Anchoring Main Street across from the waterfront park, the revitalized block includes massive expansion and new Hank's Takeaway window, opening Fall 2022
NAPA, Calif., Oct. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- With a commanding new presence on the Main Street block where it has served locals and visitors since 2002, ZuZu Napa is expanding, with a gin-based cocktail bar and larger dining area officially opening today. A beloved destination for 20 years, the Spanish-inspired restaurant will also add larger shared dishes to its menu of tapas. In addition, there is a dedicated new space for take-out options, Hank's Takeaway.
"There's an exciting buzz and energy in Downtown Napa now, but it was a very different place when we opened in 2002. We're proud to have been here since the beginning of this period of redevelopment and growth," said Mick Salyer, proprietor. "ZuZu was always a gathering spot for locals and industry, and with our expanded space, we'll be better able to serve both our loyal friends and new visitors."
Guests at the newly expanded restaurant will find a familiar convivial feeling, lively energy, and warm décor. Doubling the capacity of the restaurant, the new seating area allows the team to accommodate more guests and larger parties while maintaining the popular communal table and intimate feeling of the original space. Designed by Kimberley Nunn and Dan Worden of Shopworks, the look is modern rustic, with a Mediterranean flair, with rough-hewn wooden tables, terracotta tile floors and ironwork.
Gin is the focus at the new bar, with a diverse selection of gins from around the world. Bar manager Josh Weed also created unique gin-based cocktails such as April Showers, with lavender, rose and lemon, and the Capisce, with gin, tomato water, basil oil, truffle, and lime. The curated selection of spirits complements the wine list, which is anchored around Iberian and artisan Californian producers.
ZuZu's menu draws on the culinary traditions of Northern Spain, while honoring the bounty of local farmers, ranchers and organic purveyors. Mainstays include Boquerónes, Ceviche, Tortilla Español and Gambas al Ajillo, all crafted with seasonally available ingredients. Chef Armando Ramirez will tempt larger appetites with shared plates, including Grass-Fed Northern California Beef, Whole Fish, and an expanded Paella program, which debut on the new menu.
Proprietor Mick Salyer's "block party" now spans four storefronts, with ZuZu and sister eatery La Taberna, the lively Spanish-stye tavern that opened in 2013, bookending the new spaces. Adjacent to the original ZuZu dining room, expanded seating and the gin bar occupy the former Asia Chop Suey space. Also new is Hank's Takeaway, a quick service window for to-go orders for both restaurants, as well as paellas and pantry provisions. The name is a nod to the former Henry's Cocktail Lounge, which closed in 2019.
"This expansion represents a new era of ZuZu – from the outdoor patio to our new bar, it's a block party that's twenty years in the making," Salyer continued. "And for locals who have fond memories of late-night drinks on the block – well, we have something special for you, if you know where to knock."
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Evening reservations are available on Tock at https://www.exploretock.com/zuzutapas/with a percentage of seats held for local guests.
The Block Party
ZuZu // 829 Main Street // Weds. – Sun., 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
La Taberna // 815 Main Street // Weds. – Fri., 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. // Sat. + Sun., 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Hank's Takeaway // 825 Main Street // (Opening Mid-October, 2022)
About ZuZu
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2022, ZuZu is a beloved downtown Napa destination offering small plates and tapas inspired by the flavors and culinary traditions of Northern Spain. The lively atmosphere is a backdrop to a menu featuring the best of regional California ingredients and local purveyors. Learn more on ZuzuNapa.com, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @ZuZuNapa.
About La Taberna
A modern Spanish tavern, La Taberna is inspired by the Pinxto bars of San Sebastian. Located on Main Street in Downtown Napa, it's a creative, energetic place to grab a quick bite, imbibe in a low ABV cocktail or linger over a full meal. Embracing a whole fish/whole animal gastronomic philosophy, Chef Armando Ramirez's creative dishes feature the bounty of local farms and purveyors. Visit LaTabernaNapa.com or follow @la.taberna.napa on Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contact
Ashley Teplin, Studio 707 for ZuZu, 7072879727 Ext: 101, [email protected]
Aimee Sands, Studio 707 for ZuZu, 7072879727 103, [email protected]
SOURCE ZuZu
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