Don't let the facade of a nondescript strip mall deter the foodie in you from venturing into NOCA- short for north of Camelback. Open kitchen with seating, high tops and tables, NOCA has the vibe of true foodie joint that is hitting its stride.....Read on
Let's start with owner Elliot working the door to make you feel at home even though you may live 2,500 miles away and the waiter's waiter - Carl- with a table side manner, sense of humor and Radar O'Reilly timing - this guy was on. And I mean invisible on. His table tending was Marine-quality.
Oh and how about his wine coaching ? Like talking the diner off an east coast "ghost" of a wine (they have 7 different Turley' Zins on the wine list) and suggesting a less expensive but more appropriate tempranillo?
When was the last time that happened?
Let's cover the tasting menu offered the night our group was there-insanely priced at $55 - which began with a duck confit that tasted like it was lifted off the menu of a ninth arrondissement bistro...into a comfy linguini paired with a traditional (and light ) sauce...we've now been to France and Italy and I haven't gotten to the main course......a flat iron steak - just coasting to the right temperature as it was delivered with its side of onions, spinach , whipped potatoes and ...some crispy bone marrow about the size of a button. Fashion forward for a foodie...but clever enough to make you smile. The kitchen has a sense of humor - just ask for the "bacon and egg" appetizer.....
Also offered that night was a lamb t-bone paired with maitake mushrooms, cauliflower lentils and arugula..... this dish was solid enough to take a glass or two of a Turley Zin. Seafood was covered by the offering of an opalescent cobia with cippolina onions in orbit, a green garlic puree for depth and a red pepper syrup for some additional sweetness. Plated like a photo shoot and tastier still, this dish showed that the kitchen has a gentle side as well.
Now when the Brit at the table cannot remember having a better sticky toffee pudding dessert, even at his Aunt Penelope's house in Basingstoke, you know you have winner pastry chef as well.
Proper service and table tending, a wine list that covers all price points and some tasty cocktails make NOCA one of the most memorable dinners I've enjoyed a long time.