Villa Nova and the Closing of Same

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Villa Nova a long time landmark restaurant in Newport Beach is closing after who knows how many years. Owners family did not want to take over running the place so the building along with the prime piece of land with the bay views was sold to the Winery Co restaurant. It will be interesting to see what they do with it. Have an idea that the fine dining with waiters in tuxes will be dropped in favor of a "hip" place for the younger crowd,

Terry, CJ and I attended the last night for a couple of musicians that Terry knows.  I got there first and snagged a table. Good thing because by time CJ & Terry arrived the place was packed. Several of Terry's in laws werwe attending. They follow the musicians.

 CJ brought a 2006 Testarossa, Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir and Terry brought a 2002 D'Arenberg, The Dead Arm, Shiraz. Both excellent wines. Since this was a last minute invite for me I did not have time to go and get a bottle of wine. But there was more than enough.

Terry & CJ both ordered steaks and I had a house special of thinly sliced filet topped with eggplant, sauce and mozzarella. It was good but not outstanding. The vegetables on the plate were more raw that al dente. Part of the problem could have been that the restaurant is overwhelmed with reservations now. Everyone is trying to get their last meal before it closes next week.

I am not sure how long Villa Nova has been in business but I know it has to be 30 or 40 years. The age of the crowd that frequents the place is about 45 and above. Some of these people have been dining there since it opened. A true institute.

We had a good time listening to the music and people watching. Glad to have had a chance to visit Villa Nova before its death.