NOPA

I'm in San Francisco this morning.  Typical winter morning. Cool, crisp, foggy upon awakening and now sunny as I sit at brunch.  I rode the trolly from Embarcadero to Market and Van Ness and proceeded to leisurely stroll to NOPA, the district of town and now what I'll venture to say my favorite brunch spot in all the City.  The atmosphere is warm, inviting, open, conversationally loud but pleasant enough to hear those around you or your thoughts without distraction if solo.  It reminds me of Clyde Common in Portland, OR which hands down was my favorite restraunt during my Pacific Northwwest stint.  NOPA's menu is complexly simple.  Educated and elegant cocktails with Cava as the base.  Organic, hearty yet a bit daring dishes as simple as a Cream Biscuit accompanied with pumpkin butter and as complex as wood grilled green chorizo with creamy farro or even a goat cheese bread pudding with fennel and barhi dates.  Odd to comment on the restroom facilities butni find them ingenious. They have one small solo womens, one small solo mens and one unisex. In the middle of them is a common area mirror and 3 sink wash. Brilliant again to continue with the warm, welcoming, and community atmosphere.  
As i returned to the bar, I ordered.  My choices for the day were progressive.  I took my time at the elongated concrete bar as it filled faster then the main dining area.  I started with an Americano and Negroni Frizzante and added the Chicory Salad.  The salad was phenomenal! Pomegranate fuyu persimmon and bacon topped it. Talk about complextion and complimentary flavors!  Upon completion of the meal I ended and contemplated over a Supernova.   It was delightful.  It's a champagne cocktail with a dash of ten-year-old Ardberg whiskey, vanilla tincture, raw sugar (that settles to the bottom so it doesn't override the cava) and an orange twist that permeates the slightest yet perfect amount of zest both to the taste buds and nostrils.   A beautiful end to a Beautiful brunch. Next time in the City I highly recommend NOPA.  There is upstairs seating that I may ask for next time. It's open and overlooks the entire place. There are a good amount of booths and tables as well as a few height community style seating arrangements.  Thus whether your flying solo, with a date, or together amongst friends, NOPA will surely deliver.  Now onto meandering Divis and the Western Addition area to see what my future home consist of!  Cheers to you all, wherever you may be and whatever you want your Saturday the 29th of December, 2012 to be.  May your year end in beauty and the new year begin in focused sustainable intentionality.

Cheers from the City,

sc