What do you get when you combine a lifelong passion for cooking, hot sauce and a goat named Clover? You get Heber’s newest neighborhood eatery, The Old Goat!
Ryan and April Estel opened their doors this November and they couldn’t be more excited to bring their vision and culinary flair to the Heber Valley. “I am not reinventing the wheel,” says Ryan. “I just love to get creative with what I am given.”
This creativity is evidenced by his incredible menu. Ryan manages to pack more flavor and options into a simple menu than most chefs would think possible.
Ryan grew up in the culinary world. As a child he watched his executive chef father man the line, and his first job was as a dishwasher in his kitchen. As he got older, he picked up kitchen techniques and skills from his father and other professionals in the culinary world.
While Ryan did attend culinary school, it only took one semester for him to realize he just wanted to cook and create. From his first line cook position to being the head chef at one of Deer Valley’s prized restaurants, Ryan has been classically trained on the job. Over the course of his career, he has cultivated the real-world experience and grit needed to strike out on his own.
California Couple Goes Utahn
Ryan and April were high school friends in California, but never really connected until five years ago on Facebook. Soon after reconnecting, they came to visit Utah and fell in love – with Utah and each other. They moved here soon after, bought a house, got married and added another daughter to their family.
“We came here for a better life for our children,” April says.
Ryan and April are very family-oriented and want to focus a lot of energy on what they call “Family Meals.” These menu items are an entire home-cooked meal, big enough to feed a family of four to six for a reasonable price. “We want our community to have family meals that are affordable and hearty,” Ryan explains.
The Goat Cuisine
The Old Goat serves American cuisine with a local twist. “We want to stay as local as possible when It comes to our ingredients,” April says. The menu items feature locally-produced beef, produce, breads and cheeses.
Everything from scratch is their goal. “Also, we want to feature as much seasonal produce and food items possible,” Ryan explains. This means the menu will change often – keeping it fresh, seasonal and delicious.
In addition to the regular menu, The Old Goat features a full salad bar that includes a delicious soup du jour. The salad bar can be ordered by itself or added it to any lunch or dinner entrée. “Our goal is to provide a salad bar where our guests can get a full meal, if they choose, from the bar.” April explains.
The restaurant will also feature Chef’s Specials each evening. “We want to provide something for everyone, even the pickiest of eater in your family,” says April.
A house favorite is Teddy’s Ribeye. This steak is seasoned with the house rub, cast iron seared to perfection and topped with roasted garlic and herb butter. Served with tempura shrimp, rosemary fingerling potatoes and charred Brussels sprouts with crispy pancetta and gorgonzola, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
The Old Goat is an exciting addition to our growing community. This family-friendly eatery features creative, comforting meals from local sources, handcrafted from scratch by one of the valley’s most talented chefs.
While there isn’t any goat on the menu just yet, you’re guaranteed to find something mouth-wateringly delicious at The Old Goat.
