Nopa's Great Truffle Dip

Instead of getting fried chicken one rainy night in San Francisco, the bf and I opted to go to Nopa. Throngs of smartly-dressed quasi-hipsters flanked the hostess desk as we got there. No way we'd get a table any time soon I thought. That said, we were nice, pleasantly goofy and apparently kind enough to be seated in less than 5 minutes of arriving.

We were seated centrally next to a table for four that was placed too closely to us. Later in the evening this social distance from the next table proved to work, good conversation with the guys sitting next to us, but in the end also a little too close as the point of social awkwardness, i.e., where each dining party should turn back to their dining companions passed us by.

Anyway, the evening started with an amuse bouche of a small piece of toast smeared with goat cheese. It was, as you would expect, a piece of toast with goat cheese. We ordered a warm bowl/plate with olives that, in the end, proved to be too large for two people to eat. The bf got the roast chicken while I opted for a hamburger and fries.

A hamburger you ask? I figured that a place that has confits, fish from exotic oceans and absinthe drinks on their menu (apparently, these drinks are popular, but I thought it tasted too much like liquorish) would make a mean hamburger. I was right, but what was really surprising was the French Fry dip which was infused with truffles. The hamburger came on a fluffy bun that was oiled just perfectly. The meat good, the dipping sauce made the burger feel earthy, but yet, despite being a burger, it was all very light. Of course, I didn’t finish it all.

The bf’s half-roast chicken was a bit dry in parts, but overall the flavor was rich and there was a finish that is the hallmark of good quality meat. Not too salty, not to dry, balanced nicely. The vegetable mash was an attempt to lighten the overt heaviness of the chicken and worked pretty well. Keep in mind that I’m not a fan of vegetables either!

Finally, as the dinner conversation with our neighbors grew more awkward, we ordered desert, Chocolate Covered Churros, which was disappointing. Too much cinnamon and not crispy enough. Nopa is a great place and has good food.

Overall, the company was fun and the night a good one with the surprise of the truffle French Fries. One surprise is better than none.