Newest Addition to Downtown White Salmon: Gander & Goose
White Salmon’s newest addition to Downtown is the stunning cocktail bar, Gander and Goose, owned and operated by Sam Schauer.
The vibe inside this gorgeous bar is sexy and inviting, with dark, rich colors of forest green leather seating, deep red velvet curtains, and a black walnut bar top custom-made from a tree harvested on Eugene Street in Hood River. The vintage booths were brought back to life with the help of Sam’s friends–another built the back booth and the liquor shelves with Douglas Fir, and the spectacular wallpaper hung by yet another. The lighting is low and moody, and you can’t help but feel you’ve walked into a bar operating far longer than just a few weeks, as it’s buzzing with locals and visitors alike, all curious to experience what’s inside this glamorous new space!
Gander & Goose focuses on botanical cocktails that celebrate the region in which we live. There are nearly a dozen handcrafted cocktails on the list, (but Sam will be happy to conjure up whatever you have in mind if it’s on hand!) There is beer on draft, bottles and cans, a ‘house’ red wine, a ‘house’ white, and a Pét Nat for those who love bubbles! And appropriately, The Color Collector’s (Bethany Kimmel) carbonic Gamay.
The menu is gluten-free, with vegan options, and revolves around savory waffles made of crispy rice with delicious toppings like spicy tuna or roasted veggies—or choose potato waffles with bacon, spinach, and cheddar or applesauce and sour cream! There are several other options and lots of ‘extras’ to choose from to make your own personal combo if you so desire.
We asked Sam a few questions about his journey…
Why did you choose to open a bar here in White Salmon?
I’ve long wanted to open a cocktail bar, but the vision didn’t mature until I moved to the Gorge during the pandemic. The botanical diversity of the region and the community here–-foragers, winemakers, chefs, craft brewers, food lovers—are inspiring and have also been incredibly supportive.
I’ve been in love with the Gifford Pinchot National Forest for 20 years, and looking for the right time and opportunity to live here. The pandemic, challenging as it was, was also a time of opportunity, so I jumped at the chance to finally make the move.
What has been the most challenging thing about opening a new business?
The most challenging thing about it so far has been the plumbing. This space is one of the oldest buildings in White Salmon—it’s been a kindergarten, an art gallery, and a real estate office, among other things—it was very expensive to plumb in the bar.
What has been the best thing you’ve experienced?
The satisfaction of finally being open! I’m most excited to keep looking for new flavors and flavor combinations foraged from and specific to the region. I’ve got a few batches of house Amaro and other infusions and ingredients to debut over the course of the Winter. Staying creative keeps me going, and working for myself presents the perfect opportunity to do just that.
How did you decide on the name Gander & Goose?
Soča (a local wine shop/bar) became the unofficial incubator to the entire project—a place that both inspired me to take the leap, and whose owner, Bethany Kimmel, not only helped name the bar but was also a wonderful resource and empathetic sounding-board during the entire process. I was sitting there writing down names and bouncing them off Jerica and Bethany for feedback. I thought to myself, one thing I’ll never do is use the cliché naming convention of “Something & Something”—think Salt & Straw, Grain & Gristle—which was the exact moment that “Goose & Gander” popped into my head! Except for that one, I said to myself and wrote it down. Mentioning it to Bethany, she was of the opinion that “Gander & Goose” had a better ring to it, and I agreed! After developing the vision and aesthetic a bit more, it was clear that Gander & Goose was the winner.
You mentioned your mother was involved in this venture with you; tell us more.
I couldn’t have done this without her energy and support. A big chunk of the start-up money came from the sale of her home, and she took the rest and bought a truck/camper that she’s been living in for the past year and a half. We’d originally planned to use the money for a down payment on land, but the current state of the economy and a less-than-ideal position on the economic ladder put that on hold, so she’s literally all in on Gander & Goose. The hope is that in a few years we’ll be able to buy and or build a home. She is also responsible for the hand-sewn red velvet curtains in the bar, and our homemade applesauce used for one of our waffles.
Gander & Goose is located at 218 E Jewett Boulevard and is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 4:00 to 10:00 (ISH).
We couldn’t be happier that you landed here in White Salmon!
Photos & Interview by Jana Shepherd
