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| - Thou shouldst eat to live not live to eat . Well, Socrates, it appears I shall fail this until the day I die.
I realize that I have been remiss in my yelping reviewing places that are new but not those that are part of my everyday life, so I am going to spend a little time giving back to those places and people that really make my life better. The best place to start is the top and this may seem like a major homage, but I am all about the details and that is where NOCA reigns supreme.
The first detail for me is the design aesthetic at NOCA. It is very minimalistic but with something for everyone. There is a patio that has this one table that should you wish to watch magic happen you can sit at and peer straight down the kitchen line. Inside you can get a similar view if you choose to sit at the bar along the kitchen. Then there is a mixture of tables that offers something for everyone. Do you like high tables, low tables, chairs, booths? Well there are all of these options. There is also nothing in the decor that detracts from the food. There is just a clean warmth with mirrors to enlarge space and interesting light bulb fixtures so you can see the food's beauty.
In regards to the sound volume, in an open room there will always be a bit of noise, but I have been to NOCA for intimate occasions and work reasons and never felt it overpowering or that I was not able to hear. Better yet people can hear me and I have voice that sometimes people don't hear. The most fascinating sound though is the music. Not one trip to NOCA has been without my husband smiling about some song that he loves. Is this strange? Well consider that my husband is into underground rap. That said fear not because really the music is a feast for the ears regardless of your style. I assure you there are many people in NOCA that probably don't even know such a style exists and I have never seen anyone cringe.
The staff deserve their own mention. We were at NOCA last night and the busser made my night. Yes, I said the busser and note that it was the Sunday before labor day and they were very busy. This same busser has been with them I think for almost the entire time they have been in business and he could give lessons to some of the staff at Kai. On this particular occasion I was in wonderment about the dessert, which on a basic level was a peanut butter s'more sundae but let me say was actually a feast for every taste bud I possess. I made a couple of comments about it to him and poof out of nowhere he made another appear. That is staff empowerment plus the power of listening at it's best.
The main runner has also been there for awhile and is typically at the top of her game and service is generally professional yet warm. Now the best member of staff is also the owner, Eliot, and he truly does exemplify to me what it is like when someone takes their passion and makes it their life's career. Here is another example from yesterday. I called to see if there was availability for two and he says, "Donna, always for you." Now did I think he really knew by my voice it was me, doubtful, I think he is excellent with his caller ID, but how much more "Disney" do you get with the customer experience? Not only is he busy greeting, seating, and thanking the guests who walk through NOCA's door, he is always watching the floor, checking with guests as needed, making sure his staff is on point. I am sure every neuron in his brain is firing from the moment he ushers in the first guest until we have all left. Oh, and said busser last night saw us leaving and Eliot not being right there and rushed over to say thank you and open the door.
At this point do you wonder if I just go for the mood or the service? Not a chance! While I have always liked to eat, I confess I was exceptionally picky prior to my husband and to this day I am not as open as I wish I could be, especially on the vegetable front. Short of brussels sprouts though I am willing to put my fork into everything plated before me at NOCA. Chris and his team create such a symphony of tastes that you are open to trying things just to see how it all works together. The crudos are out of this world. I love sushi and this is the Italian style worked over by Chris's genius palate and always a winner. The only time I am disappointed is when it is sold out, but better that then ever getting anything less than the fresh perfection their fish always has. Recently NOCA was named best fish restaurant in Phoenix and I was the first to say no doubt!! I don't ever feel i could have done better in any city regardless of how close to the water and there just isn't a soul out there that cooks it any better. Soups, salads, pastas, meats, oh and beverages (fabulous wine, but also try their mixed drinks!!)
I am out of room so my final note is that this is the dining bar for me in Phoenix and I thank Eliot and Chris for all of their hard work which I am sure is immense.
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