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| - I've been to NOCA three times since this Summer. I'd say 2 times were ridiculously good and the other was just awesome. All food at NOCA is fresh, flavorful and well prepared without being overwhelmed by too many ingredients. Simple, straight forward, interesting and creative food. The steak is excellent by the way. I'll give two examples of their creativity. First, the mussels: Please know I'm ok with mussels but don't go out of my way to find the best place that has them because I find most places prepare them similarly-a bit of butter, shallots, white wine, simmer/steam/serve. NOCA however is not the same in a great way. Chorizo bits in the broth you say? WTF I say? Hmmm, interesting I think. Then I ADD think- I love my swine, pork makes anything taste better, I must try these. ADD then takes me a bit farther into the conversation at the end of Pulp Fiction between John Travolta(Vincent Vega) and Samuel L. Jackson(Jules Winnfield) about why Jules won't eat swine. Ok, no more ADD...I'm back. That was all of about one minute in my head. Disturbing I know. So, the mussels arrive and taste excellent. The chorizo makes that dish oh so flavorful and savory. My other example is the Lobster Roll, which is served only on Wednesdays. Again, I'm not a person who goes out of my way for Lobster but after reading about it on here, I decide to partake. Sweet Baby Jesus, this is the Bombay. Take the lobster by itself and it would be very good but put it inside the brioche bread soaked in herb butter and it is the best! I know believe in a higher power. Can they serve this on Sunday for brunch and I'll attend services here? So, in short or long if you will, the food is awesome from appetizers through dessert. The staff is friendly, courteous and on top of it. The Owner, Elliott, knows his food and wine(one of the best wine lists in Phoenix) and is a great host and has an outstanding sense of humor. Go here often!
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