NOVO
The word NOVO or "new" is Brazilian Portuguese - a fresh global expression representing the ambience and food of NOVO!
Design, Decor, Artists
Robin's eclectic collection of lamps, mirrors, furniture, vases, etc. is a melting pot of inherited keepsakes, results of "antiquing" weekends, and junk turned into gems. Robin's apartment is in constant upheaval, because he is always bringing something of his own into the restaurant to decorate.
Robin had a "loose" vision for the restaurant's aesthetic - an international theme to complement the international menu. NOVO's appearance is a result of plans and spontaneous ideas that evolved when creative artists began working with Robin.
Donna Ortiz, the artist involved in most of the original artwork at NOVO painted the symbolic boy & girl (which are the restroom hanging signs) in the hallway. Robin quotes, "The restroom signs occurred to me when I was walking down Higuera Street on a rainy day and saw rust-colored metal sculptures of a boy & girl in the window of Hands Gallery. My brain instantly registered, RESTROOM SIGNS."
The striking copper and silver tabletops were created by Barney Hadley of Harmony, just up the coast off Highway 1. Originally, Barney intended to use copper foil only, so that the tabletops would be a uniform color.
"Barney experimented with silver foil, and I loved the contrast," says Robin. "Now the tabletops are vibrant and elegant works of art."
Patio |
THE BUILDING, ETC.
Built sometime in the 1890's as a cigar factory, the original brick structure remains intact. The present owner installed the beautiful Brazilian Cherry wood floor inside, and also built the outside decks of Ipay (a rainforest hardwood similar to Teak). The entire patio is accented with wrought iron railings in a leaf and vine design. In the center of the creek side deck stands an oak tree, providing a very natural and striking setting. The beautiful brick patio and creek side terrace adjacent to NOVO's decks provide additional seating for large parties.
The Cellar, also used for large parties or as a private dining room is truly an unique subterranean room; once home to the Old Cigar Factory safe and a must-see "under the sidewalk" wine cellar. "The Cellar" has a warm and elegant feeling with its turn of the century brick wall, old wooden posts and acid stained concrete floor.
The Food
Robin's passion for fresh and flavorful food has been an important ingredient in NOVO's success. "The curries on the dinner menu were borrowed from Robin's Restaurant in Cambria. They are authentic and they offer the guest a true cultural experience," says Robin. "We make our own Thai curry pastes, and we roast and grind whole spices for our own Indian spice mixtures and marinades. We use only quality cuts of meat and fresh vegetables for our Asian dishes."
The different menus at NOVO give you the best of both worlds- variety and dependability. The salads, sates (grilled skewered meats), fresh mango avocado spring rolls and a few other favorite dishes are constants on the menu, and are available from open to close. Meanwhile, the specialized lunch, dinner and dessert menus offer the opportunity to experience a changing variety of foods and tastes made possible by the creative forces at NOVO.
Many of the innovative specials are created daily by Justin Gabbert, executive chef at NOVO. Chef Gabberts’ extensive experience in Japanese & sushi, demonstrates his superior ability and culinary creativity at NOVO as he continues to practice his vision of natural modern cuisine.
Our dessert menu created by in house pastry chef, Russell Thomas consists of 5 delicate handcrafted desserts to choose from- each plated with the perfect touch of chocolate ganache, hazelnut anglaise or freshly baked cookie twill.
NOVO is open daily for lunch at 11:00AM and for dinner from 5:30PM. Join us for Sunday brunch at 10:00am-2:30pm (in addition to the regular lunch menu).
