Hiddenbrooke Foodies at the Norman Rose
Norman Rose Tavern, in Napa is (in case you didn’t know) quite the happening place. Before Jan, Cindy and I went to dinner, I checked out the place with my husband. To our surprise who was sitting next to us but- Masihara Morimoto… of Iron Chef and The Food Network fame!! Turns out he’s been spotted a lot 
around Napa, preparing for the opening of his newest restaurant close to the river.
Norman Rose serves pub food, but highly evolved pub food. Burgers, sandwiches,
appetizers, salads, desserts and comfort food sides (the Mac/cheese was calling to me, but I resisted!). More room for wine, which by the way is nicely represented on the menu. If you would rather BYO, the corkage fee is $15.00- reasonable. While Norman Rose is not a micro brewery, it does feature lots of local brews to enjoy while you await your dinner or watch one of the two TVs mounted over the bar, as well as cocktails.
You have your choice of seating: on the patio, inside and of course at the bar. The crowd was mixed on the night we went – families, singles, couples, all mixed in with locals and tourists. No reservations are required (unless you have a party of eight or more) and the wait is rarely more than 10 minutes –we were seated immediately. The atmosphere is modern, cozy and comfortable. Noise level was okay, but I’m not sure I’d recommend it for a date night. 
Our server was perhaps a tad pushy – okay, she was downright annoying. We wanted to settle in, check the menus and wine lists. She wanted us to order within the first five minutes. Every time we said we needed more time, she was all smiles and “no hurry at all.” Five minutes later, there she was back again! Other than that our time at Norman Rose was super. She did relent by the end of our evening. I suppose she figured we weren’t going anywhere fast.
We decided on the spinach/cheese dip appetizer for the table. It was a GIGANTIC portion and could easily have fed four to six persons. Complete with grilled toast points- it was a perfect cheesy beginning to our meal.
Cindy and Jan ordered burgers. FYI: these Five Dot Ranch burgers give new meaning to the locavore term “know your food.” Have you ever seen the cattle grazing on our canyon hills? If you have, then you’ve met your dinner! The beef is fabulous – organic, grass fed, cooked to your taste AND finished off with your choice of toppings. If beef isn’t your thing… don’t worry- lots of other proteins to choose from. Vegan or vegetarian? You won’t be disappointed – lots of amazing sides and salads.
I got an adult version of a grilled cheese – gooey, warm, melty cheesy goodness!!! It was served with pickles and a smoky tomato sauce for dipping. Well, as Rachel Ray would say – YUMMO! I would order that again. We rounded out our meal by splitting a bowl of homemade French fries. Again, the portion would have generously served 4 or more persons. The three of us polished them off nicely. I should be embarrassed, but am not – they were that good. Oh yes, we had ours with sea salt and grated parmesan cheeses. Like truffles? Order yours with grated parmesan and truffles – decadent!
We had no room for dessert- maybe next time. Our total tab for wine corkage, appetizer and three entrees was about $70.00. If you’re looking for a modern pub with excellent food, attentive service and value for your dollars, I suggest you give it a try. All of us loved the location. Downtown Napa has lots to offer and a walk after dinner might be just the thing to work off those luscious fries.
Until we eat again….. Marcia
The Norman Rose Tavern
1401 1st Street, Napa
(707) 258-1516
http://www.normanrosenapa.com/
- Array