Downtown Napa is more than a place to go for wine tasting and buying. There are also wonderful eateries that serve delectable treats and delicious eats. Located at 1401 1st Street, this is a casual spot that serves casual food with upscale standards. The atmosphere is relaxed, perhaps with classic rock music in the background and table, booth, patio or bar options for seating. One can make themselves comfortable in shorts and a tank top, but regardless of attire, the service, as well as the food, is friendly and approachable.
http://www.normanrosenapa.com
Here are some of the things I've enjoyed.
Fries. One of those simple sides that are very difficult to get right. These were crisp on the outside and pillow-y on the inside; it's always a relief to hear that crunch on the first bite.
Chicken Wings. These wings had a spicy thai glaze on this day. I would give it a 1.5 on the spicy level scale (for me), so just a tickle, but the balance of sweet, sour, savory and spicy made these crunchy wings finger-licking good.
Fish and Chips. Always a favorite, and these were made with fresh fish. Each piece was expertly battered to achieve craggily crunch with steaming, flaky, white fish inside. The tartar sauce and lemon complemented the savory fish very well, and the fries were also crisp and satisfying.
Nachos. Not your average ball-park nachos. These chips were freshly fried in house, then topped with a generous portion of seasoned pulled pork, pickled jalapenos, drizzly cheese, salsa, sour cream and fresh cilantro, all for good measure. Each bite was a little different, but tasty all the same.
Fried Chicken Sandwich. This is one my favorite fried chicken sandwiches within a two-hour drive of the Bay Area. The chicken is juicy, brined and seasoned well, lightly coated with a cornmeal batter, flash fried until crispy and then encased in a fluffy brioche bun. The enhancements include fresh watercress, thinly sliced red onion, a tangy buttermilk dressing and a crunchy dill pickle on the side. It is balanced and hits all the textural components as well as flavor components. Another checkmark is that it's not too big and I can finish it in one sitting. This may be on the "con" side for some, but it is a "pro" for me.
Whenever fine dining is not on the menu, but I still want quality without all the fussiness, I will always opt for a stroll through downtown Napa to find good food. I will happily come back to this place over and over, as my cravings persist.
