplash-level of elation we experienced when we drove past the new location in the SouthWest, so conveniently close to Summerlin.
We arrived at 7:30 on Friday, beating the dinner rush. A friendly server greeted and instructed us to choose our table. Rich always picked up the food from the downtown location, so I can’t go into a full comparison of the two locations’ atmospheres. However, Director of Operations Nichole Hegge was able to shed some light on the differences "Josh's vision is to give each location it's own identity, while still maintaining a few staples (the Reuben-ish, Egg Salad, Patty)…we really wanted to create an environment where people of all backgrounds would come and hangout with us, in a comfortable but refined setting and perhaps try something you wouldn't have before.”
The identity at the SouthWest location is contemporary meets industrial, with a dash of mod thrown in for good measure. A muted color palette allows the white benches and bar to stand out, creating a clean aesthetic. Nichole credits Developer J Dapper with the choice of opening the restaurant on Buffalo Dr. It makes sense. The Rainbow renaissance (my clever label for the culinary explosion on Rainbow Blvd.) continues to draw crowds. However, with at least six sushi and sushi burrito places, variety is very much needed.
And variety is the name of the game at the Goodwich. Their sandwiches erupt with an embarrassment of creative flavors and textures. The menu features seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Reflecting on what makes this restaurant special, Nichole asserts “Each of our menu items has a reason, a story behind it, we don't just add items for the sake of adding them. We give our twist to each dish, and hopefully bring you something familiar but different…almost everything is made in-house.”
I experienced the thoughtfulness that went into crafting my meal when I bit into the Street Corn sandwich. Crunchy, sweet, creamy, smooth, and salty—all between two slices of fluffy bread. On the side, sliced pickles (clearly made in-house) offered a briny, tart foil to the flavor festival that unfolded in my mouth. You know that groan you make when something is so tasty you can’t contain the joy? Yeah, I did that. A few times.
To accompany the food, after great deliberation, I chose the Earl Grey Ginger Beer. I need to come back to the Goodwich if only to try more of their non-alcoholic choices. With options like Dry Soda Rhubarb, Bundaberg Blood Orange Soda, and Wild Poppy Peppermint Lemonade Soda, I’m surprised I was able to even make a decision. The Ginger Beer was refreshing; with a bite that left a burning trail in my throat and a bitter coat on my tongue. This beverage is definitely an acquired taste and I plan on acquiring it.
That night, the Goodwich hosted a tasting event courtesy of Hop Valley Brewing Co. Patrons were treated to three samples and asked to vote on which one should join the ranks of beers served at the restaurant. In support of the LGBTQIA+ community in Las Vegas, the event also raised money for The Center. So much of what I encountered at the Goodwich painted the picture of good culinary citizens, positively contributing in any way they can.
When I asked Nichole how being part of the Las Vegas culinary scene influenced the Goodwich, here’s what she had to say “Working, collaborating and being friends with other chefs around Las Vegas pushes us to always be at the top of our game. We also find inspiration in what they are doing in their own restaurants, and we all want to see each other succeed. We are incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such talented, caring and creative individuals. The Las Vegas culinary community is close knit family and we are proud to be apart of that.”
I hope that each one of us can find inspiration in what this eatery is doing and apply it to our own lives. Whether it means being mindful of the businesses we support, giving back to the non-profits in our community, or simply being thoughtful about our work and how it affects others. The Goodwich is the cool (and delicious) neighborhood hangout the SouthWest needs. I also like to think—if only to flatter the area’s denizens—it’s the hangout they deserve.
