Let’s see: The first night the Norman Rose Tavern opened in Napa during the last week of 2009, 450 hungry, thirsty people showed up. The next night another 450 or so waited on a rainy winter night for a table. Almost a thousand people in two evenings? It appears that Michael and Christine Gyetvan, the owners of the popular Azzurro Pizzeria & Enoteca, along with chef Reed Herrick, have once again pulled a golden ring by offering Napans what they like: classic good food at affordable prices in a stylish but fun atmosphere.

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November, 2009, Napa, CA — Michael and Christina Gyetvan, the owners of the popular Azzurro Pizzeria & Enoteca on Main St. in downtown Napa, California, along with chef Reed Herrick, will be opening the Norman Rose Tavern in December of 2009 in the City of Napa. The Norman Rose Tavern is located at 1401 First Street, directly across from the recently opened Avia Hotel, in downtown Napa’s West End district.

Chef/owner Michael Gyetvan describes the Norman Rose as “that comfortable spot where you can meet family and friends for a nice pint or glass of wine paired with a great burger or other classic, American comfort food.”

The menu will take a local, sustainable approach to classics like fried chicken, mac and cheese, meatloaf and hearty salads, with an upgrade by utilizing all the fresh, seasonal and quality ingredients found in the North Bay. Chef Herrick also promises classic tavern fare like homemade pub cheese, chilis and chowders, and fresh baked apple pie and brownie sundaes for dessert, accompanied by a full coffee service, including espressos and cappuccinos. Expect nightly specials like meatloaf or fried chicken served family style during any given week. Gyetvan and Reed are committed to sourcing as much of the restaurants raw ingredients locally and from sustainable sources, having already established relationships with local purveyors The Fatted Calf for charcuterie, Five Dot Ranch for beef, and Alexis Baking Company for breads, among others.

“We will be presenting diners with a bill of fare that doesn’t require a degree in the culinary arts to decipher it,” joked Herrick. “We’re excited to be able to present some down-home classics, elevated in our own style, using extraordinary, seasonal ingredients. I can’t wait to get creative in the kitchen, and begin offering real comfort food to our hungry guests.” he added.

As it’s name suggests, the Norman Rose Tavern will offer “99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall” – an extensive selection of beers, both by the bottle and on tap, featuring many of the North Coast’s micro-breweries, and at least one root beer on tap. An eclectic and varied wine list will offer the best of the Napa Valley, Sonoma, California and other notable domestic wine growing regions. The list will change frequently, providing diners many options for pairing food & wine.

The Norman Rose Tavern will seat 70 inside, with an additional 18 seats on the patio featuring an enviable location facing the corner of First and Franklin streets. In addition, the restaurant also features a private dining room that can accommodate up to 20 diners for a casual gathering or business meeting.

Located in an old bank building, the restaurant’s design offers a classic pub atmosphere, but with tasteful modern touches created by Kimberley Nunn and Dan Worden of Shopworks in Napa, who also worked with the Gyetvans in designing Azzurro Pizzeria & Enoteca. Utilizing reclaimed and recycled materials whenever possible, including old barn wood siding, The Norman Rose Tavern was designed as an open space, yet with several distinct dining areas, offering a more intimate experience for the restaurant’s guests. The color palette features rich hues, with light touches, providing a cozy, yet sophisticated feel to the space. The main dining room will offer both table and booth seating, and will also feature two bars, one facing the active kitchen for dining, the other a traditional long bar anchoring the south side of the main dining room. The private dining room’s walls are constructed out of a variety of recycled doors, adding a whimsical touch to the space. The ceiling features acoustic materials creatively designed to look and feel like old tin, providing both a pleasing visual effect, along with appreciated sound buffering. The original bank vault was even incorporated in the design, transformed into dry storage and additional supplies for the restaurant’s kitchen and staff.

Gyetvan and Herrick have tapped industry veteran Pat Jeffries for front of the house responsibilities. Jeffries is widely known in restaurant hospitality, with over 25 years experience providing warm, inviting hospitality at some of the Napa Valley’s most celebrated restaurants. Staff will mirror the casual, friendly and professional ambience that will be the hallmark of the Norman Rose Tavern.

Gyetvan states it simply, “We are excited about the team and concept for the Norman Rose Tavern, and are looking forward to providing quality, honest and delicious food and drink for our guests.”

The Norman Rose Tavern will be open for dinner initially, from 4:30 to 10:00 PM or later, with lunch service beginning in January 2010. Reservations will be accepted for large parties, otherwise dining is offered on a walk-in basis. For further information or questions, or for digital architectural renderings, please contact info@normanrosenapa.com.