For anyone who scratches their head at the thought of relaxed fine dining spot Noca going all casual and sandwich-centric for its new lunch service, I have two words for you:
It makes perfect sense, actually. The eatery has been doing a clever, upscale version of the classic Northeastern nosh for more than two years now, along with a cheesesteak and pastrami sandwich, both made with luxurious wagyu beef. As it turns out, chef Chris Curtiss got his start in the restaurant biz at an Italian deli.
Starting in mid-February, Noca will roll out a full "nocawich menu" for the debut of lunch service, which will be offered from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Four or five different sandwiches will be offered from a rotating menu that will also include the lobster roll, wagyu pastrami, and wagyu cheesesteak.
As an homage to owner Eliot Wexler's favorite Chicago sandwich shops from his youth, these creations all have kooky names. I could go for The Conan (roast beef, braised mustard greens, horseradish creme fraiche, and taleggio on a sub roll), but I'm also intrigued by The Paris, a panino that combines mozzarella and bbq chips (no kidding) on ciabatta.
Read on to peep a draft of the debut nocawich menu; in the meantime, look for previews of different sandwiches during dinner service.
nocawich
The Gwyneth
Roasted Peppers & Zucchini, Onion Confit, Scamorza,
Arugula Pesto, Aioli, Foccacia
The Paris
Mozzarella, BBQ Potato Chips, Ciabatta Panini
The Foghorn
Sliced Chicken Breast, Pickled Grapes, Toasted Almonds, Curry Crème Fraîche,
Watercress, Dill Bread
The Potsie
Roast Turkey, Bacon, Smoked Paprika Aioli, Pickled Cabbage, Butter Lettuce, Havarti, Sub Roll
Conan
Roast Beef, Braised Mustard Greens, Horseradish Crème Fraîche,
Taleggio, Sub Roll
Dr. J
Griddled & Sliced Rib Eye, Roasted Peppers & Onions, Fontina Cheese Wiz,
Brioche Bun
Pumbaa
Pressed Ham & Three Cheese, Garlic Confit Aioli,
Pickled Jalapeños & Cucumbers, Onion Roll
The Vinnie Barbarino
Sopresatta, Finocchiona, Coppa, Roasted Peppers & Onions,
Crescenza, Wild Arugula, Balsamic Reduction, EVOO
Saigon Slammer
5 Spice Pork Loin, Pickled Red Onions, Shredded Carrots,
Lettuce & Celery, Thai Vinaigrette, Baguette
Salads
noca Caesar Salad (add Turkey or Roast Beef)
Chopped Romaine Hearts, Pickled Shallots, Shaved Parmigiano - Reggiano, Garlic Croutons, Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette
Alice Waters (add Chicken)
Organic Lettuces, Toasted Nuts, Dried Fruit, Pecorino Crumble,
Shaved Carrots & Radishes, Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
Thai Salad (add Chicken)
Mixed Greens, Shredded Cabbage, Carrot, & Daikon, Pickled Red Onion,
Thai Vinaigrette
Sides
Fingerling Potato Salad
Pasta Salad
nocawich Spiced Potato Chips
Tuscan Beans
Heirloom Beets
Sweets
Soft Serve Ice Cream Flavor of the Day
Cookie of the Moment
Cotton Candy
