The City of Napa saw 12 new restaurants open in 2010, and yet somehow there are still more on the way, with each of them bringing something new to the mix.
A modern Japanese sports bar called ~EIKO’S~ will be opening next month in the old Piccolino’s storefront on First Street, across from Sala Salon. Massive, ruthless interior demolition at the site is changing the former cafeteria-like space into a modern lounge with an indoor firepit, seductive couch seating, a sleek bar, and a radically different vibe. The restaurant takes its name from Napa veteran Eiko Nakamura, who has run Fujiya at the outlets for 24 years, and who is the sushi master behind this tony new joint. Brazilian native Fellipe Estevez will bring flash and flavor as GM, having worked front of the house at such places as Aureole Las Vegas and Mastro’s Steakhouse in Beverly Hills. To help celebrate their opening, Eiko’s is offering a two-hour sushi and sashimi class on Sunday May 29th for $125 per person, which includes the class, a video of the class, a bottle of sake, lunch, and a take-home bamboo rolling mat. Call Fellipe to reserve: 310-804-1097. 1385 First St. between Franklin and Randolph, Napa.
The historic Old Adobe, whose sign proudly proclaims that it has been serving Mexican food since 1840, will soon be swapping its tacos for momos. According to the new tenant’s poster, Sausalito’s ~TASTE OF THE HIMALAYAS~ (not to be confused with Sonoma’s Taste of the Himalayas) will be opening a second location in Napa’s oldest surviving structure soon. This Taste of the Himalayas group seems to be angling for a more Slanted Door-like approach to Nepali cuisine, using local California ingredients to freshen up traditional dishes from the old country. Details are sketchy on when the Napa outpost will open (they have not returned my messages), and the space itself doesn’t look like a whole lot of activity is going on… but local lovers of inexpensive curries have their fingers crossed. 376 Soscol Ave. at Silverado Trail, Napa. No phone yet.
By 707 correspondent, Deirdre Bourdet.
Marcia Gagliardi is a freelance food writer in San Francisco. She writes a weekly column, Foodie 411 for the SFCVB on their “Taste” site; a monthly gossip column, “The Tablehopper” for The Northside; and regular features for Edible San Francisco. Her first book came out in March 2010: The Tablehopper’s Guide to Dining and Drinking in San Francisco: Find the Right Spot for Every Occasion.
