Downtown Napa is getting some action in the new year, with three new restaurants who have opened their doors and are ready to be embraced by the locals.
Grace’s Table
Stats: Seats up to 60 guests for lunch. Breakfast and dinner hours are in the works.
Owners: Chef Mauro Pando and wife Nancy Lindaas-Pando
Back Story: The culinary couple has lived in Napa for three years. Their new eatery has taken over the space that was formerly Pizza Azzurro and later Elements.
Cuisine: Casual bistro selections like quiche, soups, salads, and entrees like risotto.
Location: Second and Franklin streets at 1400 Franklin St.
Norman Rose Tavern
Stats: The restaurant can seat about 70 inside and another 18 on the patio, and offers a private dining space for up to 20. On Monday, the tavern opens fully for both lunch and dinner.
Owners: Veteran restaurateurs Michael and Christina Gyetvan of Azzurro Pizzeria fame.
Back Story: Michael Gyetvan confided that part of the draw to open Norman Rose Tavern was the location across from the 141-room Avia Hotel.
Cuisine: Casual tavern-type menu items like Five Dot Ranch cheeseburgers.
Location: 1401 First St. in the Napa Square building, which takes up most of block of Napa Square.
Mini Mango Thai Bistro
Stats: Opened on December 6 for lunch and dinner.
Owners: Husband-and-wife team Mee and Cherry Pengchareon
Back Story: The Pengchareon’s background includes seven years at Signature Thai restaurant in San Rafael.
Cuisine: We think the name says it all, but here are some sample selections: Thai-style grilled skirt steak with mint and citrus vinaigrette, chicken coconut soup; ten tiger prawns with curry, kaffir lime, and cashews; and the “Eight Elements Wrap” house specialty with lemongrass marinated grilled shrimp combined with coconut, peanuts, lime and other ingredients wrapped in spinach.
Location: 1408 Clay St., which has seen tenents like Bleaux Magnolia, Posticino, and Cafe Lucy, across the street from Exertec.
