Gordo's growing good rep in Norwood

Gordo's in Norwood serves a black bean burger with a side of roasted veggies (front) and grilled salmon with two veggie sides (roasted veggies and sauteed green beans). (Credit: Provided)

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Raymond Gordo has been a Norwood resident since he was 16 and has worked in the food business just about as long, including jobs as sous-chef at the late, great Pho Paris, one of Jean-Robert de Cavel's ventures, as well as chef de cuisine for de Cavel's catering operation at Newport on the Levee.

Almost a year ago, he bought his own place and opened Gordo's Pub and Grill in a modest Norwood location across from the public library on Montgomery Road. But "it's not fine dining," Gordo says. "It's simple and affordable, where prices are average and the service is good."

For a place that hasn't advertised, has low-key signage - I drove by twice while looking for it - and has received scant publicity, Gordo's was doing a remarkably brisk dinner business on the weeknight we visited.

The eclectic crowd ranged in age from small groups of twentysomethings to parents with their kids and a few seniors. Diners seated near us came not only from Norwood but also from Oakley, Clifton and as far afield as West Chester Township. Many were repeat customers, and we soon learned why.

The menu lists seven half-pound burgers ($6.50-$7.50), all served with fries, the most interesting of which are the Jean-Robert (ground beef mixed with bacon, onions, blue cheese and other ingredients); the Gordo's (hamburger topped with poblano chilies, mushrooms, onions, smoked bacon and Boursin cheese) and the Black Bean (bean patty with roasted veggies, tomato, lettuce and melted American cheese). I ordered that last one, in part because a diner at the next table said it was delicious.

I substituted a side of roasted veggies for fries, and my husband had the Herb Encrusted Salmon ($13.50) with sautéed green beans and the roasted veggies. Two thumbs up on the meal.

My husband also was impressed by the extensive beer list - by his count, about 50 bottles and a few on tap - and so he added a bottle of Stone IPA ($3.50) to our tab, which crowded our $25 limit. Forgo the beer, or have a burger with it instead of the entrée, and you'll have no trouble keeping the cost down.

Manager Jake Reed says Gordo's has developed a reputation as a good restaurant. Perhaps the beer list will start to draw Xavier students later in the evening.

Contact Pama Mitchell at www.healthyfoodies.blogspot.com

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