May 082016
Situated on the corner of Orange and Virginia, Nova, a long anticipated restaurant has finally arrived and is making quite the splash. With outdoor seating, a swanky bar and fascinating menu, Nova may just be your new go-to spot for drinks or date night.
A few weeks ago we visited and wrote about our first experience here, since then we’ve returned for multiple visits and had to share more of their dishes. The menu at NOVA is inspired by Executive Chef Valintinus Domingo’s lifetime of travels as well as his southern and Pacific Islander roots. Here is a rundown of Chef Val’s offering we were able to sample last week.
- Ahi Tuna Tostadas: This dish showcased Chef Val’s ability to blend multiple influences into a harmonious and well balanced dish. The ahi tuna in this dish is lightly dusted with cumin before being seared. These flavors are accompanied with house-made guacamole and a wasabi emulsification allowing you to assemble the perfect combination for a bite on a cracker…….and if you are looking for a gluten free option, Chef has thoughtfully included thinly sliced radishes as a sub for the cracker.
- Sesame-Crusted Calamari: Coated in flour, buttermilk and Sriracha, the fork tender calamari were served hot and coated in a sweet Thai chili vinaigrette alongside bell peppers, onions, and garnished micro greens.
- Grouper: This fish was very light and flaky and paired with a lemon-caper pan sauce. This fish is accompanied with a fresh chickpea salad, sautéed artichoke and heirloom cherry tomatoes.
- Lobster and Crab Ravioli– The richness of the lobster and crab is encapsulated in house made pasta ravioli. The sherry cream sauce makes this dish light, sophisticated and very enjoyable.
- Duck Fat Fried Chicken: We have to say that Chef Val’s take on this indulgent dish lived up to our high expectations. The use of the mild duck fat allowed for a mild undertone of the Sriracha buttermilk coating to give the chicken a mild, yet satisfying flavor. This dish is well rounded with braised collards and smoked Gouda mac n’ cheese. Feeling guilty yet? Don’t worry, not only does cooking in duck fat allow for tender meat and crispy skin, duck fat contains 6.3 grams of “good” monounsaturated fat so this dish is arguably a health food!
- The 1409 Burger: Rumor has it this is one of the best burgers in town…….we can’t argue with that! Served on a cutting board with over-easy egg, we were immediately put on notice to roll up our selves. The savory short rib patty and the white cheddar melded perfectly with the slight sweetness of the pecan-smoked bacon. And don’t worry about the cutting board not containing all the juiciness of this burger, the soft brioche bun does just the trick to soak up all the goodness!
- NOVA also has an excellent cocktail program, here are a few of our favorites:
- West Indies Mule: In the sunshine state, we are always on the lookout for a refreshing boat drink to help us escape the summer heat. This innovative take on a mule uses fresh lime juice, Kirk and Sweeney rum, Giffard Ginger of the Indies liquor, and is finished with Bittermans Tiki bitters.
- Nova Manhattan: We enjoyed the presentation and smoothness of this libation. The sweet and dryness of Kinahans Irish Whiskey pairs very well with the rich and drier styled Dolin Rouge vermouth for a very satisfying take on the classic.
Haven’t visited NOVA yet? Add this spot to your “must try” list!