Lotta buzz, best meal in a while. I like that they close late

We showed up way early for a pre-concert dinner, they open at 6pm so we sat down at the bar and checked out the place over drinks (good mojitos, nice ass bar). The retrofitted high ceiling (original roof?) was a real nice touch, digging the room

I wasn't sure sitting upstairs was all that but it gave us a great spot to spy on people. We got to sit promptly around 6, the blonde hostess was quite nice. Our waitress on the other hand kinda put a damper on my Nopa hype (been reading about the place and asked people what to eat etc). She was basically kinda bitchy, I know, my (advanced) humor isn't really for everyone but someone waiting tables basically needs to be able to smile (fembots rule)

After ordering, they served us a little amuse bouche, raw radish with butter and salt (French style if you asked me). The salt remains on the table since there's only pepper so that is rather unique.

We settled on two appetizers and two entrees. The baked cheese was simple and delivered. You'd have to like goat cheese though. The pork riblets (looked like ribs to me.. anyway, it's supposed to be spicy but not that much) was the highlight of the meal, major tenderness. Only thing missing was bread or some kinda vegetables/potatos (they have 4 sides on the menu)

The bartender recommended the chicken (so does basically everyone in the bay area) but that is so overrated. It's in the end.. just chicken. I can't really get excited about it, maybe the only thing was how some herbs were under the skin.. it's really minor. The other entree was the seafood stew, quite deelish actually.

The sole was out and its substitute (sturgeon) didn't seem too appealing. I read the burger was safe (popular item, also cheapest entree at $12) but I'm not feeling that at restaurants. I've been told all the appetizers are great ($5-9) so I may get more of em next time. No room for desserts but heard crème fraiche is to die for (no longer on the menu)

Nopa stands for [No]rth of [Pa]nhandle. I'd go back, just to hang out with the hostess. 1am closing time is unique (perfect for concerts at the Independent less than a block away)


2nd visit
- seafood stew still good
- friend got pork chop which was pretty good (not dry)


To try
- flat bread with lamb sausage
- fried anchovies

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Posted	Tuesday, June 20, 2006 @ 5:43:40 PM (898 days ago)
Tags	food / sanfrancisco
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